It is forbidden to embarrass or shame another person, even when offering rebuke.
This mitzvah forbids public shaming, considered by the Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) as akin to spilling blood. Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:8) explains that rebuke must never humiliate but be offered gently and in private. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 240) teaches that the Torah protects dignity by commanding rebuke with restraint. Rashi (Lev. 19:17) links the phrase “do not bear sin” to the prohibition of humiliating others in the process of correcting them. Ramban stresses that this mitzvah preserves both the honor of one’s fellow and the integrity of Torah values.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
Contrast with Rebuke (Mitzvah 16):
Parallel to Love of Fellow Jews (Mitzvah 13):
Guarding Human Dignity
Holiness Through Respect
Sin of Shaming Publicly
Repairing Relationships
Protecting the Vulnerable
Building Compassionate Communities
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Reflects mitzvot rooted in love—of G‑d, others, and the world we are entrusted to uplift.
Empathy in motion — responding to another’s pain with sensitivity, patience, and understanding. Whereas chesed gives broadly, rachamim responds gently, tailoring care to a person’s emotional or spiritual needs.
Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.
Mitzvot that uphold fairness, honesty, and moral responsibility. Justice is kindness structured — ensuring that society reflects G-d’s order through truth, equity, and accountability.
Practices that cultivate inner modesty and self-awareness. These mitzvot teach us to step back from ego, create space for others, and recognize our place before G-d.
Mitzvot that strengthen communal life — showing up, participating, supporting, and belonging. Community is where holiness is shared, prayers are multiplied, and responsibility becomes collective.
Mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, justice, and responsibility in human relationships. These actions build trust, dignity, and peace between people.
Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — expressions of devotion rooted in divine connection.
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