When criticized

David was in a tough spot.  His son Absalom was after his throne and his life.  He was led to believe by a dishonest counselor that Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan and the one for whom he had cared for many years, had turned against him also (cf. 16:3-5; 19:24-25).  Those he loved were attempting to take his position, his authority, and his life.  So he did what he thought was best — he fled for protection.

And on the way he came across a real enemy — Shimei, a distant relative of Saul.  His curses and invectives were penetrating:

“Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow!   The Lord has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!” (vv. 7-8).

Shimei may have been an original “trash-talker!”  Not only did he impugn the character of David (one could hardly call a man after God’s own heart “worthless”), but he also unrighteously purported to speak for God (the kingdom had not been given to Absalom).

David’s friend and counselor Abishai was quick to resolve this “incidental” problem:  “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head” (v. 9).  Now that’s a man of action!  David was not quite so rash.

But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah?  If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” (2 Sam. 16:10)

While the words were from the lips of an enemy, David recognized that they may also have been by the direction of God.  Perhaps in this criticism was a godly correction.  While he also was content that God would be his vindication, David here is more concerned to discern the correction of God.

When criticism comes, it is easy to quickly dismiss it, avoid it, disparage it, or even when we find a kernel of truth, accept only that one kernel — and all the more when we are under significant pressures from other directions.  Not so with David.  His example demonstrates that when criticism arrives at the doorstep (even in the form of a rock against the door or body, cf. v. 13), it is best to quietly consider it, examine it, and allow it to penetrate the recesses of the soul — for indeed it might be God’s instructive word for the moment.