Based on 2 Samuel 14–16 | Wisdom Calling Devotional #49
The Ancient Struggle That Still Shapes Us
Have you ever found yourself caught between someone’s ambition and someone else’s wisdom?
It happens in offices, churches, classrooms, and families — that tension between the drive to achieve and the call to discern.
The story of Absalom and David captures this timeless struggle. It’s not just history — it’s a mirror for our modern pursuit of influence, control, and recognition.
The Return of Absalom
After three years in exile for killing his brother, Absalom was finally allowed to return to Jerusalem. The permission came through Joab’s clever scheme, aided by a “wise woman” from Tekoa. David, discerning what Joab had done, recognized the difference between human cunning and divine wisdom — “the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth” (2 Samuel 14:20).
But even when Absalom returned, David could not face him. For two years, father and son lived in the same city, yet never met. When reconciliation finally happened, the relationship was still fractured.
And Absalom’s heart had already turned elsewhere.
He began standing by the city gate — the place where justice was heard and power was visible. It was the ancient equivalent of a public stage. Day by day, he won the people’s favor by listening to their complaints, empathizing with their frustrations, and quietly suggesting,
“If only I were judge in the land…”
In time, the Scripture says, “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6)
A King on the Run
Absalom’s ambition turned to rebellion.
He built a following, recruited David’s trusted counselor Ahithophel, and launched a full-scale takeover.
When David heard of it, he didn’t stand to fight — he fled.
Barefoot, weeping, humiliated, he climbed the Mount of Olives to pray.
His plea was simple:
“Lord, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
Along the way, he met both comfort and contempt.
One man blessed him with food and donkeys.
Another — Shimei, from Saul’s house — cursed him and hurled stones.
David’s soldiers were ready to strike back, but David stopped them.
He saw even this insult as something God might have allowed — a painful yet refining reminder of his own sin.
So he pressed on, weary and repentant, leaving vengeance in God’s hands.
When Wisdom Meets Ambition
This story forces us to ask: what kind of wisdom guides our ambitions?
Joab’s wisdom was shrewd and manipulative — the kind that bends circumstances to achieve results. Absalom’s wisdom was social and persuasive — the kind that wins approval and influence. But David’s wisdom was different. It was relational, born from covenant with God, rooted in humility and discernment.
One kind of wisdom seeks control.
The other seeks God’s will.
Ambition itself isn’t evil. God calls us to steward our gifts and influence.
But when ambition detaches from dependence on God, it becomes self-promotion — and even good goals can turn destructive.
A Call to Examine Our Hearts
You don’t need a palace to experience this story. The same dynamics play out in corporate meetings, classrooms, ministries, and families.
Where are you tempted to advance yourself instead of trusting God’s timing?
How often do we chase recognition instead of righteousness?
Wisdom invites us to pause, reflect, and surrender those hidden motives.
God’s grace still breaks through the cracks of our broken ambition.
Even when we’ve run ahead of Him, His mercy meets us on the way back — barefoot, humbled, yet not abandoned.
Takeaway
True wisdom doesn’t manipulate. It listens, waits, and obeys.
It doesn’t climb for visibility; it kneels for understanding.
And in every place where ambition tempts us to take control,
God whispers an invitation — to trust His timing and walk in His ways.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to trade self-promotion for surrender?