It’s time for another installment of unusual scriptures in Topical Guide. Here are some interesting verses regarding the word:
Accusation 
[Jude 1:9 KJV] 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
I’m having trouble sorting pronouns here. Who is “him”: Moses or the Devil? Let’s check another version, such as NLT (New Living Translation).
But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
Ok, that is much more clear. But why would an angel “not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy“? Isn’t the devil the author of all blasphemy?
Here’s another verse.
[2Peter 2:11 KJV] 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
That’s just not clear to me either. Let’s check NLT again.
But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings.
Ok, why are angels scared of calling blasphemy?
To me the context is one of not bringing judgement against a person, or persons, even though they be angels, and the person being the devil himself. This is in contrast to unrighteous people who “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” Jude 1:8, just previous.
In 2 Peter 2, the theme is the same: “10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities”
Those verses seem to be implying a very strict observation reserving judgmental pronouncements to God (which He may do through angels or prophets).
Just my two cents worth.
Glenn
Jared, here is a post perfectly suited to you. What say you?
Just saw this. How could I not take a moment and reply when mh extended a personal invitation.
I like what Hugh Nibley said:
There are four things you must never do. Joseph Smith
separately discusses four things. The first, of course,
is “to aspire.” Satan aspired, and that was his undoing.
Never aspire and never be ambitious. You don’t aspire in
this world if you’re going to get anything you want in the
next. Never accuse. Of course, Satan is “the accuser.” The
word DIABOLUS from which the name devil comes means
accuser. He is called “the accuser of his brethren” in the
scriptures. Adam said to Satan, “I will not bring a railing
accusation against thee. Let God judge between me and
thee.” Adam would not accuse Satan after what Satan
had done to him, you see. So we don’t accuse anybody, no
matter how guilty they are. Then you do not contend. The
first thing the Lord says to the Nephites is there shall be no
more contentions among you as there have been. This is
my gospel that there shall be no contentions. All contention
shall cease, for contention is not of me, but all contention is
of the devil who stirreth up the children of men to anger to
bloodshed and things like that [paraphrased]. So we never
contend and never coerce, if that’s the case. And those are
the four things that everybody wants to do today. Everybody
is aspiring to high office, and everybody accuses in order
to get it. Everybody contends; it’s a very contentious world
we live in, a competitive world. And we back it all up in the
end; the bottom line is force. We have to have the force,
coercion. We have all four things.
Selections from all Four Volumes
Teachings of the Book of Mormon
by Hugh W. Nibley
“So we don’t accuse anybody, no matter how guilty they are.”
Uh, I’ve seen lots of accusations made, in the bloggernacle as well as outside. In fact, there is a post on M* not too long ago telling everyone that they misinterpret “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”
I confess I don’t understand why we shouldn’t accuse the devil of blasphemy or any other sin when we blame him for all sin.
Jared – nice comment…
I think this raises interesting dichotomies in life.
One one hand we should not aspire (seek not for treasures etc) and yet we are told to become better – to aspire to be more Christlike
On one hand we are taught not to accuse (seek not the mote in thy brothers eye) and yet accusing forms part of our church disciplinary council regime (In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the council, D&C 102)
One one hand we should not contend (it is of the devil) and yet we are taught to “…build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths”.
One one hand we are taught not to coerce (D&C 121), however we speak of power and might, calling down the powers of heaven and “Dear sisters, we rely on the moral force you bring to the world, to marriage, to family, to the Church (Christofferson).
There are significant nuances in those aspects mentioned by Nibley. Being single minded can be good if you are doing the right things – like Nephi, for Example. Hitler was single minded to – there is good and bad in most attributes.
I haven’t read Nibley’s work you mentioned, but I would consider that life is a little more complex than “don’t contend” – if thats what he is saying. For example, I see the Church’s position on SSM as approaching contentiousness. Instructing us to actively debate, use social media, write to politicians, proactively take the opposite side in conferences and public events etc etc. If contention is “causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial” (Dictionary.com definition) I think we are close.
Back to the Angels and accusing… well, as mentioned above, anyone on a Disciplinary Council might have to take the ball up…
I certainly don’t have all the answers. But I will offer a few thoughts.
Aspiring and seeking to become God like can be very different depending on what is in ones heart. I suggest that aspiring at all cost to obtain some objective can be considered evil if it is done without integrity, honestly, and love.
I think this is what Satan did that started the war in heaven. He knew with certainty that God’s plan would provide the best outcome for all, but he wanted the honor without being willing to paid the price Christ was willing to pay.
On the other hand, Christ was willing to follow God’s will because He knew with certainty it would provide the best outcome for all, from the least to the greatest. His motives were pure and He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice without seeking glory.
The reason a railing accusation is dangerous, even forbidden is because it is evil.
When a church court is called on someone, the ideal is to help the individual repent, not rail against them. It is suppose to be a court of love.
Making accusations with the intent to belittle, smear, and condemn is making a railing accusation. That is Satan’s way, not Gods.
That is why righteous, not perfect individual will say “the Lord rebuke you”.
Jared that is nicely said.