1 Samuel 12:3
Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
The verse is Samuel's open summons to all Israel to bear witness against him before the Lord and before the anointed king if he had done any wrong. He makes the appeal with confidence that his record can stand examination before God and the king.
He demands to know whose ox or ass or other property he has taken, whom he has defrauded or oppressed, and from whose hand he has received any bribe to blind his eyes and corrupt his judgment. He pledges to restore and make restitution for anything wrongfully taken.
His work as judge and leader over Israel was thus marked by strict integrity and purity, and his administration by integrity and wisdom, without turning his authority to personal gain. His public challenge vindicated the integrity and purity of his leadership. The people confirmed his claim, answering that he had wronged no one and had taken nothing from anyone's hand.
The verse therefore stands as a standard of blameless conduct that cannot be claimed by a man whose harsh words and actions harm his own family to defend his course. Such a man has not the freedom from fault that Samuel could appeal to, and cannot use Samuel's example as a cover.