1 Samuel 18:14
ESV
And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him.
NIV
In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.
NASB
David was successful in all his ways, for the Lord was with him.
CSB
and continued to be successful in all his activities because the Lord was with him.
NLT
David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.
KJV
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.
NKJV
And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.
What does 1 Samuel 18:14 mean?
In one sense, David is living a storybook life. Jesse's youngest son was the keeper of a flock of sheep in Bethlehem one day and the hero of Israel the next. In almost a single moment, he went from being the kid brother of seven more important men to the giant-killer known throughout Israel for his military leadership, bravery, boldness, and trust in the living God.Saul fears David because of David's great success. Yet even Saul knows that David's success comes from the Lord, rather than just an overflow of skill, courage, and wisdom. Saul is afraid because the Lord has left him and is with the shepherd boy (1 Samuel 18:12).
David understands his reliance on God, as well. Many of the psalms David wrote proclaimed the truth that his success in all matters came from the Lord. Psalm 18:1–3 is a good example:
I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
