Another explanation for Nabal's name is that Rabbi Yehuda said in the name of Rabbi Shmuel that he made the entire world into "nabalot," meaning foolishness. He built houses of thorns and houses of destruction, houses of prostitution, and houses of idolatry. Rabbi Huna said that the Land of Israel became "nablatain" (as the word is used in the feminine form) because of the wickedness of the people of Israel, as it says, "They gave your servants' food to the birds of the sky" (1 Samuel 25:11).Rabbi Abba said that Nabal was vile because he erected a monument in front of the door of a prostitute and in front of public baths and latrines.
This is what is meant by the verse, "Your wickedness has turned you away, your own arrogance has made you stumble" (Jeremiah 2:19).Rabbi Yaakov said that the Lord will sing over the wicked like "nabolot" that are plucked from the tree, as it says, "The sons of foreigners will serve me" (Psalm 18:46). Rabbi Simon said that Nabal was Laban, and he was judged as Laban was judged. Just as Nabal was deceitful, so was Laban.
Concerning such people, Solomon said, "Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but for those who plan peace, there is joy" (Proverbs 12:20). To whom did the Lord grant peace to Israel? As it says, "The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace" (Psalm 29:11).