A profound tension exists between God's infinite, unimaginable power and the delicate way He guides the world with justice and mercy. The primary approach among commentators is that human beings are fundamentally incapable of grasping God's essence, His governance, or the sheer magnitude of His strength [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ, תקות אנוש]. In fact, the very reality that we cannot understand the ways of His providence is the ultimate proof of His immense power, demonstrating that He operates with a supreme wisdom that rests far beyond human intellect [מלבי״ם].
Yet, this distance between God and humanity is also an expression of profound compassion. Another approach suggests that we never encounter God using His full, overwhelming might against His creations in strict judgment. He does not burden humanity with excessive demands. Instead, He accepts modest actions that fit human limitations, such as asking for small, simple sacrifices rather than massive animals [רש״י, רמב״ן]. This restraint is also evident in the way He handles the wicked; He holds back His destructive power, choosing not to punish them in this world, but rather reserving their judgment for the world to come [אלשיך].
When examining the presence of hardship in the world, the primary approach among commentators is that God never inflicts pain or suffering arbitrarily or without reason [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ, רמב״ן]. Any suffering a person experiences does not stem from a divine desire to cause harm. Rather, it is a direct result of human actions and flaws, serving either as a just consequence or as a warning meant to inspire repentance [רלב״ג, אבן עזרא]. Because of His perfect justice, God does not afflict those who are undeserving [תקות אנוש], and He is deeply careful never to burden the righteous, or any creature, with more pain than they can bear [רש״י].
Other perspectives offer different dimensions of this divine justice. Some explain that God never delays or withholds the execution of justice and righteousness [רמב״ן]. Alternatively, the focus shifts from physical suffering to divine silence. God guides the world through a complex balance, sometimes applying strict justice based on a person's actions, and other times granting abundant kindness entirely independent of human deeds. Despite the complexity of these actions, God remains silent. He does not answer, explain His ways, or reveal the profound scales of wisdom by which He leads the world [מלבי״ם].