Proverbs 1:26-31 ESV
[26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, [27] when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. [28] Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. [29] Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, [30] would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, [31] therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.

Psalm 8:1-9 ESV
[1] O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. [2]  Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. [3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4]  what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, [7] all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. [9] O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

We steward the talents we have been given by working hard to develop skill.

We steward the resources we have by taking care of them, and having an investment mindset.

We use it all in service to others and for the glory of God.

Because God is where it all came from. We are only giving what we have been given.

It just makes sense.

1 Chronicles 29:12-14 ESV
[12] Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. [13] And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. [14] “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

Discretion. Understanding. Strength. Courageous. No Fear. Obey God.

A firm foundation for sure.

1 Chronicles 22:12-13 ESV
[12] Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. [13] Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

And praise.

Yes, God forgive and restores. His grace is greater than our sin. But we do well to heed to accounts like this one and let them teach us.

And let us teach them to our children and grandchildren, so they don’t repeat our errors.

2 Samuel 12:11-12 ESV
[11] Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. [12] For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’”

2 Samuel 16:21-22 ESV
[21] Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” [22] So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Passive parenting does not solve problems.

2 Samuel 13:20-22 ESV
[20] And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. [21] When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. [22] But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

David was the king. Kings go to battle. David stayed home. That poor decision led to more poor decisions. The result was that generational damage was done.

2 Samuel 11:1 ESV
[1] In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

After all he had been through to get there, he could have had a great sense of entitlement. Instead he restores the property rights of the house of Saul to his heir, and gives him a seat at his table.

Convicting.

2 Samuel 9:1, 6-7 ESV
[1] And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
[6] And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” [7] And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”