“Pointing the finger” is an action of blaming, reprimanding, or warning, and worse, a gesture of contempt. Who can forget how President Clinton used it to scold his accusers. And recently, during a Republican debate, Rick Perry pointed condescendingly at Ron Paul.
Finger pointing is as old as Adam who pointed the finger at Eve who pointed the finger at the serpent. It is natural to want to "wag your finger" to point out someone else's error, to justify yourself. Or, to shift the blame when you feel threatened.
"Finger pointing" is soundly condemned by God (Is. 58:9) because of what it is. But He promises if we stop pointing at others, and instead, ask Him to point out our faults, He will bring our relationships to the point of restoration. (Is 58:9-12). Then, instead of pointing at people, we can point people to God, which is really the point of our salvation, isn't it!
