Rash Decisions...

 I Samuel 14:24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright.

After some initial victories, some of Saul's character flaws began to show. One was his tendency to make rash decisions, like this oath that no one should eat until the victory was won.  The men were already tired and hungry, and this just aggravated it.  Such decisions, rather than being a rallying cry to follow, become a means of abuse of power and false pride.  Even his own son Jonathan saw and spoke of its folly. Those closest to us can see our flaws best and need to lovingly help us see them. Sadly, we will see this tendency again in Saul's life and leadership.  What do we need to see about ourselves. May it not become a habit.