How can we seek God's wisdom to discern others' true intentions? Seeing the Issue through 1 Samuel 18:21 “Then Saul said, ‘I will give her to David so that she may become a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.’ So Saul said to David a second time, ‘You shall now be my son-in-law.’” Saul’s words sounded kind, but his hidden plot was deadly. Scripture lays bare the difference between appearance and intention and invites us to learn how to recognize that difference in real life. Why Discernment Matters • Wrong motives can hide behind flattering offers (Proverbs 27:6). • Our own hearts are limited—only the Lord perfectly knows motives (Proverbs 20:5). • Misjudging intentions can entangle us in harm, as Saul hoped would happen to David. How God Equips Us to See Clearly • Ask for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Rely on the Word. “The word of God… judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) • Follow the Spirit’s guidance. “The spiritual man judges all things… we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16) • Test, don’t assume. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” (1 John 4:1) Practical Ways to Seek God’s Wisdom 1. Pause and pray before you decide. Bring the situation, the people involved, and your own feelings to the Lord. 2. Hold the offer or relationship against the plumb line of Scripture. Does it align with clear biblical principles? 3. Look for fruit over time. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) Consistency reveals character. 4. Invite godly counsel. Mature believers often see angles we miss (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Watch for manipulation markers: pressure, secrecy, flattery, or appeals to pride (Saul used all four). 6. Keep a humble heart. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Encouraging Truths to Remember • God is willing to reveal what is hidden (Psalm 32:8). • He guards those who trust Him, even when others scheme (Psalm 121:7-8). • The Spirit who lives in us is greater than any deceptive plan around us (1 John 4:4). Living It Out Just as David eventually learned Saul’s true intentions by staying close to God, we grow in discernment by staying close to His Word, His Spirit, and His people. The more we cultivate that closeness, the quicker we recognize when kindness masks a trap—and the freer we are to walk the straight path God sets before us. |
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