“And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul…and cursed still as he came…And he cast stones at David…” (2Sam. 16:5-6)
While passing the city of Bahurim, David encountered Shimei, a relative of King Saul. He came running out of the city cursing and abusing David. Not only was he shouting false accusations and cursing David, but he also threw dirt and stones at him!
How should we respond when being attacked by someone?
FIRST—Act, Don’t React.
Usually, what the attacker is trying to do is provoke you into reacting out of anger, and thereof make you look foolish. David did not retaliate. He did not repay evil for evil. He did respond, but it was a controlled response.
SECOND—See If There Is Any Truth To The Accusation.
He accused David of being a bloodthirsty murderer and a man of Belial. He also shouted that God was now judging David for his sins.
David knew he was innocent of THIS man’s accusations, but he realized God was using him to unwittingly pronounce judgment on his REAL sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. That is why David said in (v.11), “let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.”
THIRD—Leave It In God’s Hands.
In (v.12) David said, “It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” In other words, David was saying, “God knows the truth. If I am being falsely accused, God will reward me in the end.”
LASTLY—Refresh Yourself In The Lord.
(v.14) “And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.” The best way to overcome an attack and not let it make you bitter is by staying close to the Lord and letting Him refresh your spirit.