People will pay high prices for those that do excellent work. This is difficult to find. David was so gifted and so full of character, that it appears his temporary residence with Saul quickly moved to full-time. Eventually, Saul asked David’s father for permission for David to stay at the palace. David was too gifted to lose. Men should make themselves so valuable that others can’t resist them. “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight” (v. 22). However, parents must remember to teach their children to do right, even if promotion doesn’t come.

Wolfgang Mozart was an Austrian composer who lived in the 18th century. In his short life, he composed over 800 works. When a boy, he was considered a child prodigy, a young man with unusual and exceptional skill. In 1763, when Mozart was seven years old, King Louis XV asked him to play the organ. The time was set for the next day but the king could not wait. Everyone followed the king as he marched to the Royal Chapel to hear the Mozart play. The king was astounded by the beautiful music that came from the young boy.

Though Mozart was not a Christian, he still reflected the truth of Proverbs 22:29. “Do you see a man skilful in his work, he will stand before kings, he will not stand before obscure men.”

We serve an excellent God. Everything He is and does is marked by excellence. God is perfect, meaning he lacks no excellence. God is beautiful, which shows his excellence. 

Excellence is the quality of being very good. Excellence towers above the rest and is superior and extraordinary in a special way. Excellence delivers quality work. Jesus is the greatest example of excellence but there are others that model this trait well, like King David. 

Consider the following five observations from David’s life that illustrate how parents should teach their children excellence. 

Teach Your Children Fine Skills

According to 1 Samuel 18:17, not only could David play, he could “play well”. He was “skilful in playing”. 

Children should never rely on their name or upbringing to impress others. This makes me think of the son of former Zimbabwe dictator, Robert Mugabe. He once took a video of himself pouring thousands of dollars’ worth of champagne over his diamond-encrusted watch. He had no talent to offer, only his surname. Others were creators. He was only a destroyer.

Parents must teach their children to discipline themselves to develop talent. Don’t cut corners. Don’t “get by”. This will lead to leadership opportunities. People often follow others if that person is better than them at something. This isn’t easy. It takes time. It takes effort. David must have spent many days crafting this skill. 

Teach Your Children to Make Their Skills Obvious to Others

A young man recommended David. This is significant because David was also a young man. Young men are often in competition with one another.

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