In the Shakespearean play Othello, the main bad guy is named Iago. He pretends to be Othello’s closest friend, offering counsel and advice, but all the while he’s plotting his friend’s downfall behind the scenes. The play is carefully constructed so that it’s impossible for even the audience to grasp the underhanded deceit of Iago until the very last scene. He’s plausible right up until the end, and if his part is acted well, the audience will often gasp when his true nature is finally revealed, for the character’s deception is convincingly hidden by his words and actions.
In 1 Kings 2:13-18, Bathsheba is thoroughly taken in by Adonijah. She suspects nothing dark in his request. What could possibly be wrong with his asking for the beautiful Shunammite woman with the not-so-lovely name Abishag? Abishag had comforted David, Adonijah’s father, in his last days (1 Kings 1:1-4), so surely it would be a service to her and a perfect match for him.
Solomon, however, saw the motivation behind the request. He discerned Adonijah’s ambition behind his desire for the woman who had spent time with the great King David (1 Kings 2:22). It was all about a political power play that would aid Adonijah in his desire to seize the throne. Solomon discerned the truth and saw the rebellion hidden in his heart.
Believers in Jesus should seek to bless and think the best of others, and yet God gives us discernment by His Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to “be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Being as innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent is not achieved by imitating an Iago character. May God through His Word and Spirit help us to see what’s truly true.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 8:1-22
More:
Look at Peter’s confession of Christ in Matthew 16:13-20 and see what the Holy Spirit revealed to him.
Next:
Do you seek God’s wisdom in every situation, or are you content to form judgments based merely on what you see and feel? How can you discern the truth about a difficult issue you’re facing today?
Gary Shultz on January 6, 2016 at 6:48 am
As I followed the article I must admit it was a surprised to see your name, good for you. The point is very relevant for today’s earth dweller. Truth has been tossed out in everyday living and may the best snake win; however, we don’t slither, as a dove we fly, we have access to a higher calling. We must show a different nature, the one of our Father. One other note that we would do wise to think of, doves are considered very peaceful; however among themselves, not so much. Thanks Russell.
Tom Felten on January 6, 2016 at 9:22 am
Russell, this is an excellent presentation of the balance between being both compassionate and wise. It reflects God’s loving heart to help and serve others, but sometimes doing what’s most loving and best is not to do the easiest/obvious thing.
russell fralick on January 6, 2016 at 12:04 pm
The difference between what is right and the “obvious” thing is, I believe, the crux of the issue very often. It is so easy to look on a situation and simply make a human, rational judgement. We Christians often act as if we have forgotten that the Holy Spirit indwells us, and He can see far more than we can. Discernment starts to bloom when we realise we aren’t quite as clever as we think we are! True wisdom only comes from God, and we all need to practice hearing His opinion about situations before acting; I know I do!
Roxanne Robbins on January 6, 2016 at 9:14 pm
A friend and I had a conversation about this just last week, and concluded on occasion even Christians refuse to listen to or believe the truth. It’s often easier to let wrong actions continue than it is to confront and propose change. Only when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit will we be choose truth even if it means discomfort.
Winn Collier on January 7, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Discernment has become one of my very favorite words.