While David fled from Absalom, Ziba provided David with what he urgently needed. Then Ziba told David that Mephibosheth remained in Jerusalem to become king. We don’t know if Ziba’s report has any truth. However, we do know David made a rash judgment. Without hearing from another witness to confirm Ziba’s accusation, David ordered that Mephibosheth’s property be given to Ziba. Amidst his political and emotional turmoil, David broke his covenant with Jonathan, that he would not cut off his kindness to Jonathan’s family (1 Sa 20:14-17). We, too, need to be careful about believing gossip, particularly when it puts someone in a bad light.

When David approached Bahurim, a distant relative of Saul named Shimei cursed David for murdering Saul and his household, and he threw stones at David. Shimei’s accusations were not only an insult to the king, but they were also untrue. However, David accepted Shimei’s insult, since God had allowed it to happen. So instead of striking Shimei to stop his cursing, David hoped that God would observe all this bitterness and have pity on him. When faced with trouble and humiliation, David reflected on his sins and mistakes and humbled himself before God. Godly sorrow brings repentance, salvation, and no regret (2 Co 7:10).
Application: Lord, help me keep my priority on you, focusing on repentance and restoration after making mistakes and sins.
One Word: Live before God’s eyes