Showing Partiality in Judgment Is Not Good but Reproof Brings Blessing

Midrash Mishlei 24:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

(Proverbs 24:23): "These also are for the wise: to show partiality in judgment is not good" - from here Solomon informed the wise so that they would not show partiality in judgment. Why? "Is not good." How so? If a wicked man was standing in judgment, and he was a man of wealth, do not show him favor in judgment because of his wealth, for all will curse him and say to him, 'Woe to this one who lost his life, and he shows him favor because he is a man of wealth,' as it is said (Proverbs 24:24): "He who says to the wicked, 'You are righteous' - peoples will curse him, nations will denounce him." But if he rebukes in judgment, he brings upon himself good blessings, as it is said (Proverbs 24:25): "But to those who rebuke it will be pleasant, and upon them will come a good blessing." What is written after it? (Proverbs 24:26): "He kisses the lips who gives a right answer." Rabbi Levi said: these are words of reproof; this is what is written (Proverbs 8:9): "They are all plain to one who understands, and right to those who find knowledge."

Themes

Divine JusticeJudgmentSpeech

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