EXOD508 We must treat our fellow man with even more respect than we would treat the altar in the Bais Hamikdosh. The approach to the altar was not to be made of steps; rather it should be a gradual incline. Rashi cites the Mechilta: "If there would have been steps, the priests would have widened their paces; and although it is not an actual uncovering of nakedness, for the priests wore breeches (Shmos 28:42), nevertheless the widening of one's paces in ascending and descending steps is akin to uncovering nakedness and this would be considered acting toward the altar in a disrespectful manner. From here we have a kal vechomer: "The stones of the altar have no understanding or sensitivity to shame, nevertheless the Torah says that since they fulfill a need you must not act toward them in a disrespectful manner. How much more so should you not act disrespectfully towards your fellow man who is an image of your Creator and is sensitive to his shame." This statement speaks volumes on the Torah attitude toward man. We must treat our fellow man with more respect than we would the altar in the Bais Hamikdosh. Anyone visiting the Kosel Hamaravi (Western Wall), which has less sanctity than the altar, will have a glimpse of this level of respect. If someone were to sling mud at the Kosel, everyone present would run to stop him. How much greater is our obligation to prevent someone from slinging verbal mud at another person!