What Does the Bible Say About Tempting God? TWO lessons from Jesus and David

We recently received an interesting question about thrill-seekers and extreme risk-takers. What does the Bible say about Daredevils?

First of all, there is nothing wrong with taking risks if there is a meaningful purpose for the risk. A rescue team may often be in a position in which members of the team must place their own well-being, or even life, at risk in an attempt to save the life of another. This, if done for the right reasons, is honourable and an example of courage and selflessness.
If on the other hand serious risks are taken just for a thrill, or to impress someone else, such is foolhardy, selfish and disrespectful of those who love the individual and of God who created the person for an eventual great purpose.
There are several scriptures in the Bible that relate to this question. One example comes from the early life of King David, when he was in a precarious situation in a war with the Philistines.
"And David said with longing, "Oh, that someone would give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!" So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. . . . And he said, "Far be it from me, O my God, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For at the risk of their lives they brought it." Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men." (1 Chronicles 11:17-19)
David was offended that these men would risk their lives unnecessarily when it was not essential. Another example that we should not take unnecessary risks, thinking that God will protect us, is given by no less than Christ Himself, when He was tempted by Satan to put His Father to the test.
Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "if You are the Son of god, throw Yourself down from here." For it is written: 'He shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you,' " and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" and Jesus answered and said to him, "it has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " (Luke 4:9-12)
The Bible has many such statements teaching us not to be reckless. Thus being a daredevil, or taking unnecessary risk, is acting against the teaching of the Bible, and is displaying a lack of wisdom.

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