Good Judgement

 It is very easy to be attracted to a man or woman because of their height, looks, dressing, phonetics, diction and wealth. People may be drawn to an individual because of their sense of humor, or wit. However, there is a quality that is very important, it makes a difference betweeen a wise and foolish person - Good Judgement. This is a quality that will distinguish an individual especially a woman in the midst of many. Judgement is defined as ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action, good sense; it also means discretion.

 

I Samuel 25:3

"A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. ³ His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite".

 

You wonder why an intelligent woman will marry a mean and brutish man... but that is not my focus here.  A woman is always faced with decisions not only for her immediate family but for her extended family as well. Often times she is a sisters, mother, sibling and daughter. She has to be able to exercise good judgement in dealing with her in-laws and if she lacks good judgement, trouble can stem from this for her. How many woman are being accused of stealing their husbands from his family because they lack good judgement?  In some families a man can become alienated from his family members if the wife does not have the ability to exercise good judgement. Well, you may be quick to quote "and a man shall leave and cleave"... Very true but you as a woman should understand the role of good judgement in maintaining peace between your husband and his parents, siblings and even his friends.

 

Abigail averted trouble from coming to her entire household due to Nabal's folly. She was not there when her husband said the wrong thing but she knew if she did not move into action straight away, trouble was looming and large too! Do we try to nip things in the bud when it comes to interpersonal differences or do we assume "it is non of my business attitude"? Am I asking you to meddle in family matters as it relates to your in-laws? No! However, there are instances when your good judgement is able to save the day as it did in the case of Abigail. How many relationships with friends have gone sour because a wise woman was not there to make peace. As a Christian woman, ask God for wisdom to exercise good jugement in all situations.

We can learn the following from Abigial:

She knew what to do - ability to decide V18 - 19

She was conversant with the word of God and knew what to say, she prophesied about David's future and she was able to secure a place for herself there. V 28-31

She was strong, smart and quick to act - her ability to think on her feet made it possible to avert the wrath of David

She was prepared - She did not have to go to the market to get what she took to David

 

Good judgement will avert danger, preserve and improve relationships and channel resources aright. May we be able to do that which is right in the many decisions we need to make in Jesus name.

 

Blessings.