What can we learn about generosity from Nabal's refusal to share provisions? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 25 opens during sheep-shearing season—a festive, profitable time in Israel. David, still on the run from Saul, has protected Nabal’s flocks without charge. When provisions run low, David sends messengers for simple hospitality. Nabal’s answer is startling: “‘Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers and give it to men coming from who knows where?’” (1 Samuel 25:11) In one sentence Nabal unmasks a miserly heart. Let’s notice what his refusal teaches about generosity. What Nabal’s Words Reveal • “My bread…my water…my meat”: Every noun is branded as his own. He ignores Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • “I have slaughtered”: He credits success to himself, dismissing God’s provision and David’s protection. Compare Deuteronomy 8:17-18, “You may say in your heart, ‘My power…,’ but remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to gain wealth.” • “Men coming from who knows where”: He devalues David’s men, violating Leviticus 19:34 which calls Israel to care for the stranger. Self-focus, self-credit, and contempt for others form a triple barrier to generosity. Lessons for the Heart • God-given resources carry God-given responsibility – 1 Timothy 6:17-18 urges the wealthy “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous.” – Abigail, Nabal’s wife, immediately shares generously (vv.18-20), showing the right response to God’s blessings. • Generosity recognizes unseen ministries – David’s protection was invisible to Nabal’s eyes but real (vv.15-16). – Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work…you have shown toward His name in serving the saints.” • Stinginess invites God’s opposition – Proverbs 11:24-26: “One gives freely…another withholds what is right, only to become poor.” – Nabal’s life ends abruptly; the LORD “struck Nabal, and he died” (v.38). Withholding from those in need proved fatal. Positive Models to Embrace • The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9-16) gave her last meal and found unending provision. • The Macedonian churches “gave according to their ability and even beyond” despite poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). • Zacchaeus, once converted, gave half his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8). Each example reverses Nabal’s mindset—seeing resources as God’s, not ours. Practical Takeaways • Treat every paycheck, pantry item, and possession as the Lord’s loan, ready for His use. • Stay alert to “Davids” around us—faithful servants, missionaries, local ministries—who labor unseen yet deserve material help (Galatians 6:6). • Cultivate a reflex of sharing before rationalizing. Nabal’s refusal began with calculations; Abigail acted first, calculating later. Where Generosity Leads Luke 6:38 gives the kingdom principle: “Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Nabal measured with clenched fists and reaped judgment. Abigail measured with open hands and gained honor, safety, and even a royal future as David’s wife (v.40). The path is clear: reject Nabal’s spirit, embrace generous stewardship, and experience God’s abundant favor. |
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