תהלים, פרק ק״ט, פסוק י״ב

A severe reality of total social isolation and a complete absence of compassion awaits a wicked individual and his future descendants. This punishment functions as a direct consequence of his own choices, serving as a measure for measure response to a life lived with cruelty and a refusal to show kindness to others [אבן עזרא].

The consequences unfold in two distinct stages. While the man is still alive, he is stripped of all social support [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He will find himself without a single friend willing to extend a loving hand [מצודת דוד]. In practical terms, even his creditors will refuse to show him pity or grant him extra time to settle his debts [מאירי].

Following his death, the suffering passes on to his children, who are left as wandering orphans begging for a piece of bread [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מאירי]. The tragedy of these orphans is absolute, marked by a lack of both repaid loyalty and free charity. Often, an orphan might receive help from people returning a favor owed to their late father, but no one will step forward to repay any such debt of gratitude [רד״ק, אלשיך, מלבי״ם]. Beyond that, even basic human charity and unearned mercy will be withheld from them, leaving the children entirely without support [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].