Actions always have several consequences, and any
consequence usually has several causes. You may do just
one thing, but your actions have effects in many
different places. Actions are like throwing a stone into a
still, silent pond—the stone hits the water in one place,
but its effects move out in a circle and affect the surface
of the water in many places. Thus, your actions usually
have several effects, some perhaps obvious and
intended, and others less significant or unintended.
What is of little significance from your perspective may
be an important effect from another’s perspective. For
example, think of all the effects of David’s adultery with
Bathsheba. He hurt her, Uriah died, David and
Bathsheba’s son died—all direct effects of David’s
actions. David’s influence no doubt was a cause
contributing to his son, Amnon, raping Tamar. Thus,
David’s act probably was a cause that helped destroy
Tamar, made Absalom a murderer, and led to a
rebellion against David. So many dire consequences
from one impulsive act!