in the face of this is a form of forbearance: bearing the harm inflicted by people. Such forbearance repels their plotting and evil.

What He mentions in the account of the owners of the garden concerning generosity and liberality, together with what He mentions here concerning forbearance and patience, encompasses good character in its entirety. He likewise brings the two together in His words:

“Those who spend in prosperity and adversity,”

and the rest of the verse. As has been said:

Through forbearance and generosity, a young man rose to lead his people;
And becoming such a man is easy for you.

Showing kindness to people through wealth and practical help, and bearing the harm they cause, are akin to praiseworthy generosity. He likewise brings the two together in His words:

“Be forgiving, enjoin what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.”

Accepting what comes readily from people’s dispositions entails bearing the harm they cause. This takes two forms: relinquishing the rights you have over them. Thus, accepting what comes readily means not demanding the rights they have failed to fulfil towards you, and not forbidding them when they overstep the bounds in their treatment of you. And if you neither command nor forbid them in matters concerning (1).