Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:5-30

Bryan Buck

Questions for Reflection

Richard D. Phillips, 1 Samuel, The Reformed Expository Commentary

The safest habit is for us to leave others’ opinions of us to themselves, concerning ourselves more deeply with what God thinks of our character and actions. Saul shows us what becomes true of anyone who craves personal praise: he loses the capacity for both joy and love. Not long previously, we were told that “Saul loved [David] greatly” (1 Sam. 16:21). Now, because of his own proud and insecure spirit, Saul begins to loathe and fear a young man who has been nothing but faithful in service to him.

Thomas Merton, The Seven Storey Mountain

Envy feeds on our illusions and misunderstandings about our ...