Far from remaining silent, prophets and priests repeatedly challenged kings whose actions endangered justice and the welfare of the people. The Prophet Ahijah confronted King Jeroboam over idolatry and warned that his dynasty would fall because he had led Israel away from God. He denounced the hypocrisy of religious leaders, drove exploitative traders from the Temple and consistently defended the poor and marginalized. Religious leaders who call attention to these realities are not violating their calling. For when the conscience of a nation falls silent, power begins to speak without restraint, and that is when democracy itself is placed at risk.