1 Samuel 12:23  “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” (NIV)

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There are people in our lives who do stupid things. They make really bad choices. When they figure it out, they are often embarrassed or ashamed. Even though we warned them against their stupidity and the bad choices they made anyway, they find themselves in something of a mess. What do we do then? 

Old Samuel shows us the way we should go. He told them two things we need to take to heart and put into practice. 

First, he said he would continue praying for them. He even indicated that a failure to pray for them on his part would be sin. Rather than joining them in their sin or compounding their sin with his own, he took the high road and continued what he had already been doing. He committed to continuing to do what he should for them. 

Second, he told them he would continue teaching them what was good and right. They clearly demonstrated that they needed his wisdom. He committed himself to continuing to provide what they needed, especially after they had failed so spectacularly. 

It’s all too easy to wash our hands of people and take our leave. We become disgusted by what they do, and then we behave in a manner that is not altogether helpful to anyone. 

The high road is not always an easy road to walk, but it is the right one. It’s one of those hard-right things we have to do, even when we would prefer to manage things otherwise. 

Who do you need to pray for today that you would rather not? 

Who do you need to continue teaching what is good and right? 

Whoever it is who needs your prayers and your wisdom, it is sin to withhold it from them. Let’s not make bad matters worse. As far as it depends on us, may we always take the right lead measures. It’s always the right time to do the right thing. 

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I will pray and I will teach what is good and right even to those who deeply irritate me.

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Our Father, I am so pleased that there were people who were deeply irritated with me and yet didn’t give up on me. They prayed for me. They taught me what I should and should not do. They corrected me and redirected me. I still benefit from this blessing today. May I return the favor to those who irritate me for their good and your glory. Amen.