David turns to his rivals with a clear piece of advice: stop focusing on him and his actions, and instead channel that energy into repairing their own spiritual and moral lives [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This process of self-improvement demands an offering of righteousness, a concept understood in both a literal and a symbolic sense.
On a practical level, this refers to bringing peace offerings out of pure generosity and a willing heart, rather than out of an obligation for a specific sin or guilt [אבן עזרא]. These offerings are brought when a person's righteous nature becomes clear [מלבי״ם]. Even when sacrifices are made for past wrongs or rebellion, they require pure intentions and genuine repentance. They cannot be like the offerings of the wicked, who bring a sacrifice only to immediately return to their bad behavior [רד״ק, המאירי]. Alternatively, the idea of an offering is viewed as completely metaphorical. Rather than physical sacrifices, the requirement is to correct one's actions and live morally. God views this ethical living as if actual sacrifices were brought [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. A person should leave behind empty pursuits and simply thank God for the good He has given [אבן עזרא].
True spiritual repair also requires a deep shift in trust. Faith in God must replace reliance on human power. A person must depend entirely on God, rather than leaning on military strength or the sheer numbers of an army [רד״ק, המאירי]. Furthermore, this trust requires stepping away from corrupt financial motives. One should never sin or flatter powerful people, such as King Saul, in the hopes of receiving a monetary reward. Instead, a person should seek shelter in God and trust that He alone will provide [רש״י, מצודת דוד].
The relationship between correcting one's actions and trusting in God reveals the proper sequence of spiritual growth. Often, people try to set conditions with God, asking Him to grant them wealth and success first, with the promise that they will repent and focus on spiritual matters afterward. However, the proper approach reverses this equation. A person must take the first step by making sacrifices and fixing their behavior. Only after taking action should they trust that God will bring them good in the future. Ultimately, it is far more appropriate for a person to trust God after improving their ways than to expect God to grant blessings upfront while relying on a mere human promise to change [אלשיך].