יחזקאל, פרק י״ח, פסוק ל״ב

A heartfelt call to turn away from wrongdoing stems from profound divine mercy. God is not interested in simply settling scores with those who do wrong, nor does He desire to punish them with death for their sins [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Even when a person is so deeply entrenched in sin that they are considered as good as dead, they are still physically alive. This severe label simply reflects the ultimate fate they are heading toward due to their actions. They may be fully liable for death, yet God does not actually wish to carry out this harsh decree against them [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

Because of this compassion, a clear directive is given to abandon corrupt ways and return to doing good [מצודת דוד]. This mandate extends beyond personal change; it is also a call to inspire and guide other people back to the right path [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The direct outcome of leaving sin behind is the ultimate reward of gaining life [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].