THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
He not only endured slander, allowing it to go unpunished when the son of Semei threw stones at him, but David also chose to forgive the man who sought his mercy after his triumph. This incident illustrates the Christlike spirit of St. David, who took no offense, experiencing gratitude toward his accuser. Rather than feeling anger, he saw the potential for reward from his adversities. Perfect in his faith, he strived for even greater perfection. While feeling anger at the insult was natural, he conquered it with the fortitude of a warrior and bore it like a steadfast athlete. His patience in awaiting the fulfillment of the promise was remarkable.
We must be cautious of those who provoke us, those who stir up strife, those who harden hearts, and those who encourage immorality and lustful behavior. When faced with scolding, irritation, bullying, or provocation, our response should be silence. It is not disgraceful to be reticent; rather, it is sinful for those who instigate and insult us, aiming to draw us into their folly. According to Proverbs 26:4, we are advised to refrain from engaging with such provocateurs. If we remain silent, the offender may taunt us, questioning our silence and daring us to speak. They may mock, claiming they have rendered us speechless. Should we continue to hold our peace, their fury may intensify, driven by a sense of amusement, believing that they have triumphed and that we disregard them.
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Conversely, if we choose to respond, they might view it as a victory, mistaking that we have merely returned to their level. Yet, if we remain quiet, others might observe, saying we have been insulted but chose to disregard the offense. If we react with reproach, both parties fall into a cycle of condemnation, and neither is justified. The accuser aims to incite anger, prompting us to retaliate in kind. A righteous person, however, will ignore such provocations, recognizing his own integrity and valuing the opinions of virtuous people over the bluster of his accuser. He draws strength from his steadfast spirit.
This idea of "keeping silent even about good things" (Psalm 38:3) highlights that one who knows their own righteousness should not be swayed by baseless charges, nor elevate another's accusation above the affirmation of their own integrity. This posture maintains humility. If someone is intent on avoiding humiliation, they may think along these lines: "My accuser disparages me and speaks against me as if I am powerless to respond. Why shouldn't I retort with something unpleasant? They insult me, treating me as if I am less than a person, incapable of defending myself against their accusations."
Such thoughts indicate a lack of meekness and humility, and the tempter often stirs such sentiments within a person, using others as instruments to instill a spirit of provocation. Yet, we must remain steadfast in our faith (Matthew 16:18). Even if a servant chastises the righteous, they will choose silence; or when the weak utter insults, the righteous will remain mute; even if a beggar reproaches them, they will not respond. The righteous wield the power of retreat, overcoming conflict much like skilled warriors who inflict greater harm upon those pursuing them by strategically withdrawing.
Why do we allow our spirits to become indignant when faced with slander? Why do we not emulate the one who proclaimed, "I am mournful and humbled, and I remain silent even about good things" (Psalm 38:3)? Did David merely speak such words without acting upon them? No, he exemplified this. When he faced insults from Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5), he remained silent, choosing not to retaliate even with the support of his soldiers. When one of his companions offered to take vengeance, David refused, displaying humility and silence, unshaken by the accusations leveled against him. He understood that his good deeds stood as a testament to his character.
Responding hastily to injustice can indicate complicity in that very reproach, even as one attempts to assert innocence. Thus, one who dismisses an offense exhibits a greater strength than one who merely endures it: the one who dismisses it appears not to notice the grievance, while the one who suffers it seems to be more acutely affected.