“I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 10:16)

E.G. David arose and went out of the cave, and David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to lies and deceive yourself? I have not sinned against you. May the Lord judge between me and you, and may the Lord avenge me against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re acting childish. May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and may God plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.” (1 Samuel 24)

And David said, “Why are you so puerile? You are wrong. You have driven me out that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord. You would have me serve other gods. You are like one who hunts a single flea; you are like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” (1 Samuel 26)

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Nathan came to David with a lie. It was a helpful lie. Nathan made up a story, and presented it to King David as if it were true. Nathan did this in order to force David to think about something crucial. If Nathan had come to David directly (without the helpful lie), then David would’ve rejected Nathan’s offer of truth and love. (2 Samuel 12)