2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 15:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Deceitfulness is merely a bitter affliction of the spirit. Thus, the term guile is indeed quite fitting. Would you like me to clarify my point through an illustration, by presenting the example of an individual who was both sly and naive? Absalom exemplified cunning as he garnered support from the people. Observe how this guile manifested. He positioned himself, as is often said, by the gate and claimed to each person, “There is no one to hear you,” attempting to win them over to his side. In contrast, David displayed simplicity. Consider the outcomes for both; notice how one became foolishly reckless. His only intent was to harm his father, leading him to be blind to everything else around him. David, however, acted differently because, as it is written, “He that walketh in integrity walketh safely” (Proverbs 10:9)—that is, one who harbors no malice against others remains secure and unthreatened.

It is undeniably true that any falsehood or sham can never truly embody virtue, nor can it sustain itself for an extended period. Initially, it may seem to flourish, but over time it fades away like a blooming flower; the genuine and honest, however, are grounded in deep roots. Absalom, the son of King David, was famed for his striking looks and captivating presence during the prime of his youth, unmatched throughout Israel, lacking nothing from head to toe (2 Sam. 14:25). Each morning, he would rise early and position himself at the city gate. When someone approached the king with a matter to resolve, Absalom would say, “Behold, your cause is good and just, but the king has no one to hear you; oh, if I were made a judge in the land!