INTRO: David, the great man of God! David, the one who had passed up the chance to take Saul's life, even though he had tried numerous times to kill David. David, the easy going shepherd boy, ANGRY???? Yes, Nabal (means fool), was enough for David to let his flesh lapse into a period of anger that almost cost him dearly. Do we need to be on guard??????

1. Three advantages that were Nabal's 
1. Favored with worldly possessions - vs. 2
2. Found a good wife - vs. 3
3. From a godly line (Caleb) - vs. 3

 

2. Three "righteous" reasons for David's anger 
1. David asked - vs. 5-9
2. David's men assisted - vs. 7-8
3. Nabal was blessed abundantly - vs. 2, 6

 

3. Three obvious difficulties that were avoided by detouring his wrathful encounter

Note: David did not seek God's counsel in prayer

1. Nabal was unworthy of David's response - vs. 25 Pro. 26.4

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

2. David would have bloody hands in his and others eyes - vs. 26
3. The Lord was fighting his (and ours) battles - vs. 28

 

4. Three things Nabal lost 
1. His possessions he had so clung to
2. His life of luxury and celebration
3. His wife he had ignored

 

5. Three things we can accomplish by containing our anger 
1. We avoid needless strife (unworthy of effort) Ro. 2:1-16
2. We avoid a contentious name 1 Cor. 11:16

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

3. Prevent our getting out of God's will - Eph. 6:1-8