2 Samuel 12:1-7
Nathan had to teach David the seriousness and repulsiveness of his concealed sins by seeing it mirrored in someone else. God often uses negative behaviors in people with whom we come in contact to reflect the hideousness of our sins. Like so many faults I see in others, they are often mirrors of my own shortcomings and failings. The problem when I use others' proverbial specks as mirrors of my planks is that I fail to reflect upon the warning etched on the bottom: “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.”
Nathan confronted David, who remained unrepentant at least nine months after his adultery and murder, as the child was already born. Proud, self-righteous, and corrupted by power, David believed himself unassailable as God's chosen, so Nathan had to show him his concealed sins mirrored in another. David condemned the rich man for having no pity (hamal: compassion, mercy, an inclination to spare), yet his own heart had hardened; he exploited those beneath him as expendable. He despised (bzh) God's commandments and God Himself. Nathan showed courage, risking death. Through this intervention, "the God of my salvation" pulled David back from his arrogance. Likewise, faults seen in others often mirror one's own: "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear."