1 Samuel 25:32 David said to (the wife of Nabal) Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! 33 Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from bloodguilt and from avenging myself by my own hand (by killing Nabal) ! 34 For as surely as the LORD the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal so much as one male.”

A wealthy man named Nabal (a name that means “fool”) had insulted David by treating him and his men unfairly. David was livid and headed out to kill Nabal and his entire household – a ridiculously severe response to the situation. Had David succeeded he would have been guilty of “bloodguilt” (v. 33) (the shedding of innocent blood) and would have been subject to punishment from God. Fortunately for David, Nabal’s wife Abigail headed him off.

Abigail reached David before David reached her husband Nabal. She brought gifts to David and his men and apologized profusely for her obstinate husband. In doing so she calmed David and prevented the death of her entire family (including herself).

Some people have a way of calming those who are anxious, turning things down a notch when it’s needed. In this case Abigail did so for David by offering a deep apology on her husband’s behalf and bringing gifts to David in order to right the wrongs of her husband. It was a smart and effective move for which David was grateful.

The passage reminds me there are times when I need persons like Abigail in my life. I occasionally get riled up and risk acting foolishly. So this morning I’m thanking the Lord for the “Abigails” in my life who keep me from my worst impulses.