Three lessons we learn from Abigail’s life

Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to deal with an angry person? Abigail’s Biblical story depicts a perfect example of a person who acted wisely in a difficult situation.

In the book of 1st Samuel 25:3, Abigail, Nabal’s wife is described as an intelligent and beautiful woman, the opposite of her husband, a Calebite, who was surly and mean in his dealings.

In 1 Samuel 25:7, David had protected Nabal’s shepherds and was in return seeking for replenishment of provisions for his men from Nabal. However, Nabal, in his rudeness and meanness refused to honor David’s request an act that provoked David to anger.

David gathered an army of 400 men against Nabal’s household, but when Abigail recognized the disaster that awaited her family, she sent a generous gift to David and humbled herself at his feet pleading for her husband’s life. In the book of 1st Samuel 25:18 Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 

Vs 24 She fell at his feet and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, and let me speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. Please pay no attention, my lord, to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him. 

Here are some lessons we learn from this story: –

1.Avoid conflict

Abigail foresaw an undesirable outcome from this conflict. She acted wisely and quickly to calm David’s anger. Ask God for wisdom in situations that may arouse unnecessary conflicts in life. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless. Proverbs 14:16(RSV)

2.Be calm while handling conflict

Abigail offered a gift to David which calmed down his anger. Anger is a normal response to negative feelings but our response can make things worse or better. People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm. Proverbs 14:17(GNT)

3.There is a reward for the wise

As a result of Abigail’s response in this situation, she was treated with grace and eventually became David’s wife. Wise people will gain an honourable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace. Proverbs 3:35(GNT)

Prayer

Father thank you because you are good and kind to us. Thank you for always hearing us when we call on you. We ask that you may give us wisdom so that we can handle life issues according to your guidance. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Amen.