Holy Bible Online 
David is known for being a man after God's own heart. However, the Bible speaks of both his victories and his failures. David was an ordinary boy, tending his father’s sheep and living in a humble village.
The young redhead was not exuberant nor did he have the height of Saul. It was not his physical attributes that caught God's attention, but his heart.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- 1 Samuel 16:7
God scrutinized David's heart and knew that, despite his imperfections, his love for God was deep and real. We can see this in the characteristics mentioned about him in the Bible.
The following verses reflect traits of David's behavior that show how he became a man after God's own heart.
Notable Characteristics of David
A Humble Heart
My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
- Psalm 131:1
David, despite being a king, had a humble heart. In all his successes, David always made it clear that his victory came from the Lord of Hosts. Even with all the splendor of a king, David was not ostentatious and never humiliated his people.
Sincere Before God
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
- Psalm 51:2-3
David recognized his weaknesses and was not afraid to present them before God. He knew that nothing is hidden from God. This honest and sincere relationship drew the Lord's heart. By acknowledging his weaknesses, David sought to rise with the strength that comes from God, not by his own power.
David Acknowledged His Mistakes
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.
- 2 Samuel 12:13
David became infatuated with Bathsheba, Uriah's wife (2 Samuel 11:2-3). As king, he arranged for Uriah to die in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-15). The prophet Nathan revealed his intentions, and David acknowledged his error before God. Even so, he suffered the consequences of his sin - he lost a son, and from that point forward, his family situation became very complicated and troubled.
He Put His Abilities to God's Service
Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
- 1 Samuel 16:23
David was a talented musician and knew how to play the harp. He wrote 73 psalms, nearly half of the psalms in the biblical book of Psalms. Even when Saul was king, David used his skill with the harp to drive away evil spirits. David used all his talent to worship the Lord.
He Took Time to Hear God's Voice
so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
- 1 Chronicles 14:10
David always sought God's direction in the strategic decisions of his government. For David, God's guidance was the most important thing before making any decision.
David Was a True Worshiper
David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets,harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.
- 2 Samuel 6:5
A true worshiper rejoices in doing God's will. When David successfully brought the Ark of the Covenant back, he was so happy that he danced with all his might. In the Psalms, we can also find dozens of praises and songs written by him. Praise and worship to God were a true lifestyle for him.
He Understood That Everything Comes from God
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
- Psalm 23:1
David was very clear in his heart that everything comes from the Lord. Prosperity is part of God's grace, and David knew this. Even with all his power as a ruler, David understood that every blessing he received was by God's grace.
How to Be a Person After God's Own Heart?
Just like David, we can all be servants after God's own heart. To do this, we must surrender our own hearts as an offering to the Lord. We need to stop walking according to our will and move forward according to God's will. This surrender attracts God's heart:
And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9
Do you want to please God in everything you do? Develop a humble and sincere heart before God, worship the Lord with all your being, use your abilities for His glory, and take time to hear God's voice. As He molds you and guides your life, your trust in Him will grow, as will your desire to live for Him.
Be a Man After God's Own Heart.
Read more biblical stories and learn about other characters: