David was well known throughout Israel and Judah. He defeated a great giant named Goliath and his popularity soared. Yet there were some who were not impressed by David’s ability to take on a giant. Others did not appreciate David in their territory and were faithful to King Saul. This would describe Nabal who was rich and a descendant of Caleb. Joshua gave Caleb the land of Judah as his inheritance and his family drove out many giants.

David hears that Nabal is in Carmel and sends his men to get some much-needed supplies. David and his men came to Nabal expecting some hospitality. They had taken care of Nabal’s sheep and it was a celebration and shearing time. David’s men offered a kind greeting, but Nabal used harsh and offensive words to insult them. Of course, it is true in life that harsh mean words often lead to violence and problems. When David heard Nabal’s words, he was furious. He told his men to put on their swords because they were going to wipe these guys out. David was taking matters into his own hands and letting anger get the best of him. This is never a good thing. But God had other plans. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, had not seen David’s men but when she found out what Nabal did, prepared a quick feast. She was hoping to stop David and the trouble that was coming. Notice verses 18-19.

18 Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her servants, “Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. NKJV

When she got there, she talked some sense into David. In the end, God took care of this potentially disastrous problem. David thanked and blessed God for her wisdom and gift. Abigail wisely waited until her husband was sober to tell him all she had done. He became like a stone and ten days later scripture records his death. David recognized God’s sovereign hand in his life and these events. He eventually would marry this kind wise woman.

In the same way, God stands sovereignly over our lives to prevent major problems. However, we still need to walk in kindness, listen to God, and the wise advice of others to see His best.