Jeremiah 40:16

Jer 40:16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah, Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.

Ver. 16. Thou shalt not do this thing. ] This just man would not have any man die indicta causa, before his cause had been heard, were he never so wicked.

For thou speakest falsely of Ishmael. ] So Gedaliah thought, but it proved otherwise. Ishmael is pleaded for, but without cause. Queen Elizabeth complained that in truth she had oft found treason; so shall all princes, who therefore had need to be very cautious, and yet not overly credulous. King’s craft is not easily learned.