Is It An Act Of Cowardice?

Is It An Act Of Cowardice?

2 Samuel 15:14

NIV

[14] Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.”

There comes a time when our choices may be seen or described as cowardice; for example to beat a retreat in the face of danger. A danger one can easily overcome, a case in point is what you’ve read!

For example, hearing of falsehoods being spread like wildfire just to destroy your name and image, lies you can disprove and yet you choose not to! Is it an act of cowardice?

David the king was compelled to flee when he received the news of an imminent attack by his own child. Was it cowardice or an act of wisdom?  

Of importance in taking this decision, David considered the long-term effects; the “fallout “ or the  “ consequences “!!

There are several instances when similar developments occurred in the lives of prominent personalities in the Bible. Read a few; 

John 3

KJV

1+ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2+ The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 19

KJV

38+ And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

John 7

KJV

50+ Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

Acts 9

KJV

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25+ Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

There comes a time when beating a retreat is not an act of cowardice, but is dictated by wisdom. It is not easy though but it is the right thing to do. 

Jesus did a similar thing when in the midst of provocations falsehoods and accusations he held his peace, which posture that amazed both the Chief Priest and Pilate 

Matthew 26

KJV

62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 15

KJV

4+ And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee.

5+ But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

In the midst of provocations and one holds his peace when in fact he can speak is not an act of cowardice, but an act of wisdom. 

When in the face of danger, a danger that one can easily overcome yet walks away, is not an act of cowardice but wisdom. As seen in the case of Paul being put in a basket! 

You may not be understood, yet this action will turn out to be your honor! It is about ruling one’s spirit. Many will accuse and say all manner of things falsely against you, but learn to rule your spirit. 

Proverbs 16

KJV

32+ He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 25

KJV

28+ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Difficult lessons to learn, but they are the steps we must climb if we must reach the height of maturity.  

A thought to share with you