תהלים, פרק קמ״ג, פסוק ב׳

In the midst of deep distress and suffering at the hands of enemies, a heartfelt plea is directed toward God, asking Him to avoid a strict accounting of deeds. The primary approach among commentators is that this is a full admission of sin, accompanied by a request that God withhold strict punishment during such a vulnerable time [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. The appeal for help is not based on any claim of perfection or innocence. Rather, it is the cry of a devoted servant who constantly listens to his Master and seeks His closeness [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The hope is that God will set aside strict justice and instead act beyond the letter of the law, treating His servant with charity and kindness [מצודת דוד, מאירי, רד״ק].

Justice evaluates whether a person has completely fulfilled their duty to the Creator. Because God's greatness and the goodness He provides are infinite, the service and gratitude required in return must also be infinite. However, a living creature is inherently limited. By its very nature, a mortal being can never offer the limitless service necessary to match God's boundless greatness [מלבי״ם]. As a result, no individual could ever be found entirely innocent if God were to examine every action with absolute precision.

This inability to stand perfectly justified extends far beyond humanity. God is known to be incredibly exacting with His closest servants. Therefore, the category of all living beings includes even the spiritual realm of the ministering angels, who live eternally. Despite their elevated status, even the angels cannot be considered completely righteous when standing in absolute judgment before God [אלשיך].