“Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran. A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite. While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours! Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’ When David’s men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David’s name. Then they waited. Nabal answered David’s servants, ‘Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?’”–1 Samuel 25:1–11 (NIV)

In today’s reading, we see a clear example of a life lived without generosity. Nabal is described as “very wealthy” yet “surly and mean in his dealings.” He comes across as prideful, greedy, and entirely self-centered. Let’s take a closer look at Nabal and examine his response to David in today’s passage of Scripture.

First, let’s get a mental picture of Nabal. He immediately brings to mind Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol—a man whose very name has become synonymous with greed and stinginess. In fact, the name Scrooge literally means “a mean, grasping person who is stingy with money.” If you’re unfamiliar with A Christmas Carol, just imagine someone who hoards wealth, pinches pennies, and refuses to show even the smallest kindness.

Now that we understand the kind of person Nabal was, let’s consider how he obtained his wealth. No doubt, he was hard working and disciplined in earning and investing. However, his character suggests he may have also exploited others or taken advantage of their misfortunes. It’s likely he “bought” his wife and any loyalty or friendships he had. After all, wealth often attracts insincere people—those who seek personal gain rather than genuine relationships.

Nabal is completely mistaken about who is making a request of him. David is God’s anointed and will soon be king of Israel, while Nabal is merely “a certain man in Maon.” Yet, at the time of David’s request, Nabal sees him as nothing more than an insignificant runaway servant making demands. Because he sees no personal benefit in showing kindness to David, he dismisses the opportunity entirely. What he fails to recognize is that he has the chance to extend generosity to the future king of Israel.

This brings to mind a quote from NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, recalling what his father once told him: “There’s a king in every crowd.” The same is true for us, especially when we remember the words of Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Imagine not realizing that your simple act of kindness is actually blessing the heart of Jesus—the Creator of the universe and the One who knit you together in your mother’s womb.

Let’s stay grounded and recognize that we’re all capable of falling into the same traps as Nabal—especially in a world that prioritizes self-interest and idolizes wealth and luxury. Take a moment to consider how idolatry shaped Nabal and the kind of person he became—“surly and mean,” surrounded by insincere, shallow, and transactional relationships with a heart so hardened it was incapable of kindness or belief.

Pause: Think about how you can show kindness to those around you.

Practice: Choose between one and three people whom you have the closest level of relationship with and prioritize their needs above yours this week. Think of them as you would think of yourself. What are they doing today? What are they struggling with? What are they afraid of? What brings them joy?  

Pray: Father forgive me for when I only think of myself and my own needs or desires. Create in me a heart for those around me. Help me to start with the few that I’ve chosen. Amen.