Deviant Behavior

The Torah describes three different types of deviant behavior that we must recognize and expose. There is the false prophet, the one who incites, and the condemned city.

The false prophet or נביא שקר, represents the charismatic leader who is really a demagogue. People may seem him as a visionary or statesman. They must be smart enough to see through him, and realize that his agenda is not for the sake of Heaven. He must be exposed and destroyed.

The one who incites is usually a relative or close friend. Because of this closeness, his heretical ideas are given credibility. He convinces his family and friends that they should consider his enlightened viewpoint. The reality is that listening to him will turn him away from the Torah.

The condemned city, or עיר הנידחת, refers to a person who is swept away by the attitudes of the masses. He is a follower and not a leader. The ideas that are expressed are not Torah and must be shown for what they are; complete nonsense.

Society today presents us with many obstacles that could easily allow us to go astray. We must beware of the demagogues and those who incite. And we must not blindly follow just because others are doing it.