BIBLICAL HISTORY TELLS mankind that THE PHARISEES were a significant religious group in ancient Judaism during the Second Temple period, particularly from around the second century B.C. to the first century A.D. They are known for their emphasis on ritual purity, strict adherence to the Law (Torah), and oral tradition.
THE NAME “PHARISEE” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “SEPARATED,” reflecting their commitment to being distinct from Gentile practices and influences. The Pharisees played a crucial role in shaping Jewish religious thought and were influential figures in the early Christian movement, often criticized for their legalistic approach to Judaism.
THE NEW TESTAMENT presents several portraits of Pharisees in interaction with Jesus. These encounters highlight both the Pharisees’ dedication to applying the Law and their frequent tendency to focus on external righteousness. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces “woes” upon the Pharisees, citing their emphasis on tithing and ritual correctness while neglecting “justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). The Gospels emphasize that such an imbalance could lead to hypocrisy—adhering strictly to outward forms of piety while missing God’s call to humility and love.
ONE EMBLEMATIC EXAMPLE of their rivalry with Jesus emerges in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). The Pharisee prays about his own righteousness, contrasting himself with the tax collector who humbly asks for mercy. This contrast demonstrates the crucial biblical principle that God values contrition of heart over merit-based religious formalism.
Weah Jibes at Boakai, Claims Credit for Major National Projects, Sparks Controversy
OVER THE WEEKEND, former President George Weah stirred fresh political controversy after he delivered a fiery speech at the dedication of a new facility under his Royal Communications network, where he defended his legacy and made sweeping claims about his contributions to national development.
SPEAKING SUNDAY, WEAH pushed back against criticism of his administration, insisting that many of the country’s existing development gains – particularly in infrastructure and public services – can be traced to his ‘personal and presidential interventions’.
ONE OF HIS most striking claims centered on the University of Liberia, where he asserted that he provided the institution’s first-ever bus. “Since 1847… the first bus that the University of Liberia received, I bought it,” Weah declared, drawing immediate attention and skepticism across political and public circles.
HE WENT FURTHER to deflect criticism over current conditions at the university, placing responsibility on institutional leadership rather than national government. “If the university doesn’t have a bus, what are the leaders of the university doing?” he asked.
Defending Legacy, Rejecting Criticism
THROUGHOUT HIS REMARKS, the former President positioned himself as a misunderstood leader whose contributions are being deliberately downplayed. “We have to be responsible… don’t fabricate things,” he said, warning critics against what he described as misinformation about his record.
WEAH ALSO HIGHLIGHTED his role in national reconstruction and social support, recounting his involvement in assisting students, funding education, and supporting institutions even before entering politics. “Everything I’ve done in my life is a success story,” he asserted.
HOWEVER, THE REMARKS have not gone unanswered. Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saywhar Nana Gbaa, issued a sharp rebuttal, questioning the consistency of Weah’s claims and narrative. “Can you tell your audience that the sick man sent you brand new cars as your entitlement?” Gbaa said in a pointed response. “How come his own entitlement turned to charity from you? One minute you were rich, another 24 hours you were poor—can’t comprehend your inconsistencies. You come cuss me,” she added.
The Call former Statesmen to be Statesmen
ONE OF THE former President’s statements that caught the attention of the public was: “The only sensible person that believe that I am an enemy and I say let me take you to the hospital and they say yes, da Joseph Boakai.”
MANY LIBERIANS AND social media users have branded former President Weah’s statement as unfortunate and likened it to those of the Pharisees of the old biblical days. One user opined: “The statement made by former President Weah is unfortunate and beneath the dignity of a former president. Mr. Weah, it is important to remind you that acts of kindness – especially helping someone access medical care – should never be weaponized for political point-scoring or used to embarrass the very person you assisted. If the gesture was genuine, it should have remained private, not repackaged as a public jab or applause.”
ACCORDING TO THE user, “giving and then reminding the world of it is not true leadership. True leadership is about service without expectation, compassion without publicity, and maturity in how we treat others – even perceived enemies. Reducing a humanitarian act to a talking point comes across as petty and self-serving. Liberians expect more from those who have held the highest office—restraint, humility, and a commitment to elevating the national discourse, not dragging it down with comments that sound more personal than presidential.”
The Liberian Post (TLP) likes to caution former President George Weah about government’s projects under his administration – that government is continuity and had it not been so, no country would have developed. What is the use of pinpointing and claiming glory, but you can’t claim glory when it comes to economic mishaps or other shortcomings that befell the country under your stewardship? This exactly the case of the Pharisees the Holy Books referenced that they valued hypocrisy over realism.
THE FORMER PRESIDENT used the occasion to broaden effort to reshape public perception of his presidency, while positioning himself and his political bloc ahead of future electoral cycles. Observers note that his emphasis on personal contributions – rather than institutional processes – marks a deliberate strategy to reconnect with grassroots supporters. At the same time, critics argue that some of his claims require verification and risk distorting historical records.
THE EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS a deepening political divide, with both sides increasingly willing to engage in direct and personal rebuttals.
AS LIBERIA’S POLITICAL space begins to heat up ahead of future elections, Sunday’s remarks – and the swift government response – underscore a familiar pattern: the battle over legacy, accountability, and narrative is far from over. But let all stakeholders be reminded that this battle must be clear of hypocrisy, deceit and falsehood. as well as thoughts of the old day Pharisees, who saw nothing wrong about themselves even the when the facts and writings on the walls were glaring for all to see.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
