Our next practical lesson from II Samuel is this:

4. RIGHTEOUS MEN KEEP THEIR WORD.
II Samuel 9:1 - "Now David said, 'Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'"
It was common for a new king to destroy any remaining family members of the prior monarch, in order to minimize potential challenges to his throne. However, David was no ordinary king. He had given his word to Jonathan that he would show kindness to his family forever (cf. I Sam. 20:14-16), and that's precisely what he did for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's only remaining son. Mephibosheth had land restored to him and was blessed to eat at David's table continually.

5. THE WISE WILL BE STRONG & COURAGEOUS WHILE EMBRACING THE LORD'S WILL.
II Samuel 10:12 - "Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight."
David's military commander, Joab, was wise, though not always righteous. On this particular occasion, he sees that he is facing a tremendous battle both in front and behind him. He divides the troops and is hopeful they will be able to assist one another as the battle unfolds. He commends the army to be strong and full of courage, no matter what happens. Joab knows the LORD has a part to play in the conflict and that he, as a man, is subject to God's will (even if it meant defeat on the battlefield). The wise today will likewise be strong and courageous as they embrace God's will in their lives.

6. TOO MUCH LEISURE TIME OFTEN LEADS TO IMMORALITY.
II Samuel 11:1-4:

"It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, 'Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?' Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house."

It's been said that idle hands are the devil's workshop. Nothing could be more true in David's case in this dark chapter of his life. This wickedness could have been averted had David been busy doing anything productive (e.g., at war leading his troops, instructing his children in the way of righteousness, etc.). But, instead of using his time wisely he pursues a sexual union with a beautiful woman he sees bathing. This was foolish on so many levels! He should have turned away his eyes and told his heart, "No." She was married to one of David's best soldiers (cf. II Sam. 23:39). David was married to many women at this point (cf. I Chr. 3:1-9) and could have satisfied himself sexually at any time with one of his wives or concubines. Instead he chose to commit adultery! It was an act completely without excuse. Friends, there is a powerful lesson to learn here: The devil is out there trying to destroy us all through various lusts (cf. I John 2:15-17), and the more leisure time one has, the easier prey he becomes for the wicked one. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!