What does this verse teach about discernment in leadership and decision-making? Setting the Scene • Absalom has been in exile for killing Amnon. • Joab, concerned for national stability, sends a wise woman from Tekoa to tell King David a fabricated story intended to soften David’s heart toward Absalom. • After listening carefully, David suddenly asks, “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” (2 Samuel 14:19). Text of the Verse “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” the king asked. The woman replied, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from all that my lord the king has spoken. Yes, it was your servant Joab who instructed me, and it was he who put all these words into the mouth of your maidservant.” Observations on David’s Discernment • Immediate Recognition: David detects the unseen influence behind the woman’s words. • Courage to Confront: He does not sidestep the issue but names Joab directly. • Calm Inquiry: David’s question is measured, inviting honesty rather than provoking defensiveness. • Confirmation Secured: By gaining the woman’s admission, David verifies the facts before acting. Principles for Godly Leaders Today • Discern Hidden Agendas – Not every persuasive story is the whole story. – Ask the probing question that reveals motive. • Weigh Counsel Carefully – Even trusted advisors (like Joab) can push personal strategies. – Measure every suggestion against God’s standards, not merely human logic. • Seek Evidence, Not Assumption – David asked, then listened. Leaders guard against knee-jerk conclusions by gathering confirmation. • Maintain Spiritual Sensitivity – Discernment flows from walking closely with the Lord, keeping conscience clear and heart receptive. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 20:27 – “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts.” • 1 Kings 3:9 – Solomon’s request for “a discerning heart to govern.” • Hebrews 5:14 – Mature believers “have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.” • James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” • Philippians 1:9-10 – Love abounding “in knowledge and every discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent.” • Matthew 10:16 – “Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Putting It into Practice 1. Pray for wisdom daily and expect God to supply it. 2. Evaluate counsel—ask, “What might be motivating this advice?” 3. Test narratives against Scripture; truth never contradicts God’s Word. 4. Cultivate listening skills that pick up inconsistencies or manipulations. 5. When necessary, address hidden influences directly yet graciously, following David’s example of calm inquiry. |
    |