I Samuel 16:16
“Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.”
The previous verse had Saul's advisors tell him he had an evil spirit from God. Today's verse is their advice about what to do about that. I'm conflicted about their words. Part of me understands this, as they wanted to address Saul's symptoms and to help him. They suggested a musician to play soothing music. This did prove helpful with Saul.
However, it seems they aren't addressing the real problem. This evil spirit was allowed to torment him because he was in disobedience to God. The best advice would have been to go to God, ask for His help in resolving this. The Lord is merciful and wants to help us.
Addressing the real problem is much riskier. People know deep down, yet they bury that with all sorts of excuses. When someone comes and stirs things up, that individual often gets angry.
It takes a real friend to take this risk. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." This sharpening process involves heat and friction. Relationships have those two ingredients. Most seek to avoid these. That's natural. However, a true will speak truth when needed.
Saul's counselors may have had a selfish reason to give the advice they gave. If Saul did return to God, it may have involved giving up his throne. Samuel told him that God had taken his kingly role from him and given it to another. If the counselors were truthful, they may have lost their jobs. Their advise may have been given to protect their jobs, income and lifestyle.
This makes me think of politicians who keep their people in a dependent, miserable condition so they retain their power. There are also industries that would crumble if lifestyles were changed. Some have a vested interest to keep the status quo. This is a great evil. This is why Jesus was so angry at the pharisees. Their system was keeping people subjugated.
Let's say the counselors had this talk with Saul and he wasn't open to changing, then it would be appropriate to suggest a musician. They would have been helping him where he's at.
While the greatest need of people is salvation, there may be more immediate needs. The ones at the bottom of Maslow's hierarchy are food and shelter. Christian ministries exist to do this. There are the missions in the inner city who provide food and shelter. Along with this, they provide help to get them out of their destructive habits. Further they share the gospel. This is the love of God in action.
Lord, help us to help others. Give us the courage to speak when needed.