Walking with Jesus
"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)
Walking with Jesus

The Grand Narrative: “Marriage Teamwork” (1 Samuel 25)

“Marriage Teamwork” (1 Samuel 25)

 

Published 8 Nov. 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

⚠️ Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  1. 1️⃣ Confusing power with character (Nabal’s wealth ≠ wisdom) (1 Sam 25:2–3).
  2. 2️⃣ Answering a kind request with contempt (1 Sam 25:10–11).
  3. 3️⃣ Letting anger drive decisions (David’s first impulse) (1 Sam 25:13).
  4. 4️⃣ Ignoring credible testimony about someone’s reputation (1 Sam 25:14–16).
  5. 5️⃣ Underestimating how one spouse’s folly endangers the whole household (1 Sam 25:17).

💥 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Failures

  1. 1️⃣ Failure of gratitude when protected and prospered (1 Sam 25:7–8).
  2. 2️⃣ Failure to listen to wise servants (1 Sam 25:14–17).
  3. 3️⃣ Failure to restrain righteous anger before God restrains it for us (1 Sam 25:32–34).
  4. 4️⃣ Failure of leadership at home—others must clean up the damage (1 Sam 25:17).
  5. 5️⃣ Failure to see how reputation shapes outcomes (1 Sam 25:25).

🚫 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Sins

  1. 1️⃣ Arrogance that mocks the righteous (1 Sam 25:10–11).
  2. 2️⃣ Inhospitality toward those who protected you (1 Sam 25:7–8).
  3. 3️⃣ Vengeance in the heart (avenging “with my own hands”) (1 Sam 25:33).
  4. 4️⃣ Foolishness hardened into identity (Nabal = “fool”) (1 Sam 25:25).
  5. 5️⃣ Withholding good when it is in your power to do it (Prov 3:27).

🏆 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Successes

  1. 1️⃣ Abigail’s quick wisdom averts bloodshed (1 Sam 25:18–20).
  2. 2️⃣ Humility + generosity disarm anger (1 Sam 25:23–31).
  3. 3️⃣ David blesses the Lord for sending wise counsel (1 Sam 25:32–33).
  4. 4️⃣ God vindicates without our revenge (1 Sam 25:38).
  5. 5️⃣ Redemption for the faithful—Abigail’s new future (1 Sam 25:39–42).

🌱 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Spiritual Growth Lessons

  1. 1️⃣ God often sends wisdom through unlikely messengers (1 Sam 25:32–33).
  2. 2️⃣ Speed + humility can be spiritual disciplines (1 Sam 25:18, 23).
  3. 3️⃣ God restrains us for our good—listen when He does (1 Sam 25:26, 33).
  4. 4️⃣ Reputation is daily discipleship made visible (1 Sam 25:14–16).
  5. 5️⃣ God can write new futures from old failures (1 Sam 25:39–42).

🧭 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Leadership Principles

  1. 1️⃣ Wise partners prevent foolish leaders from ruining the mission (1 Sam 25:18–20).
  2. 2️⃣ Leaders bless God when corrected, not wounded (1 Sam 25:32–33).
  3. 3️⃣ Never confuse authority with infallibility (Nabal vs. Abigail) (1 Sam 25:3, 25).
  4. 4️⃣ Restraint today preserves credibility tomorrow (1 Sam 25:33–34).
  5. 5️⃣ God’s justice frees leaders from vengeance (1 Sam 25:38).