Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 25:12-17

"So David`s young men turned on their way, and went back, and came and told him according to all these words. And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the baggage. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal`s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed at them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields: they were a wall unto us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his house: for he is such a worthless fellow, that one cannot speak to him." — 1 Samuel 25:12-17 (ASV)

God is kind to the evil and unthankful, and why may we not be so? David determined to destroy Nabal, and all that belonged to him. Is this your voice, O David? Has he been so long in the school of affliction, where he should have learned patience, and yet is so passionate? He at other times was calm and considerate, but becomes so heated by a few hard words that he seeks to destroy a whole family. What are the best of men, when God leaves them to themselves, so that they may know what is in their hearts? What need there is to pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation!