1. Ziba's gifts (1-4)

Not everyone who approached David had good intentions. Ziba offered a generous amount of provisions that were desperately needed by David and his people. But later we learn that this was all part of Ziba's scheme to gain back everything that had been given to Mephibosheth. Ziba paid homage to David only after he received what he wanted. People come to Jesus with a wide variety of motives, but he is never deceived. He knows the heart of everyone who comes to Him and only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven.

2. Shimei's cursing (5-14)

Shemei cursed David and pelted him with dirt and stones. Abishai offered to cut off his head, but David refused because he realized that Shemei was cursing him because of God's righteous judgment. David realized that the only solution was to depend on God's grace. Jesus bore the insults of those who mocked him at the cross. He left vengeance to God and offered forgiveness to those who insulted him. May God help us to be humble and depend on His grace alone.