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Behaving wisely

By Rev.Dr. Israel Kristilere
28 November 2021   |   3:31 am
The topic of our focus is, “BEHAVING WISELY.” It is lifted from 1 Samuel 18:14,15 and 30. When the women of Israel sang the praise of David for killing Goliath, this made King Saul angry and envious.

Israel Kristilere<br />

Text: 1 Samuel 18:14-15, 30

Introduction
The topic of our focus is, “BEHAVING WISELY.” It is lifted from 1 Samuel 18:14,15 and 30. When the women of Israel sang the praise of David for killing Goliath, this made King Saul angry and envious. (7-9) Saul also became hateful and murderous, but God was with David. (10-12) Saul then schemed David’s promotion in attempt to destroy him (13), but David behaved wisely and the Lord was with Him. I see the Lord confounding every accuser of your life in Jesus name. Amen.

(A) David’s Wise Conduct – 14,15, 30.

This phrase can actually be found four times in 1 Samuel Chapter 18. In verse 5, it was recorded of David that he behaved wisely. In verse 14, he behaved wisely in all his way. In verse 15, he behaved very wisely and in verse 30, David behaved more wisely. May you not lack the wisdom to relate with God and men. Amen. David’s wise behaviour could be viewed in three ways:

• He was not carried away by the praise of men. When David suddenly found himself the popular idol; set above the king, his head was not swollen. Unfortunately, this is the bane of many men today. With little success, promotion or popularity, their heads become swollen. They start to disrespect people they would not have dared to disrespect. David remained cool-headed in spite of his popularity. 

• The wisdom of David was shown by his conduct in all assignments he was given.

• Even under sudden and great reverses; he behaved wisely. Commitment, dedication, obedience, loyalty and faithfulness were marks of his wisdom. 

• David’s wisdom was shown in how he made the difference and improved on himself each day of his life. His goal was to fear God, love Him and do His Will. Little wonder, he remained a man after God’s own heart. It was like every event made him better. 

(B) Benefits Of Behaving Wisely – According to our passage, David’s wise conduct brought him some benefits. No doubt, behaving wisely will bring the following, among others:

• Elevation-He Was Elevated -5- Elevation is the reward of behaving wisely (Pro. 22:29)

• Divine Presence-14- God was with him. This was evident to all. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes his enemies to be at peace or subject them to him (Pro. 16:7) 

• Becoming A Terror To Your Enemies -15- Saul was naturally afraid of David. Saul had the spear, but David had the LORD. Saul knew he was outmatched. All the spears in the world couldn’t defeat David, because the LORD was with him. Somehow, Saul knew all this and it made him afraid of David. Saul had the throne and the army, yet Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him. No matter what influence or power your enemies have, behaving wisely will silence them all. Amen.

• Moving Forward – 29-30. When you behave wisely, you become unstoppable. The enemies may not like you, but they will still realise they cannot do without you. Your presence makes the difference anytime, any day, anywhere. Even though Saul envied him, hated him and set him up for harm, David escaped them all (11). You also will escape them all. Amen.

Conclusion

David behaved wisely in all his ways and the LORD was with him. David behaved wisely when spears were thrown at him, put out of the palace by powerful and determined enemy. But even in the midst of all those terrible circumstances, he behaved wisely in all his ways and the LORD was with him. As this year comes to an end, will you consider yourself as someone who has behaved wisely in your conduct, obedience to God, giving to God, service to Him, commitment to His work, making best use of opportunities God gave you to make the difference? Can you say you have made improvements in your life, both spiritually and physically? The opposite of behaving wisely is behaving foolishly.
Shepherdhill Baptist Church (Sanctuary of Grace & Glory), Baptist Academy Compound, Obanikoro, Lagos.

How wise have you been in taking advantage of various opportunities the Lord gave you? Robbing God, prayerlessness, not obeying God promptly, neglecting the important for the less important, playing the ostrich and many more are the signs of behaving foolishly. If you have not behaved wisely in 2021, resolve to behave wisely from now on. If you have behaved wisely, it is time to behave more wisely and very wisely in the years ahead. You shall be lifted. Amen. Shalom.

Shepherdhill Baptist Church (Sanctuary of Grace & Glory), Baptist Academy Compound, Obanikoro, Lagos.

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