Commentators observe that Jeremiah told a partial truth to the princes. John Calvin views this as a moment of human weakness, where even a great prophet spoke evasively out of "extreme fear." He suggests this reminds us to seek unwavering courage from God. Other scholars note that while it was an evasion, it was also a prudent act of self-preservation in a dangerous situation, and Jeremiah was not obligated to reveal a private conversation.