1 Samuel 24:9-16

9Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?

10This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’

11Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

12“May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.

13As that old proverb says, ‘From evil people come evil deeds.’ So you can be sure I will never harm you.

14Who is the king of Israel trying to catch anyway? Should he spend his time chasing one who is as worthless as a dead dog or a single flea?

15May the Lord therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!”

16When David had finished speaking, Saul called back, “Is that really you, my son David?” Then he began to cry.