14. Occasions of speech. Literally, “lay wanton charges.” It is only a mean and selfish man who will falsely accuse his wife and ruin her reputation simply to secure the “legal” right to cast her off. Such a man should be publicly chastised ( 18). Compare Num. 14:36, 37; Deut. 19:18, 19 on God’s attitude toward a lying report.
Not a maid. The word translated “maid” is the true term for a virgin in the absolute sense. The verse reads literally, “and not did I find in respect to her virginity.” For the same noun see 15, 17, 20 (see also Lev. 21:13; etc.).