Another matter, “if he sacrifices it as a thanks offering” – that is what the verse said: “A fool proclaims his guilt” (Proverbs 14:9). Rabbi Yudan said: The fool articulates his guilt with his mouth and says: ‘Is it not a sin offering that I am liable to bring? Is it not a guilt offering that I am liable to bring?’12He minimizes his sin by saying that he is merely required to bring an offering and all is fine.
Rabbi Yudan said in the name of Rabbi Levi: These are people who conduct themselves permissively with maidservants in this world13They engage in sexual relations with maidservants, reasoning that at most they will bring the required offering and be forgiven. and the Holy One blessed be He hangs them by the crown of their heads in the future. That is what is written: “Indeed, God will crush the heads of His enemies, hairy skulls of those walking in their guilt” (Psalms 68:22).
All the people will say: Let that person go in his sin, let that person go in his sin. Another matter, “a fool proclaims his guilt,” this is one who brings his offering but does not gain atonement. What shall he do? He shall go to the tribe of Levi, in whose regard it is written: “He will sit refining and purifying silver and he will purify the sons of Levi…[and they will be for the Lord, presenters of an offering in righteousness]” (Malachi 3:3).
“But among the upright there is good will” (Proverbs 14:9), this is one who brings an offering not because of a sin; “if he sacrifices it as a thanks offering.”