Abigail: a savvy peacemaker

David, on the run and in great need, was incensed at the lack of hospitality from a wealthy landowner named Nabal. David lost his temper and moved to wipe out Nabal. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, got wind of David’s intent and worked swiftly to ward off the violence. She provided food for David and his men, and she herself went out to meet David and talk him out of his rash decision.

     David replied to Abigail, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. For I swear by the LORD, the God of Israel, who has kept me from hurting you, that if you had not hurried out to meet me, not one of Nabal’s men would still be alive tomorrow morning.” 
    Then David accepted her present and told her, “Return home in peace. I have heard what you said. We will not kill your husband.” (1 Samuel 25:32–35)

Abigail’s wisdom and her courageous act not only prevented terrible violence and bloodshed, but in doing so kept David from great sin. Everybody needs “a word fitly spoken” from time to time. And we need someone to take the risk to speak that word. 

Ask the Lord to give you the right word, the courage to speak it, and the wisdom to know when.