This passage occurs near the end of David's life. This is a list of his unfinished business. Live in such a way that you die without unfinished business.
1. Watch out for unrestrained zeal. That was Joab's problem. He was a pragmatist whose zeal wasn't tempered by wisdom. Wild passion makes you a loser, even if it appears temporarily you've won. Being zealous isn't the problem. The problem is misplaced, misdirected zeal.
2. Watch out for unrestrained speech. That was Shimei's problem. Even if God had sent him to curse David, it is evident Shimei went above and beyond God's limits. He added to God's purpose and intent. May God grant us words of grace (Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6), especially when we're called upon to confront or rebuke. Pour water, not gasoline.
3. Watch out for insufficient kindness. Barzillai never complained David wasn't kind enough. It bothered David that he hadn't done enough. We get to where we are in life because of God's kindness and man's. You can never be thankful enough. Thankfulness is a discipline that should be constantly expressed. Be kind (Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:32).
Are there any loose ends you need to tie up?
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