The statement from the lawgiver, “You shall have no mercy on the poor in judgement” (Exodus 23:3), should not be interpreted as cruelty, as some might think, but as an embodiment of humanity and justice. This principle achieves two significant objectives: it deters the impoverished from intruding into the matters of others, and it instills a sense of fear in those who render unjust judgments, favoring the wealthy in their triumph. If even those who strive against the relentless and overpowering force of poverty, when they voice grievances rather than humble requests, cannot expect assistance, then certainly those who, amidst great abundance, offend the less fortunate are even less deserving.
Because a person in need requires a helping hand, and a party in a dispute requires a fair adjudicator, the lawgiver designates that the beggar should avoid engaging in legal matters and instead seek help. If a person, instead of earnestly requesting assistance, resorts to slanderous accusations, they cannot claim the right to mercy in court. Thus, it is proclaimed: “Thou shalt not have mercy on the poor in the court.” Pardon should be granted not to the one who decides, but rather to the one who humbly asks. If the beggar accuses rather than requests, mercy should be prioritized over strict justice to avoid violating the essence of justice itself.
The individual who misuses their poverty for malevolent purposes and revels in creating disputes not only loses their claim to mercy but also invites disdain. They ought to plead quietly, yet they choose instead to make complaints. This is why the Source of truth does not extend mercy to them, prohibiting such complaints. If they dare to take on the role of a litigant, abandoning proper conduct as a supplicant, let justice be upheld by the one who judges them. The one against whom the complaint is made, having prevailed, may extend mercy to the vanquished, but the judge is bound to act in accordance with justice. The lawgiver, aiming to restrain both the unquenchable thirst for power and the inclination of poverty to meddle in others' affairs, has rightly stated: “You shall have no mercy on the poor in court.” This command does not promote inhumanity but seeks to guard against wrongdoing, ensuring that poverty is not distorted into a tool for malevolence. By forbidding the acquittal of a beggar who contends with poverty, the indefatigable beast, he also mitigates the greed of the affluent.
THEOSIS