Craig T. Owens

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David was hiding from Saul in a cave when Saul walked into the same cave, totally oblivious to the danger that awaited him! David’s men tried to spur him to action by whispering, “Isn’t this what God said, that He would hand your enemy over to you?” (see 1 Samuel 24). 

David momentarily listened to his men and then acted on their words. He crept forward to cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. But then the Holy Spirit pricked his conscience. 

Why? 

Because God never said those words! 

From what David has learned, he now speaks this same lesson to Saul. He in essence asks Saul, “Are you listening to men or to God?” (vv. 9-11). 

David learned that without God as his Guide, he could easily be persuaded to act in a way that seemed right to men but was wrong before God. 

It’s still true for all of us today: Men may give you logical-sounding counsel, but you must always make sure that advice aligns with God’s omniscient wisdom. That means you need to be reading, studying, meditating on, and thinking about God’s Word. 

✔️ Keep God always before you 

✔️ Know His voice intimately 

✔️ Compare every word of man with God’s infallible Word 

🙏🏻 “Hear my prayer for help, O God, for I look to You alone as my Helper and the Sustainer of my soul. You will deal with my enemies as You know best, and You will deliver me from my troubles” (see David’s prayer in Psalm 54).

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