Deuteronomy 1:39 introduces the idea often called the age of accountability, stating that the “little ones… have no knowledge of good or evil.”
This teaches that God evaluates people according to the understanding they possess. Children are not judged as adults are, because responsibility increases with maturity and awareness.
This principle also becomes a warning to those in positions of authority, civil, spiritual, or parental that greater knowledge brings greater accountability. When Jesus spoke to Pontius Pilate, He reminded him that his authority was “given from above,” meaning that every earthly leader answers to God. Jesus then added that the religious leaders who knowingly rejected truth carried the greater sin, establishing the biblical pattern that guilt is measured by understanding, intent, and responsibility.
This same theme is reflected in modern situations like that of Carly Gregg.
Her case involves complex layers of trauma, upbringing, influence, and emotional development. Regardless of the legal outcome, it highlights the sobering reality that God sees the full picture of a person’s life—their age, their experiences, the pressures placed upon them, and the truth they understood at the time of their actions. Where human courts can only judge actions, God judges circumstances, wounds, motives, and maturity.
Just as Scripture shows distinctions between lesser and greater accountability, Carly’s situation reminds us that earthly judgments are limited, but divine justice considers every hidden factor: what someone knew, what they were taught, what fears shaped them, and what influences guided or harmed them.
In the end, Jesus’ words remain true for every system of power—ancient or modern: earthly authority is temporary, limited, and often unable to see the whole truth, but God’s authority is perfect, and His understanding of each person’s heart is complete.
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