Deeper Life #290

And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

—1 Samuel 10:9

THE READER OF GOD’S WORD often encounters examples of gross stupidity. Note that stupidity is not the same as ignorance: A stupid act is anything done without reason or judgment, while an ignorant act is something done without knowledge.

I think King Saul is the greatest example of stupidity in the Bible. Saul’s physique was magnificent, his bodily presence wonderful, but he was amazingly stupid. An indication of his stupidity is the proverb that was based on him: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It was an expression of scorn, spoken by people who were amused to see that a herder of asses could think himself transformed into a prophet of God.

Indeed, God had given him another heart, but it was not for the purpose of making Saul a prophet. Even though he started out as a cattle manager, he was to become a statesman and a king. But Saul was so carried away by the exultation of the moment that he thought he was supposed to prophesy.

If Saul had gone on in obedience to God’s work, his heart would have been right and Saul’s life would have fulfilled God’s intention. Instead of that, he became a sad example of a stupid soul.

Prayer Thought: Lord, all of us have done unreasonable things—even stupid things. I thank You for having mercy upon us.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Samuel 10:1–16