The Danger of Manipulation and Deception (Saul tries to trap David)
(1 Samuel 18:17-30)

I. Saul offers Merab (1 Samuel 18:17-19)
A. Going back on your promises (1 Samuel 18:17a; Proverbs 26:18-19)
B. Placing blame on others (1 Samuel 18:17b; Proverbs 16:2; 24:12)
C. God gives grace to the humble (1 Samuel 18:18-19; 2 Samuel 17:8; 1 Peter 5:5-6)

II. Saul offers Michal (I Samuel 18:20-25)
A. Using people selfishly (1 Samuel 18:20-21; Matthew 7:12)
B. Using flattery and deception (1 Samuel 18:22-23; Proverbs 26:24-28)
C. Setting traps (1 Samuel 18:24-25; Matthew 22:15-18)

III. God’s sovereignty (1 Samuel 18:26-30)
A. God delivers David from Saul’s trap (1 Samuel 18:26-27; Psalm 141:8-10)
B. God uses Saul’s own schemes against him (1 Samuel 18:28-30; Proverbs 26:27)