In David's prosperity Shimei had not shown by word or act that he was not a loyal subject. But in the affliction of the king this Benjamite revealed his true character. He had honored David upon his throne, but he cursed him in his humiliation. Base and selfish, he looked upon others as of the same character as himself, and, inspired by Satan, he wreaked his hatred upon him whom God had chastened. The spirit that leads man to triumph over, to revile or distress, one who is in affliction is the spirit of Satan.

I Davids velmagtsdage havde Simei hverken tilkendegivet i ord eller handling, at han ikke var en lovlydig undersåt, men da det gik galt for kongen, viste denne benjaminit sit sande ansigt. Han ærede David, da denne sad på tronen, men forbandede ham, da han blev ydmyget. Han var en lav og slet person og betragtede andre på samme måde, og på Satans tilskyndelse lod han nu sit had gå ud over den mand, som Guds hånd i forvejen hvilede så tungt på. Det er Satans ånd, som får mennesker til at hovere over, spotte eller slå modet ned hos et lidende medmenneske.