1 So Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was concerned about Absalom. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman, and said to her, “Please pretend to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel; do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has been mourning a long time for the dead. 3 Go to the king and speak to him in this manner.” So Joab put the words in her mouth.
Don’t get involved…that’s a mantra for many today. When people see trouble, common wisdom suggests “minding your own business,” ‘cause getting involved can be messy. But Joab is David’s friend, and he sees the king’s misery over the banishment of his son, Absalom.
Now Joab’s actions are deceptive and it’s difficult for us to understand their appropriateness in his cultural context. But, we can see that Joab wasn’t content to let the king stay “stuck” in the current situation. He took action for his friend, trying to find a way to help change the situation, without violating the king’s authority.
When a friend is in trouble, a man must find a wise way to help. If we don’t, what value does friendship really offer? Are there guys in your life who are making choices you know could damage their marriages? Are they acting in ways you can see are damaging their children? Are they doing things that could cost them their current job?
Don’t be a mere bystander when a friend is moving toward failure. Step up! Find a way to penetrate the lies they’ve begun believing, and perhaps you can help prevent the situation from becoming worse.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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