If the Word of God is going to be our guide, is there any truth to the notion that past circumstances are partially responsible for present behavior? The answer is yes—at least to a point. Scripture does not shy away from the topic of previous sins and past suffering. Adonijah’s mutinous rebellion is connected to David’s parental passivity (1 Kgs 1:5–6). Hophni and Phinehas blasphemed partially because their father did not stop them (1 Sam 2:12; 3:11–14). Joseph’s brothers were ruled by fear because