Summary: The story of Nabal illustrates the value of knowing when to act and when to practice patience.

Where do you turn when the bottom falls out?

David

+Was hurting enough that he couldn’t hide his needs

+Was honest enough to cry out for help

+Was humble enough to learn from God

+Was pointing others to God (Ps. 34:19; 57; 142)

Nabal

+A man “heavy” with money (25:2)

+Lived his life as if there was no God (25:25; nabal)

+Harsh and dishonest (25:3)

+Lived for one thing...pleasing himself

Abigail

+Intelligent and gorgeous (25:3)

+Wise (25:18ff)

+Tactful (25:24-25)

When Nabal didn’t act fairly (a big mistake),

And David got mad (shouldn’t have),

Abigail took responsibility (15:26-28)

Touching David’s heart (25:32)

The lesson?

Psalm 40:1

To the chief Musician, a Psalm of David

I waited patiently for the LORD;

and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.