1 Samuel 20:7
If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him.
1 Samuel 20:7
The conditional test—“If he say thus, It is well; thy servant shall have peace: but if he be very wroth, then be sure that evil is determined by him”—frames Saul’s potential reaction as a verdict on his inner state. Jonathan’s role as connector and mediator is clear: he will interpret his father’s mood to determine David’s next move. The line exposes the fragility of trust and the need for cautious, stage-based decision-making in dangerous political environments. It also emphasizes the seriousness of Saul’s anger as a predictor of intent. The narrative uses this moment to build suspense and to prepare for the crucial exchange that will determine David’s safety and movement.
This verse foregrounds human responsibility to read signs and to act wisely. It also touches on the reality that leaders’ inward dispositions determine external outcomes; if Saul is at peace, David can be assured; if not, danger intensifies. Theologically, it underscores that God often works through discernment and conversation, not through raw force alone. It invites believers to trust in God’s sovereignty even when human plans are unsettled.
In modern life, you may need to test people’s responses to your plans to gauge risk. Practice prudent communication with trusted confidants, and don’t act until you have a clear sense of potential outcomes. If you’re in a leadership role, learn to read the “tone” of your team or supervisor and adjust plans accordingly. It’s a reminder to avoid rash decisions in tense moments and to lean on community discernment.
Cross-References: Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 14:15; James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 14:29