SPEAKING BOLDLY
II Samuel 19:5a, 6a, 7a, 8a
"And Joab was told, 'Behold the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.' .... Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, 'Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life...in that you love your enemies and hate your friends .... Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night.' .... Then the king arose and sat in the gate."
Joab was the commanding general of David's army, but he was a loose gun, as shown by his murder of Abner (II Samuel 3:22-27), his attempt to deceive the king (14:18-19), and the murder of Absalom (18:14). I have a feeling that if David had not done as Joab advised in this case, Joab may have taken control of David's army and caused a coup d'etat. This I can say about Joab: he was not afraid to speak his mind to the king. He was not a "yes man." People in authority need to have people around them who will boldly speak the truth, even when it contradicts the boss. Perhaps Joab felt free to talk to the king as he did because of the familial connection as David's cousin. Or maybe he was just brash. Some people say what they think without thinking. I sometimes wish I was more bold to speak my mind. But often I am intimidated into silence or am afraid of offending someone. We need to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). There is a time to speak, and a time to keep silent. I need discernment and boldness to know when I should speak.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It takes discernment and boldness to know when to speak the truth.
[end]
Have a discerning day. Love you.
II Samuel 19:5a, 6a, 7a, 8a
"And Joab was told, 'Behold the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.' .... Then Joab came into the house to the king, and said, 'Today you have disgraced all your servants who today have saved your life...in that you love your enemies and hate your friends .... Now therefore, arise, go out and speak comfort to your servants. For I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, not one will stay with you this night.' .... Then the king arose and sat in the gate."
Joab was the commanding general of David's army, but he was a loose gun, as shown by his murder of Abner (II Samuel 3:22-27), his attempt to deceive the king (14:18-19), and the murder of Absalom (18:14). I have a feeling that if David had not done as Joab advised in this case, Joab may have taken control of David's army and caused a coup d'etat. This I can say about Joab: he was not afraid to speak his mind to the king. He was not a "yes man." People in authority need to have people around them who will boldly speak the truth, even when it contradicts the boss. Perhaps Joab felt free to talk to the king as he did because of the familial connection as David's cousin. Or maybe he was just brash. Some people say what they think without thinking. I sometimes wish I was more bold to speak my mind. But often I am intimidated into silence or am afraid of offending someone. We need to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). There is a time to speak, and a time to keep silent. I need discernment and boldness to know when I should speak.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It takes discernment and boldness to know when to speak the truth.
[end]
Have a discerning day. Love you.
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