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Sin is the harbinger of sorrow. A bad heart makes a troubled life. One sin may blight the fairest prospects and fill a palace with gloom. Saul's courtiers knew the cause of the king's depression, yet they did not counsel him to abandon his sins, and cry to God for mercy; but they said: "Command thy servants to seek out, a man who is a skilful player on an harp."

I. THE FAME OF DAVID THE HARPER. "I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is a skilful player, and a mighty, valiant man." David possessed four qualifications for the duties he was expected to discharge.

1. He was skilful. "A cunning player." True greatness reports itself. The right employment of our leisure moments may fit us for the most exalted positions in life.

2. He was courageous. "A mighty valiant man." Courage in the discharge of ordinary duties is a pledge of devotion in more responsible trusts. "He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful in much."

3. He was prudent. Men require various qualifications for the efficient performance of official duties — wisdom, tact, and prudence.

4. He was devout. "The Lord was with him." The inward work remains when the outward sign is lost. There was no oil left on David's bead, but the work of grace was progressing in his heart

II. THE JOURNEY OF DAVID THE HARPER. "Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David, thy son, who is with the sheep. And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul"

1. David's journey was undertaken by royal request, Saul sent for David. When God calls a man to a special work, He will make the way clear for him. God has access to every heart. A man's enemies may become his helpers. Preferment comes through the most unlikely persons, and in the most unexpected ways.

2. David's journey was undertaken in a loyal spirit. David did not run before be was sent, but immediately the summons came he was ready.

III. THE ARRIVAL OF DAVID THE HARPER. "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour bearer."

1. David's introduction made a favourable impression on the king. "Saul loved him greatly." True men win the admiration and esteem of the wicked. Goodness is power.

2. David's services were speedily rewarded by the king. "He became his armour bearer." The wicked prefer the services of the good. Worth wins.

3. David's acceptableness was openly acknowledged by the king. "He hath found favour in my sight." It is a good thing to be surrounded by religious influences. Devout men are a blessing to society.

IV. THE SUCCESS OF DAVID THE HARPER. "And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him."

1. Notice Saul's depression. However exalted a man's position may be, sin will make him unhappy. Happiness or misery depends on the state of a man's heart. A bad heart makes a dark life. If the Holy Spirit leave us, the bad spirit will find us. A heart without God is like a universe without a sun.

2. Notice Saul's recovery. "So Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him."

(J. T. Woodhouse.)

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KJV: And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

WEB: Saul said to his servants, "Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me."