Latest Devotion
Be Careful Who You Mock
By: Lisa Boisvert
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16
The Ark of the Lord, which had been absent from the people of Israel, was returning. The people joyously celebrated while King David peeled off his royal attire and danced ecstatically in the streets. David was worshipping the Lord, but his wife Michal viewed his celebration as shameful.
When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 2 Samuel 6:20
God's Word doesn't tell us, but David was probably stunned by his wife’s contempt. All of Israel celebrated the return of the Lord's ark, but Michal only saw David’s outward appearance. She failed to see that David was only worshipping God, so she mocked him for leaping and dancing like a commoner.
David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” 2 Samuel 6:21-22
David’s response made it clear to Michal his priorities were with God. David wasn't worried about what people thought of him either, he just worshiped the Lord with his heart. He knew his worship was between himself and God, so he really didn't care who was watching. Michal didn't understand David's motivation or his heart. But when Michal despised and openly mocked her husband, it didn’t end well for her. We can see her fate in the very next verse:
And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. 2 Samuel 6:23
Michal's story ends there, but we aren't given details about why she had no children. Some believe when she mocked David's worship, she was mocking God. Others believe that David lost interest in her when she openly disdained him. In either case, it's safe to say God doesn't bless the overly critical.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1
Christ follower, be careful who you mock and disdain. The person you are looking down upon may be highly favored by the Lord.