CHARACTER STUDY ~ NABAL

Nabal means a fool. He was described as such by his wife Abigail when she went up to meet David to plead for her household. He is from the tribe of Caleb and so is a Calebite. He lived in Maon and transacted business there.   

Some Characteristics of Nabal:

✔ He was married to Abigail a woman said to be intelligent. We need to associate with intelligent people so that they can help us overcome our foolishness. Whether as married partners, business associates, or even mere friends we need to choose wisely.  

✔ He is said to be a Calebite. Though his ancestor Caleb was devoted and wise, he was otherwise. This means it is not automatic to gain insight because you belong to a family or group. You need to work on yourself through quality education and great exposure to be recognized. 

✔ Nabal was rich through the livestock business. We need to learn from Nabal to work hard if we desire to make it in life and the blessings of God shall fall upon our toil and prosper us. 

✔ He was harsh and evil in his doings. Though he had everything good in life he himself was not. His every attitude made him insult the servants of David which could have brought a disaster upon his household had it not been the intervention of his wife Abigail.   

✔ He was ungrateful. Despite all that David did for him when his livestock was in Carmel, he paid him back with insult. Most of us do not know the significance of the little things people do for us in life. If you fail to appreciate little things even big things will not matter to us. 

✔ Though foolish yet fearful. When Abigail told him all that transpired between her and David it was stated that Nabal's heart died within him, and he became like a stone.  

✔ The Lord struck Nabal, and he died. Death awaits everyone so we must learn to number our days and apply wisdom in all that we do on this earth. 

Supporting Scripture: 1 Samuel 25