Lessons from David’s encounter with Shimei

Have you ever had someone in your life who seemed to take pleasure in making things difficult? The kind of person who points out every minor mistake you make, someone who just seems to have it out for you?

Most of us have encountered a person like that at some point, whether in childhood or adulthood. I think of these people as “mosquitos in the room”- always buzzing around, doing their best to make you uncomfortable. How do we deal with such people, especially when we’re called to love them? It’s not easy, but I think there’s a good example in 2 Samuel 16.

In this chapter, David is on the run, being pursued by his own son-but that’s a story for another time. At this point, David has a plan: he has gathered his people, arranged for their safety, and ensured they have food and transportation. For a brief moment, he might have even been able to forget just how dire his situation was. Then the mosquito enters the room: Shimei. Upset over what had happened to Saul, Shimei cursed David and threw rocks at him and his com panions. Suddenly, David was faced with a harsh reminder of his troubles-past, present, and future-swirling around him like an annoying mosquito.

David’s friends wanted to take extreme action: they were ready to kill Shimei to silence him for good. But David chose another path. He told them to let Shimei be, trusting that the Lord would handle it, and simply let Shimei wear himself out. Then David and his companions continued on their way, while Shimei kicked up dust and eventually faded into the background. David understood that engaging with Shimei would only make things worse, and it wouldn’t bring him any peace.

There are, of course, extreme situations where people are abusive, and different measures are necessary. But for the “mosquitos in the room,” it’s often best to ignore them and let God handle the rest. Let them kick up dust while you move on to bigger and better things. And remember-pray for them too!