February 20th, 2026

Read 1 Samuel Chapter 5

David is furious. Nabal has insulted him, and David is on his way to retaliate.

Abigail intervenes.

She approaches humbly. She speaks carefully. She acknowledges wrongdoing without inflaming ego. Her tone diffuses wrath.

It’s interesting (but by now I hope not surprising) that there are so many Scripture references to how we use our words with one another:

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”   ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.””  ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭37

David later blesses Abigail’s wisdom, recognizing that her words prevented bloodshed.

This story is powerful because it demonstrates how respectful speech can redirect destructive momentum. Abigail does not escalate David’s anger; she steadies it.

In communication between men and women, escalation is easy. Matching intensity feels natural. But wisdom often speaks softly into intensity.

Respect is not weakness — in the case of Abigail it was wisdom and grace.

Something to ponder today:  When faced with anger or strong emotion from the opposite sex, do I escalate or stabilize the moment?, or merely managed?