²⁴ She fell at his feet and said, “The guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant. ²⁵ My lord should pay no attention to this worthless man Nabal, for he lives up to his name:^[a] His name is Nabal,^[b] and stupidity is all he knows.^[c] I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent. ²⁶ Now my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and as you yourself live, it is the Lord who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself^(A) by your own hand. May your enemies and those who want trouble for my lord be like Nabal.^{(B) 27} Accept this gift^(C) your servant has brought to my lord, and let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. ²⁸ Please forgive your servant’s offense,^(D) for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord^(E) because he fights the Lord’s battles.^(F) Throughout your life, may evil^[d] not be found in you.^(G)

²⁹ “When someone pursues you and attempts to take your life, my lord’s life will be tucked safely in the place^[e] where the Lord your God protects the living. However, He will fling away your enemies’ lives like stones from a sling.^{(H) 30} When the Lord does for my lord all the good He promised and appoints you ruler over Israel,^{(I) 31} there will not be remorse or a troubled conscience for my lord because of needless bloodshed or my lord’s revenge. And when the Lord does good things for my lord, may you remember me your servant.”^(J)

³² Then David said to Abigail, “Praise to the Lord God of Israel,^(K) who sent you to meet me today! ³³ Your discernment is blessed, and you are blessed. Today you kept me from participating in bloodshed and avenging myself by my own hand.^(L)