The Words of the Wise Saves Much Pain: Sunday Devotion

2 Samuel 20: 18-22 Then she continued, “There used to be a saying, ‘If you want to settle an argument, ask advice at the town of Abel.’ I am one who is peace loving and faithful in Israel. But you are destroying an important town in Israel.  Why do you want to devour what belongs to the Lord?” And Joab replied, “Believe me, I don’t want to devour or destroy your town! That’s not my purpose. All I want is a man named Sheba son of Bicri from the hill country of Ephraim, who has revolted against King David. If you hand over this one man to me, I will leave the town in peace.”

“All right,” the woman replied, “we will throw his head over the wall to you.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off Sheba’s head and threw it out to Joab. So, he blew the ram’s horn and called his troops back from the attack. They all returned to their homes, and Joab returned to the king at Jerusalem.

What we need today is wise advice from people who are peace-loving and faithful to God’s Word. In the scriptural text, we read of a wise woman who confronted Joab, the commander of King David’s army, meaning that she was also courageous. She reminds him of the importance of her city and of its faithfulness to the God of Israel, asking why he wants to devour her city. Upon being told that all Joab wants is Sheba, she advises her people that the wisest course of action is to give Joab what he wants, Sheba’s head, rather than see their city destroyed and many lives needlessly lost.

This passage reminds us that even peace-loving people must sometimes enter the fray to prevent needless suffering and pain. When the nation and world seem on the brink of total chaos and needless wars, wise people can’t keep silent, leaving only those armed with misinformation, lies, deception, and chicanery to speak. We must tell of God’s goodness, greatness, and of His unfailing love for people of all nations, tribes, and languages. We must declare that God is not partial, and that His people must be peace-loving and non-prejudiced, as well.

Today, more than ever, we need truth and honesty in all areas of our lives, but especially among God’s people. Wise advice from courageous people who study and know God’s words is so needed, to ensure that the advice that comes from God’s people is true and valuable for believers and non-believers alike.  It will limit the senseless destruction of people’s faith in God and in Jesus Christ our Lord, which results in people enduring needless pain and suffering.

In Jesus’s Name. Amen.