DEUT628 But there are mercies which are worse than cruelty – such as being merciful to the wicked and strengthening them. There is a great stumbling block in elevating the wicked and supporting them, and putting down the good and rejecting them. About this the Torah writes [this verse]: "And do not pity him, and do not spare him, and do not cover up for him." One must also not pity the poor man in judgment, as it is written (Shemos 23:3): "Nor favor a poor man in his quarrel," that one not pervert judgment because of the poor man's hardship. And there is mercy which is like cruelty, such as giving charity to a poor man and afterwards pressuring him by saying: "I gave you so and so much. You ought to help me out and do whatever I ask of you." About this it is written (Mishlei 12:10): "And the mercies of the wicked are cruel."