1 Samuel 18:30 Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.
For the most part, David’s reputation is one to be admired. That reputation as a servant of God and of Saul was established by his pattern of godly behaviour. According to scripture, David’s “name was much set by.” Why? Because he “behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul.” The way in which David conducted himself even during times of extreme adversity caused the people of God to speak of him often and he became elevated in their minds and hearts. David moved ahead of Saul in popularity not by eloquent speeches of self-aggrandizement, but merely because he allowed God to use his good behaviour to gain a godly reputation among the people. In similar fashion, men today are still not going to develop good reputations apart from the right behaviour.
• (For children): Read what David wrote in Psalm 101:2a. When living in the land of the Philistines, king Achish had nothing but praise for David (1 Samuel 29:3). When the apostles needed helpers, read what kind of reputation the chosen men had to exhibit (Acts 6:3-5).
• (For everyone): What is your behaviour among believers? What is your behaviour among nonbelievers? How has this formed your reputation? What kind of reputation have you formed?
• What kind of things did David do early in his life in order to develop a good reputation? What must you do if you would like to have a good reputation?
• Ask God to show you the reputation your behaviour will likely develop.
• Thank God for those in your life who have given you the right example.
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