EXOD662 It is a negative commandment not to inflict suffering on any widow or orphan as Scripture says, You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child [this verse]. Even if they are wealthy, even the widow of a king, or his orphan child, it is necessary to treat them with respect. One is not to cause them distress or anguish to their hearts with harsh words. He is to be more protective of their property than of his own. If anyone brings them to rage or brings anguish to their hearts, and all the more certainly if he strikes them or curses them, he violates this prohibition; and his punishment is given explicitly in the Torah: [Exodus 22:23]. Whether a child is without a father or without a mother, he is called an orphan, until he grows up and attends to all his needs alone, like other adults. It is permissible to chasten them in the learning of Torah or a craft, so as to guide them in a straight and decent path. Nevertheless one should be solicitous with them, to rear them slowly [patiently] with kindness and compassion.