Man of Valor, Man of Grace: The Life of David

by Charles R. Swindoll

How did David become the national hero of God's chosen people? Why is he the one character in the Bible described as "a man after God's own heart?" Man of Valor, Man of Grace by Chuck Swindoll doesn't just tell you about David; he invites you to walk alongside him.

From his heroic youth onward through his greatly accomplished decades-long kingship, with continual struggles always along the way—from extreme highs to extreme lows—the continual dramatic highlights in David’s life are shown here with keen perception.

David very early experienced spectacular victories and unprecedented popularity, yet he also quickly became a fugitive from authorities for at least a dozen years of his early adult life—then, years later, was forced on the run again by his own son. Tragedy stalked this incredibly gifted man in so many ways—but he was teachable, and his virtues intensified.

Man of Valor, Man of Grace objectively explores what Swindoll sees as the three great failures in David's adulthood, with their heartbreaking consequences—while also showing David to be the best example in Scripture of someone riding out the storms of life. David was gripped by destructive passion, rocked by family chaos and personal tragedy, and motivated by political expediency. Like all of us, David was far from perfect, but Swindoll teaches us that David had the chance to become great when he placed himself at the Lord's disposal.

David was a man endowed by God to an amazing extent with passion, strength, integrity, and humility—an unforgettable personality whose life offers endless lessons for people in all ages. Elevate your understanding of one of the Bible’s most dynamic figures. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be uncovered.

Genres: Biography, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Man of Valor, Man of Grace" is basically a reprint of "Great Lives: David: A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles R. Swindoll" published in 1997. When skimming the older version, I did notice some updates, like a reference to a storm that they were going through in 1997 was changed to the author having gone through several storms. If you've read the older version, there's no reason to get this book, too.

This is a Bible study on the life of David, with the author telling about a part of David's life (including quotes from the Bible) then commenting on what happened and what we can learn from these events. My problem is that the author (like most people) still tries to put David on a pedestal despite his sins since he's "a man after God's own heart." So in one chapter, we have David described as a negligent father and his children left to raise themselves. In a later chapter, the author stated how Solomon should be grateful to have such a great father. Yet David's refusal to name Solomon his heir from the beginning (and spend some time making sure he knew how to rule instead of criticizing Solomon's inexperience) caused at least the last attempt by one of his sons to take over the throne. In one chapter, we're told how David is a good example of forgiveness of an enemy, yet the author never mentioned how David commanded Solomon to make sure that same man died for what he did.

The general principles that the author draws from the text are good ones. I merely question if David was really such a great example of these things. Overall, I'd recommend this Bible study if all you know about David's life are his battle with Goliath and his sin surrounding Bathsheba as this book does go into greater detail about David's life.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Jean Mader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people have heard of David, who became the king of Israel, and likely know the famous story about David and Goliath. Renown pastor and Christian writer Charles Swindoll shows us David’s story and the meaning of his life in “Man of Valor, Man of Grace. This book teaches us much about David and how learning about his life, helps us understand our own lives.

Pastor Swindoll writes in an engaging and encouraging way. He explains the highs and lows of David’s life, a man of God who had significant flaws. (Just like many of us.) David had victories and failures, just like we do. This book helped me to understand more about the scriptures and how David’s life applies to my life. This book is a faith-filled guide that taught me more about humility and integrity.

Whether you are just starting on your faith journey, or are more seasoned in your faith, David, the boy with the 5 smooth stones will help you get closer to God.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. This is my honest review.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
Recently, I’ve discovered a curiosity about David and have wanted to learn more about him and his life and was happy for God’s perfect timing and timing of the release of this book.
Man of Valor, Man of Grace puts into perspective the struggles we all face no matter who we are or what our position is and the grace and love God has for us.
David was just like each of us. Wanting to do right by God and occasionally messing up in our pursuit of living according to His will for us. He wasn’t perfect but continually strived to be in alignment with God even when he did things he knew he shouldn’t. That gives me hope that I’m on the right path in spite of my foul ups.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man of Valor, Man of Grace by Charles Swindoll takes a deep dive into the life of David. There is a lot to learn from this biblical character, known as a man after God’s own heart. Although David was far from perfect, there are so many life lessons we can learn from reading this book. Charles Swindoll does a great job highlighting and breaking down this complex individual in an interesting, easy to understand and relevant format. I highly recommend this book for those looking to grow in their faith.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Greg Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pre-publication Kindle version ... formatting was weird but otherwise it was clean as for as spelling and punctuation.

I was surprised to see this book available on NetGalley because Charles Swindoll in over 90 years old. Bur is was well written and thought provoking and brought David's highs and lows to life. Interestingly enough, We have been working through 1st and 2nd Samuel at church on Sunday, so I had a double dose of David.

Well worth the time to read, especially for any Christian looking for a model as to how the be a person after God's own heart.

[Jill Wuellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always appreciated and enjoyed reading books by Chuck Swindoll, and was happy to see this book on David. As always, he's easy to read and makes the scriptures applicable to everyone. This is a book I would buy for my young adult sons, as the application points are challenging and point to living a life of integrity, purpose, and for God.

Thank you Nelson Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Swindoll's books, but this has been one of my favorites. Perhaps it was more meaningful because it really spoke to me in the trials I am currently facing. However, I think anyone going through life and desiring to be godly would love this book. I enjoyed the audible version so much that I purchased the paperback and am rereading it to highlight my favorite parts. I love Swindoll's books and this one doesn't disappoint!

[M A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Swindoll is a prolific & wonderful writer. I appreciate his insights.

David was human, a man just like we are. He made his mistakes, but it's important to remember thay we all do & we have to repent & learn from our mistakes & past.

Great insight, an encouraging read. Thank you to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

[Brian Proffit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swindoll has decades of study and insight, plus time to dig more deeply into the broader context--sights, emotions, and so on. As with his prior studies on Jesus and Paul, Swindoll brings a great survey of David, but not as dry history. Rather, he gives nearly countless life lessons we can benefit from through David's example. I will say that his writing doesn't flow quite as smoothly as in his earlier years, and he seems a bit keen on numbered lists. But this is a fantastic book that people of every level will likely learn something from.

[Caleb Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done I really enjoyed just getting an overview of David’s life Charles does a great job at bringing us into David’s situation.

[Tony Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and extremely encouraging.
I would thoroughly recommend it to everyone that has pondered a question about the Lord God.

[Fred Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was a great journey through the ebbs and flows of David’s life. His heart of grace and his human faults and sins. The narrator on the audio book had a great voice for the story.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so timely for me, as well as the time we are in. It’s one of those books that you’ll want on your bookshelf to go back to when you forget how God has created each one of us so unique and special. And how the Lord looks at the heart and not the outward appearance and ackwardness. There are too many quotes that I can post, but I’ll provide a few:
“Saul was afraid of David” (18:12) Isn’t that intriguing? The very people who are out to get us are often the ones most afraid of us. That’s certainly the case with Saul and David.”
In regards to David’s older brother, Eliab; “Isn’t it interesting how we can so easily and readily see our own guilt in somebody else’s life? Because in this scene, the truly insolent and wicked heart is that of Eliab.”
Regarding the Sovereign Lord God; “He watches you as you faithfully carry out your tasks, and He says, “I know what I’m doing. I know where you are and how to find you. Just stay ready as you carry out your job.” This book covers so many things on how God helps us as we go through life, just like David. A man after God’s own heart. A good example. Charles Swindoll does a good job in going in detail about the life lessons of David. I most recommend this book over a nice cup of coffee. I received this e-book for free from Nelson Books via NetGalley, and the opinions I express are honest and my own.