Not Every Accusation Is Credible

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Kings 20-21

One of the events that demonstrated the worthlessness of King Ahab and the wickedness of his wife Jezebel occurred when Ahab wanted to acquire a vineyard that was owned by Naboth. Ahab initially offered to give Naboth a “better vineyard” in exchange for it, but Naboth refused to part with it because the vineyard was “the inheritance of [his] fathers” (1 Kings 21:2-3).

When Jezebel saw Ahab “sullen and vexed” over this (1 Kings 21:4), she promised to get the vineyard for him. However, her plan was not to offer an even “better” vineyard to Naboth. Instead, she conspired to have “two worthless men” accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king so that he could be taken out and stoned to death (1 Kings 21:8-10). This happened exactly according to her plan (1 Kings 21:11-14). After Naboth was dead, Ahab took possession of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:15-16).

It is amazing how often this type of thing happens. Many people immediately conclude that a person is guilty just because someone makes an accusation against them. However, there are times when innocent people are falsely accused. Too many are quick to join the wicked accusers rather than defend the innocent.

So remember that not every accusation is credible. Even two or more people may conspire together (as in the example with Jezebel) to distort the truth and bring harm to someone. Justice demands that we keep from getting swept away with the mob (whether in person or online) and join them in their attacks against someone who has done nothing wrong.