Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David eluded him twice. 1 Samuel 18:11
What do you do when you are the target of a spear thrower (spears of verbal abuse perhaps?).
Here are a few lessons from David when he was the target of Saul’s spear of jealousy.
- First, don’t retaliate. Most people would pick the spear up and throw it back at the one who threw it. NOT DAVID! David let the spear lay. Don’t become spear focused or become a spear-thrower yourself. If you throw spears back at your attacker, you prove you are no better than the one who attacked you.
- Second, what did David do when Saul wanted to use him as target practice and hurled a spear in his direction? Simple: He ducked! He learned how to dodge spears. He learned to stay out of the way of spear-throwers. If someone is known to be a spear-chucker, keep away from them.
- Third, David put a watch at the door of his mouth (Ps. 141:3). David never criticised Saul. Button your lips when attacked. You don’t have to answer every unkind word that’s said about you or respond to every mean thing that is done to you. It is wise to just let it lay and move on.
If you do happen to get hit by a spear, there will be a tendency to turn a bright shade of “bitter.”
Then you must apply the antidote for the poison of bitterness.
It is called forgiveness.
For further details, read “The Tale of Three Kings” by Gene Edwards.
With thanks to Pastor Al Hughes
Watch / Listen to this message by Pastor David Guzik - How to Not Fight Back
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