When Assumptions Cloud Our Judgment

When assumptions cloud our judgment, 2 Samuel 10 shows how misplaced suspicion and political thinking can distort motives, reminding us to seek God’s discernment and respond with both wisdom and grace.

“The king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. And David said, ‘I will deal loyally with Hanun … as his father dealt loyally with me.’ So David sent by his servants to console him” (2 Samuel 10:1–2).

The Israelites and Ammonites had a complex relationship. Although they were relatives, the Ammonites served false gods, and there had been war between them as recently as the reign of King Saul. But David had developed a positive relationship with the Ammonite king, and after this king died, he decided to express his concern by sending some servants to console his son Hanun.

However, the Ammonite princes did not recognize his sincerity. Their world was dominated by politics and rivalries where no one acted out of pure kindness. They couldn’t believe David was sincere. As a result, Hanun humiliated David’s servants before sending them home (v. 4).

It can be easy to act like these men of Ammon – jumping to conclusions, making false assumptions, presuming to understand the motives of others. Remember the importance of prudence—to be “wise as serpents” but also “innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) and “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8).

Seek God for discernment and wisdom in every business deal, relationship, and project. Don’t “believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Remember not to “be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Seek to be a person of grace and mercy. Reach out to others with the love of Jesus. Seek to be His ambassador in every situation.

Reflection Question: Do you test motives—or jump to conclusions?