7 Lessons from Saul’s Flaws

(Note:  Every year since we began publishing ThePreachersWord, we’ve taken a holiday break.  During this time, we reblog the top posts of the year.  This year we’re posting the top 10 most-read posts from 2025, regardless of the year of the original post.  This one, coming in at #7, goes back to March of 2013.

We’ve been watching the History Channel’s presentation of The Bible from Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett.  The reaction has been interesting.

Movie critics called it “fractious and overwrought,” “a further piece of evidence that drama and reverence don’t mix well,” and “a mini-series full of emoting that does not register emotionally.”

Predictably, the Christian Post and similar news outlets have hailed The Bible as “awesome,” inspiring, and “spot on.”

I’m somewhere in the middle.  I’m a visual person.  So, I like watching Bible films. Although they’ve missed some details and added others not in the Bible, I’ve enjoyed watching it so far.

Last night’s portrayal of King Saul was striking.  God records both the great men and women who trusted in Him, as well as those who were flawed and failed to be faithful.  Saul is one of the latter.

Years ago, I heard a leadership lesson by John Maxwell on Saul’s mistakes.  These seven points are based on that lesson.

Flaw #1: Saul made rash decisions and promises.   (1 Sam. 14:24; 24:16-22; 26:25)

He made a decree that anyone who touched food before a specific time would be killed.  When it came time to enforce it, he did not.  He rashly offered the sacrifice, not waiting for the prophet Samuel.  He made a bad decision by disobeying God in sparing Agag and the spoils of war.

Saul was foolhardy, reckless, and irresponsible.  Not good qualities for someone seeking God’s favor. 

Flaw #2: He Was Overly Influenced by Others’ Opinions. (I Sam. 13:8-9; 14:44-45; 25:24; 15:27,30

To keep His army happy, Saul usurped Samuel’s position. He reneged on his vows.  He disobeyed the direct command of God.  He was afraid of not being honored by the people.

When we care more about people’s opinion of us than God’s favor, we are in trouble.

Flaw #3: He vacillated Between Self-Depreciation and Self-Glorification.

The Bible shows the severe swing in his moods and attitude.  At first, he was aware of his humble origin, but later built a moment to himself (1 Sam. 15:12). On one hand, he doubted and seemed unsure of himself; at other times, he was prideful and disdainful.

Both extremes are a recipe for spiritual failure.

Flaw #4:  He Often Showed Little or No Interest in the Things of God.

Jefferson Scott said, “Saul has never said anything resembling a personal relationship with God.”   As you read Samuel and as I watched The Bible, it is apparent that Saul did not show the close relationship to God that Abraham, Moses, or Joshua did.

There is danger for Christians to confuse our knowledge of God with really knowing God. Growing close to God. Developing intimacy with God.

Flaw #5:  He Couldn’t Handle Anyone Receiving More Praise than He Did.

Saul was a jealous man. Most notably in his attitude toward  David.  (I Sam. 18;7, 8) John Maxwell is fond of saying, “There is no success without a successor.”  King Saul clearly did not want to see David as his successor.

It is often said that “The people’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.”  Saul did not empower God’s chosen successor. It hurt Israel. David.  And Saul himself.  Don’t allow the sins of envy and jealousy to hurt your work in the Kingdom.

Flaw #6:  He Doubted the Loyalty of Those Closest to Him and Drove Them Away.

This is true of David, as well as his son Jonathan and his daughter Michal.  Because Saul lived a life that didn’t justify their loyalty, he didn’t receive it.  Or deserve it.

“Travel the high road” is good advice in relationships.  Men and women seeking to influence others for God’s cause must be honest, open, and loyal.

Flaw #7: He Failed To Show Courage When Challenged by His Enemies