Before we begin please read the full story of David and Goliath here.

So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel.”

Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

And the people answered him in this manner, saying, “So shall it be done for the man who kills him.”

Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”  Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. ~ 1 Samuel 17:25-30

Have you ever been accused of doing something for selfish motives, when the true motives of your heart were honest and sincere? That is what is happening to David here. Eliab, David’s older brother, is accusing David of being proud and selfish. Eliab’s words could have really deflated David but they didn’t.  Instead David turned away from Eliab.

Eliab couldn’t see David’s heart, and whether or not David was conscience of this fact he didn’t let Elaib’s naysaying-attitude hinder his mission.

I wonder if when we find ourselves in a similar situation – being judged and falsely accused of evil motives – will we press on as David did.  David knew that his strength came from the LORD and that made him courageous.  He also knew that his motives were to honor the living God above man.

Would we be courageous enough to do the same?  Or would we be discouraged, give up, and seek honor from man over honor from God (John 5:44)?

 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6

Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are always with us, that You will never leave us nor forsake us.  When naysayers speak words of discouragement into our lives help us to remember how David reacted to Eliab.  Help us to have courage, to press on, and to seek Your honor.  In Your name. Amen.

I hope my thoughts help you understand how this scripture can be applied to our modern lives, but don’t just take my word for it.  Dive into The Bible yourself, pray, and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you personally.

Have a question or a thought?  Please feel free to leave a comment.