4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.
4 "You have not cheated or oppressed us," they replied. "You have not taken anything from anyone's hand."
4 They said, "You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man's hand."
4 "Oh no," they said, "never. You've never done any of that - never abused us, never lined your own pockets."
4 And they said, "You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man's hand."
4 "No," they replied, "you have never cheated or oppressed us, and you have never taken even a single bribe."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:4
Commentary on 1 Samuel 12:1-5
(Read 1 Samuel 12:1-5)
Samuel not only cleared his own character, but set an example before Saul, while he showed the people their ingratitude to God and to himself. There is a just debt which all men to their own good name, especially men in public stations, which is, to guard it against unjust blame and suspicions, that they may finish their course with honour, as well as with joy. And that we have in our places lived honestly, will be our comfort, under any slights and contempt that may be put upon us.