2 Samuel 16:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth— David, too rashly credulous, although of an unsuspected servant against the son of a tried friend, and too hastily resenting his imagined ingratitude, immediately concluded Mephibosheth a traitor, who had forfeited his whole fortune; and accordingly bestowed the forfeiture upon his informer; verifying that fine observation of Seneca, that "kings give many things with covered eyes, especially in time of war." Delaney. Note; (1.) Many, like Ziba, affect to be very generous of what is not their own. (2.) A servant's lying tongue is the frequent cause of sad discord in families. (3.) The presents of a knave are to be regarded as snares. (4.) An ill-intended design God can over-rule, to answer a good purpose. (5.) Rash judgment opens a door for after-shame and repentance. (6.) To turn a deaf ear to slander is always wise, and to hear at least both parties before we condemn.