The other day, I got an email from a friend. It had a simple proverb about true friendship.
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
It also reminded me of the friendship between Saul’s son Jonathan and David.
These two men were true friends. They showed their friendship not just through words, but through actions, even in tough times.
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt (1 Samuel 18:1-4).
Saul was jealous of David and treated him more harshly as time went on. Saul’s son, Jonathan, deeply respected David.
He formed a strong bond with him and even gave David his robe, armor, and sword, showing his deep commitment and support.
When we talk about fair-weather friends, we mean people who stick around only when times are good and easy. The real test of friendship comes during tough times when you have to make decisions that favor your friend.
Jonathan had to go against his father’s urge to harm David because he cared for David as deeply as a brother.
Saul’s Envy
God favored David when he went to battle. David was filled with the Holy Spirit, who guided him on how to defeat the Philistines. As David was praised as a conqueror, Saul grew more envious of his success in battle.
As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.
And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,
“Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands.”
And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:6-8)
Take a look at the traditional seven deadly sins and consider how many bad decisions have been made by leaders over the centuries, because they were motivated by these sins.
- Lust
- Gluttony
- Greed
- Sloth
- Wrath
- Envy
- Pride
We often look at leaders like Saul and think about how they harmed those they were meant to serve.
But we should also take a moment to reflect on ourselves. Are we similar to those we criticize? Are these same sins affecting our lives? Do they have more control over us than the Holy Spirit does?
Reflections
There are two main points we can reflect on from this passage of scripture today.
(1) The negative point involves Saul, who is controlled by the seven deadly sins. Envy, pride, and other aspects of those sins led him to try to kill David multiple times.
(2) On the other hand, we can learn from the commitment Jonathan made to David. Jonathan and David show us a picture of committed friendship.
The question for us is, which of these two points do we resemble more? Are we guided by the Holy Spirit? Do we have excellent friendships?
Or do envy, pride, and other sins interfere with our relationships with others and God?
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on the Bob Spradling YouTube channel today.
Real Voices 