DAVID'S GOOD CHARACTER

  1. He was first described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). This means either that his heart that was like God's or, his heart was exactly as God wanted it.
  2. He had the courage to fight and defeat the Philistine giant (1 Sam 17).
  3. He behaved himself wisely and his name became highly esteemed (1 Sam. 18:5,14,30).
  4. He made a covenant of kindness with Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:14-17) which he later kept (2 Sam. 9:7-8; 21:7).
  5. He made provisions for his parents (1 Sam. 22:3-4).
  6. He jeopardized his life to deliver the city of Keilah from being destroyed by the Philistines (1 Sam. 23:1-12).
  7. He did not kill Saul when he had opportunity but cut off a piece of his robe (1 Sam. 24).
  8. Though he was very angry against the house of Nabal, he accepted the petition of Nabal's wife (1 Sam. 25).
  9. He has a second opportunity, but does not retaliate to get even with Saul (1 Sam. 26:8-12).
  10. He encouraged himself in the Lord in times of trouble and affliction (1 Sam. 30:6).
  11. When they recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, he demanded that the spoil be divided equally­even to those who were so weary they could no longer pursue (1 Sam. 30:21-24).
  12. He often rendered a blessing to the people (1 Sam. 30:26-31; 2 Sam. 6:17-18).
  13. He destroyed the man who said he had slain the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. 1:13-16).
  14. He expressed no ill-feelings or grudge against Saul for his ill-treatment (2 Sam. 1:23).
  15. He publicly commended those of Jabeshgilead who went into the land of the Philistines and took the bodies of Saul and his sons and buried them (2 Sam. 2:4-8).
  16. He accepted the league of Abner and lamented because he was slain (2 Sam. 3).
  17. He showed that he was a man of justice when he destroyed the two who had killed Ishbosheth upon his bed (2 Sam. 4:8-12).
  18. He continually gave praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for what was done for him (2 Sam. 7:18-29).
  19. He gave much of his wealth to the Lord (2 Sam. 8:11); a good example for those who are blessed with wealth today.
  20. He executed judgment and justice to all the people (2 Sam. 8:15).
  21. He showed great kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake (2 Sam. 9:1-9).
  22. He tried to show kindness to Hanun because his father had showed kindness to him (2 Sam. 10).
  23. He repented when shown his sin (2 Sam. 12:13; Psalm 51).
  24. He had great love for his family (2 Sam. 13:25-39).
  25. He had great humility before God (2 Sam. 15:25-26).
  26. He demonstrated humility and justice when he was cursed by Shimie and did not have him destroyed (2 Sam. 16:5-14).
  27. He loved his son Absalom even though he had done so much against him (2 Sam. 18:32­19:4).
  28. He always was tremendously grateful to those who helped him in any way (2 Sam. 19:31-40; 1 Kings 2:7).
  29. He demonstrated great personal devotion to God in his life, songs, and psalms (ex. 2 Sam. 22).
  30. He would not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).
  31. He made great preparation for the building of the Lord's house (1 Chron. 22:1-5).
  32. When he drew near to his death, he encouraged his son (who was to be the next king) to do the will of God (1 Kings 2:1-3).