So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. 1 Samuel 18:5
There must be some strong reason for the four-fold repetition of this phrase in so short a space (see vv.5,14,15,30). It is as though the Holy Spirit would lay very distinct stress on the divine prudence and circumspection which must characterize the man whose life is hid in God. Let us walk with God, abiding in Him, subjecting our thoughts and plans to his, communing about all things with Him, talking over our lives with Him, before we go out to live them in the presence of our fellows. Then we too shall have this gracious wisdom, which is more moral than intellectual – the product of the grace of God rather than of human culture.
Our life shall commend itself to men (v.5). David’s was good in the sight of all the people, and more wonderful still, in the sight of Saul’s servants, who might have been jealous. A life lived in God disarms jealousy and envy. He who, as a boy, did His Father’s business increased in wisdom, and in favor with God and men.
Our life shall rebuke and awe for foes (v.15). Saul stood in awe of him. When traps and snares are laid for us we shall be enabled to thread our way through them all, as Jesus did when they tried to entangle Him in His talk. We shall have a wisdom which all our foes together shall not be able to gainsay or resist.
Our name will be precious (v.30). People loved to dwell on the name of David; it was much set by; they noticed and were impressed with the beauty and nobility of his character. We must always view our lives, amusements and undertakings in the light of the result which will accrue to Him whose name it is our privilege to bear.
F.B.Meyer
Thy name we love, Lord Jesus
it tells Thy birth so lowly,
Thy patience, grace, Thy gentleness
Thy lonely path, so holy
-W.Yerbury