In his book “Letters from the Mountain”, Ben Palpant writes that he asked his grandfather how he endured all the criticism he received during his years as a big Hospital administrator. The grandpa, a man of faith, relayed the account of David’s interaction with Shimei in 2 Samuel 16.
Shimei was cursing
David and literally throwing stones. Abishai, one of David’s warriors, wanted
to cut off the cursing drunk’s head. David was, after all, the anointed one of
God.
David’s response here is in line with Jesus in Samaria with James and John or with Simon Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane: a call to put away the sword. What’s fascinating, in this case, is ] the reason. David said that maybe Shimei was right in his views of David, so why spend time contradicting him? Moreover, David said - maybe God will use his cursing for good in my life.
That counsel is, of course, easier to read than to carry out, easier to apply in the abstract than in the middle of a situation. But it’s good counsel nonetheless. When people are “pushing our buttons” about our look, our faith, our vaccination status, our eating habits, our family, our church teachings, etc. what should be our response?
The advice seems clear - do not retaliate with the same intent to hurt these people who are bullying us for what we are. But wait a minute here, how are we going to read this Scripture? Proverbs 26:4-5:
A - v.4 “Do not answer a fool
according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
B - v.5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his
own eyes.”
Contradiction?
Q 1 - Are you acting more like A or B? Circle your answer, please => A B
Q 2 - Who/ What is your “Shimei”? Write your answer here: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
