Rashi explains that Hashem does not scrutinize the sins of Bnei Yisrael. He attempts to look away from their iniquities as much as possible. Horav D. Kronglas, z.l., questions Rashi’s statement based upon various instances in the Talmud in which it is clearly stated that Hashem does, in fact, scrutinize our sins. He cites specific cases in which it is clear that oversight is not one of Hashem’s attributes; on the contrary, He is very exacting in His judgement.
Horav Kronglas explains this contradiction in the following manner. People tend to have two distinct standards for judgement: one for their friends and one for those who are not their friends. When one sees his friend engaged in an activity of a questionable nature or hears some form of slander concerning him, he will seek every opportunity to vindicate his friend. The true friend never delves into his friend’s activities or relationships, so that he will not uncover any unpropitious evidence about him. In short, one is inclined to judge his friends favorably.
The opposite holds true when one is judging an enemy. Not only will he condemn an enemy’s actions at every opportunity, but he will also attempt to uncover incriminating evidence with which to censure his enemy.
The pasuk states that Hashem does not behold their iniquity. The word used by the Torah is yhcvw which implies deep scrutinizing. This relates to Yaakov, denoting a lesser degree of spiritual stature. Hashem does not wish to scrutinize the sins of those Jews who are spiritually and morally weak; rather He prefers to view their sins as simple errors. This is because they are only on the level of “Yaakov,” the level of the common masses. Regarding one who has attained the “Yisrael” level, the pasuk states that Hashem does not even “see,” vtr their slight deviations. As far as Hashem is concerned, these digressions from the path do not even exist.
This positive attitude only takes place when Hashem sees His people being considerate of one another and judging each other favorably. If, however, they judge their fellow Jew harshly, they will be treated similarly by Hashem. The way we act towards our fellow Jew is the standard by which Hashem will respond to us.
