Judging Others Favorably: The Jewish Path to Compassion, Peace, and Divine Mercy

One of the Torah’s positive commandments, “Judge your fellow with righteousness” (Vayikra 19:15), obligates every person to judge others favorably. According to many halachic authorities, this is not merely an act of kindness, but aTorah obligation.

Rabbi Genachowsky (the Rosh Yeshiva of Tchebin) wrote: “This mitzvah is neither simple nor easy. It is not merely a pious act, but a true and binding commandment.”

Learning to view others through a lens of understanding is, therefore, not optional — it is a moral duty that defines one’s spiritual maturity.

God Desires Defenders, Not Accusers

The Midrash Devarim Rabbah (3:15) teaches: “Moshe said before God: Master of the Universe, I know that You love Your children, and You seek only those who will defend them.”

God’s will is that we advocate for others, not condemn them. Speaking favorably of others aligns us with the Divine attribute of mercy.

God Rebukes Even the Righteous for Criticizing Israel

The Pele Yoetz notes that even great prophets were reprimanded by God for speaking harshly about Israel:

• Eliyahu HaNavi was punished for declaring, “I have been zealous for the Lord… for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant.”

• Yeshayahu was disciplined for saying, “I dwell among a people of unclean lips.”

• Moshe was rebuked for saying, “They will not believe me.”

In contrast, Gideon was rewarded and chosen to lead Israel precisely because he defended them, as God told him: “Go with this strength of yours and save Israel” — the strength of your advocacy.

Words Awaken Forces in Heaven

The Pele Yoetz explains the profound reason why God wants people to speak well of others: “Whatever a person says creates an impression and stirs forces in Heaven. When one speaks critically, he awakens prosecutors; but when one speaks in defense, he arouses advocates.”

Our speech literally influences spiritual realities. Every word of compassion creates defenders above.

How to Judge Sinners Favorably

When hearing others speak negatively about Jews or individuals, the Pele Yoetz urges: “Respond by defending them. Say: What can one do and not sin? Poverty leaves no good trait untouched. Exile weakens the spirit. Living among other nations teaches bad habits. Human nature is inclined toward evil. Many sin out of ignorance or by mistake.”

This approach doesn’t deny wrongdoing — it seeks context, compassion, and understanding, and recognizing human struggle.

A Precious Trait That Brings Peace

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch wrote: “Judge every person favorably, for it is a noble and precious trait. It prevents conflict and brings peace to the world. One who practices it will be judged favorably from Heaven, gaining advocates who defend him above. This silences accusers and increases the honor of Heaven. God loves such a person and shows him special affection.”

The way we see others shapes how Heaven sees us.

Be Especially Careful with Those in Distress or the Deceased

The Pele Yoetz adds a warning: “When someone is suffering, be especially careful to defend him and not mention his sins. Never say: ‘He brought this upon himself,’ for Satan prosecutes most fiercely in times of danger.”

He extends this caution even to the deceased: “One must also be careful not to speak negatively about those who have passed away, for they are standing in judgment.”

Like a Father Who Wants His Children Defended

The author of Yesod v’Shoresh HaAvodah compares God to a loving father: “Just as a father desires that people speak kindly of his son — even if he has gone astray, so too, God wants people to defend His children and judge them favorably. And if a father becomes angry at one who criticizes his son, how much more so does the Creator, who is good and kind to all, rejoice when His children are spoken of with compassion.”

By speaking well of others, we become partners in Divine kindness.

God Loves Those Who Awaken Mercy on Israel

The Chofetz Chaim teaches: “A person must guard his soul from speaking against the Jewish people. Instead, he should accustom himself to arouse mercy and mention their virtues. Such a person becomes beloved before God.”

He cites the Talmud (Yoma 77a): when the angel Gavriel defended Israel before God, the Almighty said, “Who is this who speaks favorably of My children? Bring him within the inner chamber.”

The Talmud adds: “Whoever judges his fellow favorably — Heaven will judge him favorably.” The Chofetz Chaim concludes: “See how great God’s kindness is — He accepts every defense spoken on behalf of others.”

Judge Yourself Favorably, Too

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (Likutei Moharan) adds a powerful psychological insight: “A person must also find even a small amount of good within himself and judge himself favorably. Through this, he will truly come to be judged favorably and be inspired to return to goodness.”

Self-compassion is not weakness — it is the foundation of genuine growth.

The Transformative Power of Seeing Good

Judging others favorably is not naïveté — it is an act of spiritual courage. It demands empathy, restraint, and the willingness to look deeper than appearances. Each time we defend another, we shift both earthly and heavenly energies toward compassion and peace.

To see the good in others — even when it is hidden, is to mirror the way God sees the world.