ישעיהו, פרק ל״ב, פסוק ז׳

A miserly person is often thought of as merely stingy, but a deeper look reveals a much darker character. While a blatant scoundrel sins openly against God and society, the miser operates in the shadows, focusing his harm primarily on other people. Despite this hidden nature, his hypocrisy and cunning make him just as dangerous, as he masks his true intentions behind a carefully constructed veil of lies [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

The miser relies on a specific set of instruments to carry out his deceit, a concept highlighted by a clever connection between his title and his tools [שד״ל]. The primary approach among commentators is that these tools represent his personal means: his bad character traits, physical abilities, and the energy he expends to achieve his selfish goals [רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others take a more institutional view, suggesting his tools are corrupt judges whose very profession involves twisting the law in his favor [אבן עזרא]. On a practical, everyday level, these tools can refer to his physical possessions, which he falsely claims are broken to avoid lending them out, or even his harsh facial features that project cruelty to anyone asking for help. On a spiritual level, his tools are understood as the tattered garments of his own soul, torn apart by his constant refusal to give charity [חומת אנך].

Far from merely holding tightly to his wealth, the miser actively plots wicked schemes to ruin the vulnerable [מצודת ציון]. He secretly devises plans to harm the weak, relying heavily on falsehoods to succeed [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These lies often take the form of elaborate excuses to avoid giving charity. He might claim that the poor are dishonest and unworthy of assistance, or he might twist moral concepts entirely to justify his own cruelty [חומת אנך].

This deceit reaches its peak during direct confrontations, particularly in legal disputes. When a poor person comes forward, he speaks with honesty and presents straight, just claims to the court [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. However, the cunning miser exploits the situation. He uses his deceitful traps to outmaneuver the destitute person in judgment, ultimately stealing what little money he has [רש״י, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד]. Even when the impoverished person cries out to God, begging for justice, the miser relentlessly continues his schemes to ensure that no help ever reaches his victim [אברבנאל].