12 So David's young men retraced their way and went back ; and they came and told him according to all these words . 13 David said to his men , "Each of you gird on his sword ." So each man girded on his sword . And David also girded on his sword , and about four hundred men went up behind David while two hundred stayed with the baggage . 14 But one of the young men told Abigail , Nabal's wife , saying , "Behold , David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master , and he scorned them. 15 "Yet the men were very good to us, and we were not insulted , nor did we miss anything as long e as we went about with them, while we were in the fields . 16 " They were a wall to us both by night and by day , all the time we were with them tending the sheep . 17 "Now therefore, know and consider what you should do , for evil is plotted against our master and against all his household ; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:12-17

Commentary on 1 Samuel 25:12-17

(Read 1 Samuel 25:12-17)

God is kind to the evil and unthankful, and why may not we be so? David determined to destroy Nabal, and all that belonged to him. Is this thy voice, O David? Has he been so long in the school of affliction, where he should have learned patience, and yet is so passionate? He at other times was calm and considerate, but is put into such a heat by a few hard words, that he seeks to destroy a whole family. What are the best of men, when God leaves them to themselves, that they may know what is in their hearts? What need to pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation!