BE OBEDIENT AND DISCREET.

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*BE OBEDIENT AND DISCREET*

*Scripture Treasure.*

2 Sam 11:14-15, 17 *And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.*

*And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.*

*".....and Uriah the Hittite died....*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Be obedient and discreet to watch out for potential problems or danger with all watchfulness in every way; with attention to guard against eventualities.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Uriah was a better man than David for two notable reasons.

First, he was a nation builder who thought more of his nation than himself.

When David persuaded him to be with his wife, he said, *".....shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.*, 2 Sam 11:11.

This teaches us that Uriah dared David in the face of the truth in the interest of the nation and David as king.

Second, he had love that bears all things, believes all things, and endures all things,

1 Cor 13:4, 5, 7 *Charity suffereth long, and is kind;....thinketh no evil;.....Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.*

This tells us he never for once believed he would be a victim of David and a nation he loved. As far as Uriah was concerned, love endures, but as far as God was concerned, David's act was a violation of God's love in a man who both loved his king and nation.

Therefore, God will not condone David's despicable act. God's love will not stop Him from punishing David. God's judgment must take its course. Love may endure all things, but it does not endorse all things.

There is, however, a recipe for success in life. This is thinking positively ahead.

Our obedience should also breed discreet, discernment, good judgment, and carefulness.

There are times when we need to read between the lines and watch out for red flags, warning us of some impending dangers.

Uriah may have lacked this. He was obedient but lacked discreet.

This line of thinking leads us to three questions.

First, one may want to ask why David suddenly took interest in Uriah? David, first, persuaded Uriah to be at home with his wife when it was not that he was newly married as written in Deut 24:5?

Second, what interest did he suddenly pick up in Uriah to send a letter to Joab in the middle of a war that he was not willing to be part of because he had chosen to be at the palace? (2 Sam 11:1).

A king who took him (Uriah) out of an ongoing war and distractly persuaded him from the war provided enough grounds for a sneaking suspicion.

It will not be surprising if Uriah had anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant was about to happen to him.

It is not likely a king would call the person of Uriah because there is no cause for such.

It was a very unusual interest by David, which should or may have aroused Uriah's suspicion.

Prov 23:1 warns us. It speaks of a rather unexpected dining with a ruler..

Prov 23:1 uses a ruler as an example because an invitation to sit with the ruler to meal is uncommon.

So if you find yourself in the middle of such a rare opportunity which you know is unusual, it says ,*"....consider diligently what is before thee:*

Usually, you will be happy to sit with a ruler, but for Solomon to admonish you be careful tells us there may be a motive for your being called to the table.

He made the suspicion clearer in Prov 23:2-3 *And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.*

*Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.*

We must never fail to recognize reality.

Let us be careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences.

Let us think ahead, read between the lines.

In a careful and prudent way, be discreet.

Be circumspect, Eph 5:15.

*Remorse corner.*

Prov 23:7 *For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.*

*Call to Word action.*

When you are deceived and are used to achieving an end, Prov 23:8 says *The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Watch and pray.

Uriah lost his life

Do not be too carried away with anything that seemed to exceed the ordinary. Oftentimes, people are enticed in order to be corrupted

*Prayer.*

Lord, open my eyes to see the schemes and devises of the enemy hidden in the name of love, in Jesus name.

Good morning all, and have a blessed day today.

God bless you.