DEUT520 If we hear that someone did or said something improper, we should not accept it as the absolute truth. The Chofetz Chayim cites the statement of the Rambam that from this verse we can see the dangers involved in taking words out of context. If we begin reading from the middle of this verse, we will read, "serve strange Gods," which is the exact opposite of what the Torah is telling us. So too when we hear that someone has broken or acted against us. Very often if we would hear the entire original statement, we would see that it was not meant to be malicious or spiteful. Therefore, let us give people the benefit of the doubt and judge them favorably. (B'air Mayim Chayim, positive commandment 3)