Though Saul was ever on the alert for an opportunity to destroy David, he stood in fear of him, since it was evident that the Lord was with him. David's blameless character aroused the wrath of the king; he deemed that the very life and presence of David cast a reproach upon him, since by contrast it presented his own character to disadvantage. It was envy that made Saul miserable and put the humble subject of his throne in jeopardy. What untold mischief has this evil trait of character worked in our world! The same enmity existed in the heart of Saul that stirred the heart of Cain against his brother Abel, because Abel's works were righteous, and God honored him, and his own works were evil, and the Lord could not bless him. Envy is the offspring of pride, and if it is entertained in the heart, it will lead to hatred, and eventually to revenge and murder. Satan displayed his own character in exciting the fury of Saul against him who had never done him harm.

Skønt Saul bestandig søgte efter en anledning til at dræbe David, var han samtidig bange for ham, for han kunne ikke undgå at se, at Herren var med ham. Davids ulastelige karakter vakte kongens vrede, og Saul betragtede Davids blotte nærværelse som en personlig irettesættelse, fordi modsætningen mellem hans egen og Davids karakter var så stor. Det vor misundelse, der gjorde tilværelsen bitter for Saul og bragte hans ydmyge undersåt i fare. Dette onde karaktertræk har voldt ubodelig skade i verden. Saul nærede det samme fjendskab til David, som Kain nærede til sin broder Abel, fordi Abel var retfærdig og blev æret af Gud, mens han selv gik glip af Herrens velsignelse på gund af sine onde gerninger. Satan viste sit sande ansigt, da han vakte Sauls raseri over for et menneske, som aldrig havde gjort ham fortræd.