1 Samuel 18:14

KJV

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} behaved himself wisely {H7919} in all his ways {H1870}; and the LORD {H3068} was with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

David had great success in all his ways; ADONAI was with him.

Berean Standard Bible

and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.

American Standard Version

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Jehovah was with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 18:14 profoundly encapsulates David's burgeoning success and the unwavering divine favor that undergirded his actions, even as King Saul's jealousy intensified. It highlights David's consistent prudence and discernment in all his endeavors, attributing his remarkable prosperity not merely to personal skill but primarily to the active, guiding presence of the Lord. This verse serves as a pivotal theological statement, sharply contrasting David's divinely blessed ascent with Saul's escalating decline, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic transition of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed in a critical transitional phase within the narrative of 1 Samuel, immediately following David's monumental victory over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1-samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and his subsequent integration into Saul's royal court. Chapters 18 and 19 meticulously detail the escalating tension between Saul and David. David's popularity skyrockets after his military triumphs, prompting the women of Israel to sing his praises, proclaiming, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands" ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1-samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - The Women's Song of Praise")). This public adoration ignites Saul's intense jealousy and fear, as he perceives David as an existential threat to his throne ([1 Samuel 18:8-9](/1-samuel/18-8 "1 Samuel 18:8-9 - Saul's Envy and Suspicion")). In a desperate attempt to diminish David's influence or even orchestrate his demise, Saul assigns David various perilous military commands and tasks, including leading the army against the Philistines. Verse 14, therefore, functions as a powerful summary statement of David's consistently wise conduct and the undeniable divine blessing upon him during this period of increasing animosity and mortal danger from the reigning king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in ancient Israel during the nascent period of the monarchy, an era perpetually marked by ongoing conflict with surrounding nations, most notably the Philistines. Kingship in Israel, unlike the absolute monarchies of other ancient Near Eastern cultures, was divinely ordained and intended to be subservient to God's covenant and law. Saul's reign, however, had been characterized by disobedience and a profound loss of divine favor, culminating in the Spirit of the Lord departing from him and an evil spirit troubling him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1-samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). David, in stark contrast, had been secretly anointed by Samuel as the next king ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1-samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")), signifying God's sovereign choice and the transfer of divine favor. In this cultural milieu, military success was widely interpreted as a clear sign of divine blessing, and a king's wisdom and prosperity were directly linked to God's active presence. David's "wise behavior" and the explicit declaration that "the LORD was with him" would have been understood by the original audience as unequivocal indicators of God's endorsement and preparation of David for future leadership, standing in stark contrast to Saul's increasingly erratic, disobedient, and ungodly rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout 1 Samuel. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, demonstrating that God's chosen one, David, prospers and succeeds despite formidable human opposition, precisely because the Lord is actively and providentially with him. This stands in stark contrast to Saul, whose rejection by God is increasingly evident in his spiritual and political decline. Secondly, the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly** is prominently developed; David's wisdom, divinely enabled and manifested in his actions, leads to consistent success, while Saul's consuming jealousy drives him to foolish, self-destructive, and ultimately futile actions. This highlights the profound truth that true wisdom is rooted in God's presence and guidance, not in mere human cunning or intellectual prowess. Thirdly, the verse centrally develops the theme of **God's Presence as the Source of True Success**. The repeated phrase "the LORD was with him" (found also in [1 Samuel 18:12](/1-samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - Saul Feared David") and [1 Samuel 18:15](/1-samuel/18-15 "1 Samuel 18:15 - David's Continued Success")) is presented as the ultimate and singular explanation for David's prosperity, protection, and wise conduct, even in the face of mortal danger from the king. This recurring motif is central to understanding David's divinely orchestrated rise and the inherent legitimacy of his future kingship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** This proper noun (דָּוִיד, H1732) identifies the individual whose actions and divine favor are the subject of the verse. Derived from a root meaning "loving," David's name itself can be seen as foreshadowing his character as "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1-samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A Man After God's Own Heart")), chosen by God despite his humble origins as the youngest son of Jesse. His identity is central to the narrative of God's sovereign plan for Israel's monarchy.
* **behaved himself wisely (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** The verb (שָׂכַל, H7919) carries significant theological weight, extending far beyond mere intellectual intelligence. It denotes acting with insight, prudence, discretion, and sound judgment, often resulting in successful outcomes or prosperity. In David's context, it implies that his actions were not impulsive or reckless but were marked by careful thought, discernment, and effective execution, contributing directly to his effectiveness and widespread popularity. When explicitly linked with God's presence, it points to a wisdom that is divinely empowered and guided, ensuring his remarkable prosperity.
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This noun (דֶּרֶךְ, H1870) literally means "a road" or "path," but figuratively, as used here, it refers to a course of life or mode of action. The phrase "in all his ways" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's wisdom and success. It indicates that his prudent conduct was not limited to specific instances but characterized his entire life—whether in military leadership, administrative duties, or personal interactions within Saul's court. This suggests a deep-seated discernment and a measured approach to all aspects of life, especially crucial given the increasingly treacherous environment created by Saul's intense jealousy.
* **the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This sacred name (יהוה, H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant God of Israel. Its inclusion here is a profound theological declaration of immense significance. It is not merely a statement of proximity but of active divine presence, favor, and empowerment. The explicit mention of "the LORD" being "with him" signifies God's protective hand, His guidance, and His blessing upon David's every endeavor. This divine accompaniment is presented as the ultimate and fundamental reason for David's wise conduct and subsequent success, distinguishing him sharply from Saul, from whom the Spirit of the Lord had departed ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1-samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). It highlights that David's achievements were not solely due to his own abilities but were supernaturally enabled by the sovereign God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways":** This initial clause establishes David's character and conduct. It emphasizes his consistent and pervasive prudence, indicating that his wisdom was not confined to specific instances but characterized his entire mode of action—whether in military leadership, administrative duties, or personal interactions within Saul's court. This suggests a deep-seated discernment and a measured, effective approach to life, which was particularly crucial given the treacherous and hostile environment created by Saul's escalating jealousy. It implies that David's actions were always calculated, effective, and consistently led to successful outcomes.
* **"and the LORD [was] with him":** This second, pivotal clause provides the theological explanation and ultimate source for David's wise behavior and subsequent success. It is a direct and unequivocal statement of divine favor and active presence. The Lord's "being with" David signifies His approval, His protective hand, His constant guidance, and His empowering presence. This divine accompaniment is the fundamental and overriding reason David's "ways" were characterized by wisdom and prosperity, indicating that his success was not merely a human achievement but a direct manifestation of God's sovereign plan and active blessing upon His chosen servant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** is subtly yet powerfully at play, as David's divinely-enabled wisdom and consistent success are implicitly but clearly contrasted with Saul's increasingly unwise, erratic, and self-destructive behavior, which is driven by his consuming jealousy. This sets up a clear moral and spiritual dichotomy between the two figures, powerfully foreshadowing the inevitable transfer of the kingdom. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD was with him" (seen also in [1 Samuel 18:12](/1-samuel/18-12 "1 Samuel 18:12 - Saul Feared David"), [1 Samuel 18:14](/1-samuel/18-14 "1 Samuel 18:14 - David's Wisdom and God's Presence"), and [1 Samuel 18:15](/1-samuel/18-15 "1 Samuel 18:15 - David's Continued Success")) functions as a potent **Leitmotif**, a recurring theme or image that emphasizes the consistent and central role of divine presence as the singular source of David's prosperity and the ultimate explanation for Saul's fear and the people's widespread admiration. This **Divine Presence as a Motif** serves as a foundational theological statement, asserting God's active, sovereign involvement in human affairs and His ultimate control over the destiny of His chosen ones. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise yet powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating David's exemplary character and the profound divine blessing upon him, providing a succinct and compelling explanation for his rapid ascent despite growing opposition and mortal danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 18:14 stands as a profound theological statement, asserting that genuine wisdom and lasting success are not merely human attributes or achievements but are ultimately gifts and direct outcomes of God's active presence, favor, and empowerment in one's life. David's "wise behavior" is explicitly and causally linked to the Lord being "with him," thereby establishing a clear and undeniable relationship between divine accompaniment and human flourishing. This foundational principle transcends the specific historical context of David's rise to power, offering a timeless truth about the ultimate source of genuine prosperity, discernment, and resilience. It teaches that true wisdom is not self-derived but is rooted in a deep reliance on God, demonstrating that dependence on the Almighty, rather than self-sufficiency, is the pathway to navigating life's myriad challenges with prudence and achieving God-ordained purposes.

* [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord Was With Joseph")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 18:14 offers a powerful and enduring paradigm for contemporary believers: the indispensable intertwining of godly character (manifested as wisdom) and divine presence as the foundational elements for true success, resilience, and spiritual fruitfulness. In a world that frequently equates success with human ingenuity, strategic planning, or sheer relentless effort, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that the ultimate and enduring source of flourishing is God's active, guiding, and empowering involvement in our lives. David's wisdom was not merely intellectual cleverness but a profound, practical discernment that enabled him to navigate exceedingly treacherous circumstances with grace and effectiveness. Crucially, this wisdom was a direct result of the Lord being with him, empowering his decisions and sanctifying his actions. For us today, this means that our effectiveness in life, whether in our vocations, our relationships, our ministries, or our personal walk, is profoundly and inextricably tied to our intimate fellowship with God. When we actively seek His presence, His divine guidance, and His wisdom, we are supernaturally equipped to act prudently, discern rightly, and persevere faithfully, even in the face of adversity, opposition, or unfair treatment. This verse calls us to cultivate a life marked by radical dependence on God, trusting implicitly that His abiding presence will enable us to walk wisely and effectively in "all our ways," leading to outcomes that genuinely honor Him and faithfully fulfill His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "success" in my own life, and how does 1 Samuel 18:14 challenge or affirm that definition in light of God's presence?**
* **In what specific "ways" in my life—my work, relationships, decisions—do I most acutely need God's wisdom and presence? Am I actively seeking it through prayer and His Word?**
* **How does the knowledge that "the LORD was with" David encourage and strengthen me when I face opposition, jealousy, or unfair treatment from others?**
* **What tangible, practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's abiding presence and to rely more fully on His divine wisdom in my daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "behaved himself wisely" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "behaved himself wisely" (from the Hebrew word _sâkal_) signifies much more than mere intellectual intelligence. It implies acting with profound insight, practical prudence, and discerning judgment, which consistently leads to successful outcomes. In David's specific case, it refers to his practical wisdom demonstrated in all his actions—whether in his military leadership, his administrative duties, or his personal interactions within the volatile environment of Saul's court. This divinely-enabled wisdom allowed him to navigate complex and dangerous situations with remarkable effectiveness, earning him the widespread respect of the people and even the grudging admiration of Saul's servants, even as Saul himself grew increasingly hostile. It suggests that David's conduct was always measured, thoughtful, and effective, never reckless or impulsive, and was directly enabled by God's active presence.

**Why is it so important that "the LORD [was] with him"?**

Answer: The declaration that "the LORD [was] with him" is arguably the most crucial and theologically significant part of this verse, serving as the ultimate explanation for David's wisdom and his consistent success. In the biblical narrative, God's presence signifies His active favor, His protective hand, His divine guidance, and His empowering Spirit. It emphatically indicates that David's achievements were not merely due to his natural abilities or human cleverness but were supernaturally enabled and orchestrated by God. This phrase highlights God's sovereign hand in preparing David for kingship, contrasting sharply with Saul, from whom the Spirit of the Lord had departed ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1-samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit Departs from Saul")). It assures the reader that David's prosperity and wisdom were divine manifestations, legitimizing his rise and powerfully demonstrating God's faithfulness to His chosen one, even amidst intense human jealousy and opposition. This theme of God's active presence is a recurring and central motif throughout the book of 1 Samuel, underscoring the divine orchestration of events leading to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 18:14, with its profound declaration that "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's wisdom and success were a powerful testament to God's active presence with a chosen earthly king, they were but a shadow, a prophetic type, of the perfect wisdom and unparalleled divine presence embodied in Christ. Jesus is the true and greater David, the King who perfectly "behaved himself wisely in all his ways," not merely by human prudence or giftedness, but as the very embodiment of divine wisdom itself, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). The explicit statement that "the LORD was with him" for David points forward to the unique and unparalleled relationship between God the Father and God the Son, where Jesus could declare, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")) and "the Father who dwells in me does his works" ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me")). Unlike David, whose wisdom was a bestowed gift and whose presence with God was by grace, Jesus *is* wisdom personified, and the Father's presence with Him was not a temporary anointing but an eternal, intrinsic, and inseparable reality. His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, was the ultimate act of divine wisdom, securing eternal salvation for humanity ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Thus, David's divinely enabled wisdom and success serve as a profound prophetic type, pointing to the perfect, eternally wise, and triumphantly successful reign of Christ, the King who truly has the Lord always and perfectly with Him, and through whom all believers can also experience God's empowering presence ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 39:23

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.

Joshua 6:27

So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was [noised] throughout all the country.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Samuel 16:18

Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, [that is] cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD [is] with him.

Genesis 39:2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:3

And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.