Nittai Of Arbel Said: "Keep Away From A Bad Neighbor; Do Not Fraternize With A Wicked Man; And Do Not Abandon Belief In [Divine] Retribution."

Keep Away From A Bad Neighbor

The mishnah does not say: "Keep away from a wicked neighbor," for its intent is not that one should judge another's conduct. Instead, the intent is that a person should decide whether closeness to a particular individual is beneficial or detrimental to his own divine service. The neighbor may be above all reproach, but traveling a different path of divine service. Any attempt to identify with him might thus be "bad," i.e., create confusion and discord.

(Likkutei Sichos, Vol. IV, p. 1181ff)

Do Not Fraternize With A Wicked Man

Here, the mishnah does not use the term "keep away," for the intent is not that one should sever contact with a person because his conduct is unworthy. , translated as "do not fraternize," literally means "do not join to." One should not "join" a wicked person by accepting his standards. One should, however, reach out with warmth and love to all people, regardless of their conduct, and endeavor to inspire them to improve themselves.

(Ibid.)

Do Not Abandon Belief In [Divine] Retribution

When a person lives in constant awareness of the possibility of Divine retribution, he will sincerely regret any misconduct. The discomfort this awareness brings will itself atone for his misdeeds, precluding the necessity for retribution from Heaven.

(Ibid.)