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1 Samuel 25:33

³³Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand!

David and his men were living in the wilderness. While they were there, they protected the herds of a very wealthy man, Nabal. When the time of shearing came, David sent men asked for a gift to compensate them for the protection they provided. Nabal rebuked the men and sent them away empty-handed. David had his men prepare for war and was determined to kill every man with Nabal.

Meanwhile, Nabal's wife, Abigail, heard what happened, loaded donkeys with gifts, and secretly took them to David. She told David that she knew Nabal was a fool and that he should have rewarded David. She also wisely suggested that if he took vengeance himself, he would regret it later when he became king. David saw the wisdom in her words, her humility, and the discretion she showed. He realized that vengeance belongs to the LORD. He blessed Abigail and called off the attack. Ten days later Nabal died of what sounds like a heart attack.

David took Abigail as his wife. Young men should notice that this is the kind of wife you should seek out, one who knows the ways of the LORD, has discretion, and is humble and wise. Young women should seek the qualities of Abigail. But the main lesson here is that God will deal with injustice. We should never respond in anger to injustice, but rather commit it to God who is the final judge. Doing something in anger will often result in years of regret. Learn to give things to God.

Prayer: LORD, I know when my anger flares in the midst of injustice that I am tempted to act in a rash way. Help me remember that vengeance belongs to You. Help me trust You and leave it in your capable hands.