Search the Scripture Lesson 223 Children: The Foolishness of Nabal

Memory Verse: “Pride goes before destruction.” — Proverbs 16:18a (NIV)

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 25:1-38

Today’s Story: The Foolishness of Nabal

Today we are going to hear about a man named Nabal who made some very bad choices because of pride and selfishness — and a wise woman named Abigail who saved the day.

David and his soldiers were living in the wilderness. While they were there, they helped protect the sheep and shepherds of a very rich man named Nabal. They were kind to the shepherds, never hurt anyone, and never took anything that did not belong to them.

One day, David sent ten of his men to Nabal with a polite message. He asked Nabal for some food, because it was sheepshearing time — a happy celebration. It was a kind and reasonable request from a man who had done so much to help Nabal’s workers.

But Nabal was rude. He said, “Who is David? Why should I give my food to him? I don’t even know him!” He turned David’s men away with nothing.

David was very angry when he heard this. He strapped on his sword and prepared to go to war against Nabal and his whole household.

But Nabal’s wife, Abigail, was a wise and kind woman. One of the servants came and told her what had happened. Right away, Abigail sprang into action. She prepared lots of food — bread, wine, meat, raisins, and figs — loaded it onto donkeys, and went out to meet David herself.

When she saw David, she climbed down from her donkey and bowed low before him. She humbly asked him to please forgive her husband and accept her gifts. Her words were so wise and kind that David calmed down straight away. He thanked God for sending Abigail to stop him from doing something he would have regretted.

When Abigail got home and told Nabal what had happened, he got such a terrible shock that he became very sick. About ten days later, God struck Nabal and he died.

David remembered Abigail’s kindness and wisdom, and he later asked her to be his wife. She accepted.

Questions

1. What kind of man was Nabal? (v. 3)
2. What had David’s men done for Nabal’s shepherds? (vv. 15–16)
3. How did Nabal treat David’s messengers when they came to him? (vv. 10–11)
4. What wise thing did Abigail do to help when she heard the news? (vv. 18–20)
5. What happened to Nabal at the end of the story? (v. 38)

What We Learn Today

1. Always say thank you when someone helps you. Nabal forgot to be grateful, and it caused big problems.

2. Being rude and proud brings trouble. Nabal’s harsh words almost got everyone around him hurt. Kind words make things better; rude words make things worse.

3. God is pleased when we are humble and wise like Abigail. She did the right thing even when it was hard, and God honoured her for it.

4. God always sees how we treat others. We may think no one is watching, but God is. He loves fairness and kindness, and He always does what is right in the end.

Let’s Apply It This Week

Think of three people who help you every day — maybe your mum or dad, a teacher, or a friend. Have you been saying thank you to them? This week, go and sincerely thank each of them. Choose to be like Abigail — kind, humble, and quick to do the right thing.

Memory Challenge: Can you say your memory verse without looking? Try it now! “Pride goes before destruction.” — Proverbs 16:18a. Well done!