He refused to punish Israelites who spoke out against his kingship, even though he could have felt justified in defending his God - given position.
فَقَدِ ٱسْتَهَلَّ شَاوُلُ مُلْكَهُ بِنَظْرَةٍ مُتَوَاضِعَةٍ وَمُحْتَشِمَةٍ إِلَى نَفْسِهِ .‏