God’s wisdom. Our wisdom.

In this passage, we see both David’s good points and bad points.

His good point was that he sought God’s wisdom. So when he fought with the Philistines, he always asked, “God, what should I do?”

His bad point? Ironically, it was that at times, he didn’t seek God’s wisdom. Not only did he have multiple wives, but he had multiple concubines as well.

Now in those days, that was considered totally normal. Kings in surrounding countries often had multiple wives and concubines.

But that wasn’t God’s will for David.

Jesus said this concerning marriage.

Haven’t you read…that he who created them in the beginning made them male and female,” and he also said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two (not three, four, or more) will become one flesh?

So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate. (Matthew 19:4-6)

Not only that, God had commanded this concerning kings in Israel.

He must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won’t go astray. (Deuteronomy 17:17)

Why did David have all those wives and concubines then? I don’t know. But perhaps there were two reasons.

1. David just thought it was natural for kings to have multiple wives and concubines. As a result, he didn’t even think to pray, “God should I marry more women?”

2. Because he was influenced by his culture and those around him, when he read God’s command in Deuteronomy, he thought, “I’m not marrying that many women. Besides, I will stay faithful to God.”

But in the end, because of these multiple wives and concubines, David and his family experienced many troubles. (2 Samuel 13-18; 1 Kings 1-2)

How often, because we are influenced by our own culture, do we overlook what God has taught or misunderstand it?

Each day, let us seek God’s wisdom in all we do.

As Paul wrote,

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)