Our scripture text occurs during a trying time in the life of David. Rebellion had destroyed his family and his son had led a large portion of the people away from David and sought to kill him. David could have stayed and fought and would have likely won, but instead he elected to leave and save the pain and heartache that fighting would have caused. Shimei is led by a sprit of revenge and calls David out as he leaves the city. Shimei’s sprit will always attack when we are down and weak. David’s men wanted to kill Shimei, but David stayed them because he knew that God had a hand in the situation. Every one of us will encounter a Shimei in life. Their only purpose is to stir up problems and throw stones and kick up dirt. They have no respect for leadership; they are quick to descend upon someone who is down like vultures. Bro. Hughes tells us that we have lessons to learn from David. First David was willing to leave the city rather than see it destroyed. When Shimei began to cast stones, David accepted it as the hand of God. By doing this, he took a weapon out of his enemy’s hand. If we can learn to do that, we will steal Devil’s joy away from beating us down. Rather than responding in anger, David asks what God was trying to tell him. Shimei sprits can throw dirt, but they cannot accept direction. Later in the bible, Shimea lost his life because he did not realize that God’s word was true. Every Shimei sprit will have their day of reckoning. This story teaches us that no matter what, we have to forgive the Shimeis in our life. Finally, we learn from David, that Shimeis can throw stones and kick up dirt, but they cannot stop us in our journey. David simply moved on and ignored Shimei and continued on his journey. Walk on, keep our head up and let God deal with Shimei.