Why did David refer to himself as being poor and having no reputation?
1 Samuel 18:23 (ESV)
23And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?”
With this statement, David was confessing that he did not have money for a bride-price, certainly not a bride-price that would be appropriate for the daughter of the king. He also was not from a particularly prestigious family.
23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?”