What can we learn about seeking counsel from David's approach in 1 Samuel 20:1? Context: David on the Run 1 Samuel 20:1 sets the scene: “Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came before Jonathan and asked, ‘What have I done? What is my guilt, and what sin have I committed against your father that he is seeking my life?’” Saul’s jealousy has boiled over; David’s very life hangs in the balance. Yet David does not bottle up his fear or make rash decisions alone—he seeks out Jonathan. David’s First Move: Find a God-Honoring Friend • David heads straight for Jonathan, the one person in Saul’s court who loves the LORD and loves David (1 Samuel 18:1–4). • He trusts Jonathan’s loyalty, spiritual maturity, and access to information he lacks. • David’s approach models Proverbs 17:17—“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Lessons for Us on Seeking Counsel • Urgency with Discernment – David doesn’t delay; he flees at once. Urgent situations call for immediate counsel, not isolation (cf. Psalm 55:22). • Humble Self-Examination – “What have I done?” shows David’s willingness to consider his own fault first (Matthew 7:3-5). • Honest Transparency – He pours out the whole story without pretense. Effective counsel requires full disclosure (Ephesians 4:25). • Choose the Right Person – Jonathan is godly, informed, and trustworthy—exactly the profile Proverbs 13:20 commends. • Seek Confirmation and Clarity – David wants facts, not flattery. Wise counselors help test perceptions against reality (Proverbs 18:17). • Dependence on God’s Covenant Community – Jonathan and David make a covenant before the LORD (1 Samuel 20:42). Healthy counsel thrives inside committed relationships. • A Pattern, Not a One-Off – David will return to Jonathan again (1 Samuel 23:16-18). Ongoing counsel guards against drift (Hebrews 3:13). The Fruit of God-Centered Counsel • Preservation: Jonathan’s guidance literally saves David’s life (1 Samuel 20:35-42). • Peace: Shared prayer and covenant calm David’s spirit amid chaos (Philippians 4:6-7). • Direction: David gains a clear next step—leave Gibeah, wait for news—rather than acting on impulse (Proverbs 15:22). • Growth: Their friendship deepens, illustrating how trials forge stronger bonds (Proverbs 27:17). Putting It Into Practice Today • Keep a short list of trusted, biblically grounded friends you can contact quickly in crisis. • Commit to humility: examine your own heart first when conflict erupts. • Share honestly, holding nothing back that affects the decision. • Let Scripture and prayer shape the conversation; counsel that ignores God’s Word misleads (Psalm 119:105). • Follow through—counsel is only as good as the obedience that follows (James 1:22). |
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