I Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11, 59

David is filled with the Spirit of God upon being anointed king of Israel by Samuel before slaying Goliath. A recurring description of king David in these early days with Saul still on the throne is how David behaved wisely, we see this in I Samuel 18:5, 14 and 30. This is important because it demonstrates the core Proverbs principle:

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Knowledge comes from the LORD, and wisdom is applied knowledge, since David is filled with the Spirit of God he was full of knowledge. The reason there was so much conflict between king Saul and David is because David was filled with the Spirit of God which had departed from Saul leaving upon him a distressing spirit which made him prone to anger, impulsivity, jealousy and ultimately a reinforcement of his rebellion and stubbornness. Filled with the Spirit of God despite his circumstances David's behavior is notable, imagine a young man maybe late teens or early 20s who's primary trait is his wise behavior? That's not what people were saying about me in high school or college! How did the Spirit of God transform David's behavior? David's eyes and heart was opened to greater understanding and instruction which reinforced his trust in the LORD for each and every moment David needed the LORD to protect him not only from the enemy of the Philistines but his own king. David's identity was rooted in his faith of YAHWEH's righteousness through the proper alignment of his heart and uncompromising obedience.

David's wisdom is linked to his fully reliant trust in the LORD his God, many of his early years were marked by his being on the run for his life. He trusted in the LORD so greatly that the majority of his psalms are a cry of his desperation and very real need for the LORD to intervene as deliverer, defender and helper to his circumstances, because of David's proper pursuit and trust in the LORD his life was preserved and this too is seen in the psalms with his great rejoicing of God's unending faithfulness and lasting mercy.

Psalm 11:1 (NIV) "In the LORD I put my trust;"

Psalm 59:9-10 (NIV) "I will wait for You, O You his Strength; For God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies." 

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