"Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, 'Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.'" -1 Samuel 17.28
David has arrived in camp, heard Goliath's challenge, and is inquiring about why no one has accepted it. When his oldest brother hears what is going on, he is angry. His baby brother is willing to do what he is not, and his shame and fear come out in anger towards David. He tries to humiliate and insult David, because he has the courage to act where Eliab has not.
Men, when someone is willing to do what you are too afraid to attempt what is your reaction? Do you try and tear them down, as Eliab did, because they are willing to do something that you are not? The proper response should be one of support, and conviction. When others have the courage to act where we have not, we should rally behind them, not dissuade them from action.
What about when we are willing to act and we are challenged? Do we shrink back because others tell us it is impossible, or that we are crazy? Or do we stand firm in our convictions, knowing that something must be done?
Eliab was unwilling to fight the giant, but his little brother was. David's actions would make him look bad, and so he tries to shame him out of it. Fortunately for Israel, it didn't work. David went to the king, fought and killed the Giant, and delivered Israel.
Let us be men who do not shrink from the challenge, or the discouragement to face it. Let us be men who do not shame those who are willing to do what we are not.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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