DEUT1551 Cruelty is the opposite of mercy, as it is written (Yirmeyahu 50:42): "They are cruel and have no mercy." This trait is not found in the righteous, but in the souls of the wicked, as it is written (Mishlei 12:10): "And the mercies of the wicked are cruel." This trait is also found among the arrogant, as it is written [this verse]: "An arrogant nation, that does not respect the old and is not merciful to the young." The evil of the trait of cruelty is well known, as may be induced from the fact that the punishment of the wicked, rebellious man is thus epitomized (Mishlei 17:11): "The wicked man seeks only rebellion, but a cruel messenger it will be sent against him." The cruel man does not possess lovingkindness, as it is written (ibid.11:17): "The man of kindness is good to his soul, but the cruel one despises his flesh."