GEN296 (Continued from [[EXOD630]] Exodus 22:10 oath GATES 420). If the sinner is one who [generally] fears sin, the observer should tell himself that the sinner has surely repented already.  It is also fitting for him to fear for his own soul and to tell himself, “Since that person is God-fearing, perhaps his merits are greater than his sins” – our Sages said Kiddushin 39b that one whose merits are greater than his sins is counted among the congregation of the righteous. (I.e., he should be concerned for his own soul, for speaking lashon hara about a righteous person is a grave sin and brings severe punishment.) However, if the sinner is of those fools whose nature is to repeat their foolish ways, it is best to inform the judges so they can punish him in order to separate him from that which is forbidden.  Nevertheless, if he is the only witness, it is not good for man be alone bearing purposeless testimony, for his testimony is for naught since it cannot be relied upon, as the pasuk says Deuteronomy 19:15, “A single witness must not arise against a man, [to condemn him] for any punishment or sin-offering.”  Therefore, he is considered a slanderer.  GATES 422-3 (Continued at [[LEV23]] Leviticus 2:6 break GATES 421-3)