Conviction in an Age of Convenience

According to Merriam-Webster, a grifter is “a person who swindles or cheats others through deception or fraud.” The word comes from graft, an old slang term for dishonest gain. Traditionally, it referred to a con artist, someone who manipulates others for personal profit.

Today, a grifter is often used to describe a public figure who shifts principles, loyalties, or convictions depending on what is most useful or profitable at the moment. The focus is no longer only on fraud, but on flexibility without principles. The question becomes less “What is true?” and more “What works for me right now?”

We see this pattern across media personalities, politicians, entertainers, and even religious leaders. Positions and convictions once held and stated with certainty are walked back and abandoned. Yesterday’s critic is today’s supporter and today’s supporter might be tomorrow’s critic, all depending on what the audience and opportunity want, what drives engagement or helps the bottom line.

In today’s media world, too many commentators shift positions to chase clicks, followers, ratings, access, or political influence.  Just this week, Tucker Carlson, after decades as one of the most prominent voices on the right, announced that he is leaving the Republican party, citing serious disagreements over its direction and the war with Iran. This isn’t a principled stand or statement; it’s just the latest pivot from a person who can make your head spin with how quickly and radically he changes his opinions and loyalties.

He is far from the only one.  Megyn Kelly, consistent with her recent ideological shift, sharply criticized President Trump’s approach to the Iran conflict, expressing regret for voting for him and supporting him.  Until the opportunity to host Vice President Vance on her show arose, and then she suddenly became a supporter of President Trump again.

Changing one’s mind is not the issue. Everyone can, and in some cases should, change their mind when appropriate. The question is what drives it, conviction or convenience?

For grifters, positions shift with public mood. Strong statements are softened when they become inconvenient.

Judaism makes a clear distinction here. There is a place for honest reassessment. We are expected to think, learn, grow and correct ourselves when we are wrong. But there is a difference changing because we have grown or because we are grifting.

Balaam, the Biblical Grifter

Though no prophet like Moses ever arose among the Jewish people, one did arise among the non-Jewish nations -- and that was Balaam. His prophetic powers matched those of Moses himself. Yet Jewish tradition lists him among those who forfeit their share in the World to Come. He was both extraordinarily gifted and deeply corrupt.

How does someone on that level fall so far?

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt”l points to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a), which connects the name Balaam to “bli am” בלא עם— “without a people.” Balaam was not rooted in anything. He had no real loyalty or commitment. His blessings and curses could be purchased by the highest bidder. We tend to think of Bilam as someone specifically out to get the Jews but there is no evidence that he was guided by ideology, justice or moral responsibility. He had ability, but not allegiance.

In that sense, Balaam was the original grifter. He had extraordinary gifts, but no anchor. He attached himself to whoever offered him the most benefit. He was a man without a people.

Moses, a Man of Conviction

Moses was the opposite. God testifies about him, “In all My house he is the most trustworthy” (Numbers 12:7). Moses is defined by loyalty and faithfulness. He stands with his people even when it is difficult. He defends them when they fail. He challenges them when they need it. He does not leave them when things are hard.

Balaam only had talent. Moses also had trustworthiness and principles, and in the end, that’s what matters.

Moses belongs to his people and they can rely on him. That is the difference between talent and character. Balaam only had talent. Moses also had trustworthiness and principles, and in the end, that’s what matters.

Sometimes it would be easier and more profitable to shift. But being a Jew is about consistency and sticking to your values, whether it’s convenient or not.  It is about being someone whose word can be trusted and whose values do not change with the moment.

We may not stand to gain financially by changing our appearance or our opinions, but we do live in a world where there is often a perceived benefit in minimizing the visible signs of our Jewish identity or staying quiet about our values and principles.  The temptation is to blend in, to avoid attention, to say less and be seen less. But that is not our calling.

Don’t be a Balaam who detaches from his people when it is inconvenient or costly. Be a student of Moses, who stood with his nation and stood for truth, choosing principle over profit and faithfulness over favor.