Definition: And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 21:12. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of David's story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, David was deeply worried about something he said. “And David laid up these words in his heart…” – This is the key part. David was thinking about something very important, a secret or a statement he made. He wasn't just casually talking; he was carefully considering it. “…and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.” - This tells us who Achish was. He was the king of Gath, which is a small, remote city nearby. The word "sore" emphasizes how deeply David felt this fear. It wasn't just a little worry; he was truly terrified. So, what was he worried about? This is where it gets interesting. The verse doesn’t explicitly state what the words were. However, the context of the story suggests that it involved a disagreement or argument between David and Achish. The word "words" implies something significant – perhaps a challenge, a promise, or even a serious accusation. David was so scared that he locked up the words in his heart, implying he couldn’t share them with anyone. Why is this important? This story highlights several things: David's humility: He'rewardly kept the words to himself, demonstrating a sense of caution and respect for others. The power of secrets: It shows that even a seemingly small secret can have enormous consequences when it’s held tightly in the heart. A moment of vulnerability: It reveals David’s emotional state – he was feeling vulnerable and anxious, which is a significant element in his story. In short, this verse paints a picture of a deeply thoughtful man who was incredibly worried about something he said, leading him to keep it hidden. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story within the larger context of David’s life?