Proliferation Of False Accusers

"Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness." (Isa. 58: 9)

What is meant by "pointing the finger"? That it includes the idea of falsely accusing is certain. But, it may also mean, as in our day, "giving one the finger" (the "f...you" in sign language where the middle finger is up). Albert Barnes notes this in his commentary on the passage. 

Commented John Calvin:

"And the pointing of the finger. This includes every kind of attack; for we are said to “point the finger,” when we threaten our neighbors, or treat them cruelly, or offer any violence."

Those who point the finger are those who are quick to accuse. These are they who know the black art of "smear tactics." They know the power of accusation. They know how to slander, how to mock, how to ridicule, in achieving their ends. Oh how full is the world today with finger pointers and false accusers!

Especially on the liberal left do we see frequent accusations of innocent people being labeled as "racist," and with many other such derogatory labels. False accusers have always been since the fall of man, yet their proliferation today is surely a sign of how bad things are in America and the world. 

It is similar to the era of "McCarthyism," when many were falsely accused of being "Communist" and when a mere accusation was sufficient to ruin reputations and provoke fear (for once accused, one had to prove his innocence). This reversed our historic democratic model that says that a citizen is presumed innocent till proven guilty. If you are a man who is accused of sexual harassment or assault, the accusers are instantly believed, no matter what the evidence, and the man must then prove his innocence. Other examples could be given.

Paul said that "false accusers" will be a super majority in the "perilous times" preceding the day of the Lord. (II Tim. 3: 3) 

Christ was constantly accused. (Luke 23: 2) Christ's enemies watched him regularly so that they might find occasion to accuse him. (Matt. 12: 10; Mark 3: 2; etc.)

Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren." (Rev. 12: 10) Solomon said:

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish." (Prov. 19: 9)

John the Baptist spoke of the sin of falsely accusing others.

"And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages." (Luke 3: 14) 

Paul was accused. (Acts 24: 2, 8, 13) More than once too. Peter warned the first Christians:

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." (I Peter 3: 16)

All these false accusers are "sons of Belial," little devils who knew how to lie and deceive, how to falsely accuse. The meaning of the Greek word "diabolos" (devil) means false accuser or slanderer. Every false accuser is a devil.

People who falsely accuse are liars and sowers of strife and division and the bible likewise has much to say in condemnation of these people.