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SAA Scriptural Insight of the Day: "WISELY"


Preface

In this blog post, I will utilize a seminary teaching skill that helped me prepare lessons. SSA is an acronym that reminds teachers of three types of questions to ask of their students: Search, Analyze and Apply By asking these three types of questions, students are better able to understand and incorporate in their own lives scripture principles.

1. Search - Ask questions whose answers can be found directly in the text. For example, take scripture mastery verse, Matt 5:14, What is it that we are asked to let shine?

2. Analyze - Ask questions that require reasoning. What does "light" mean in this context?

3. Apply - Ask questions that allow the learner to create a bridge from "them, there, then" to the "me, here and now". How can I let my example shine at home or when I'm with my friends?

Scripture Block: 1 Samuel 16-18

Search: I was studying the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18, when I discovered that the word, wisely, was repeated four times in that single chapter. Not only that, but its descriptors became progressively stronger.

v. 5 -- "behaved himself wisely…"

v. 14 - "behaved himself wisely in all his ways…"

v. 15 - "behaved himself very wisely…"

v. 30 - "behaved himself more wisely…"

It is further interesting to note the reactions to each of the events above:

v. 5 -- "[David] was accepted in the sight of the people"

v. 14 - "…and the Lord was with [David]"

v. 15 - "…[Saul] was afraid of [David]"

v. 30 - "…[David's] name was much [adored]."

What does wisely mean?

Analyze: Judging from the effects of David's behavior, we can infer a lot about David, Saul, the people and the servants. Keeping these reactions in mind, one could easily replace the phrase " behaved himself wisely" with "walked with God". (I want to go on, but I don't want to get too off topic.)

Noting the surrounding context, I believe the prophet Samuel chose to use the word "wisely" to indicate that that he was still shocked by the effect of the Spirit of the Lord on such an inexperienced youth. We learn earlier, in 1 Samuel 16, when the Lord sends Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be the new King over Israel after the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul (verse 13-14), Samuel is surprised to discover that the Lord has chosen David, the youngest, and weakest-looking of all the eight sons of Jesse [called Abinadab]. (Scripture Mastery: verse 7)

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.




Application:

Apply: I am astonished to see what I am capable of when the Spirit of the Lord is with me. I have seen His assistance as I have competed beyond my ability in sports growing up, in my relationships with others, and also in school and work and especially in my spiritual pursuits. If I live my life worthy of His companionship, I know that the Lord will continue to augment and multiply my skills and abilities beyond my natural capacity.

"With God all things are possible." -- Matt. 19: 26 (Mark 10: 27; Luke 1: 37; Luke 18: 27)

I heard President Monson quote one time, “Life in the Church soon teaches us, too, that the Lord does not ask us about our ability, but only about our availability. And then, if we demonstrate our dependability, the Lord will increase our capability.” -- Neal A. Maxwell, “Quotations,” Tambuli, Dec 1982, 38

Also, "The Lord is more concerned with our availability than our capability because he knows our possibilities."

See the topical guide: God, Power of

Additional non-LDS insights:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:

18:12-30 For a long time David was kept in continual apprehension of falling by the hand of Saul, yet he persevered in meek and respectful behaviour towards his persecutor. How uncommon is such prudence and discretion, especially under insults and provocations! Let us inquire if we imitate this part of the exemplary character before us. Are we behaving wisely in all our ways? Is there no sinful omission, no rashness of spirit, nothing wrong in our conduct? Opposition and perverseness in others, will not excuse wrong tempers in us, but should increase our care, and attention to the duties of our station. Consider Him that endured contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds, Heb 12:3. If David magnified the honour of being son-in-law to king Saul, how should we magnify the honour of being sons to the King of kings!



What do you think "wisely" means?

----------------
Listening to: Owl City - Hello Seattle

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