Responsa for Kiddushin 79:15
עולא אמר כדרב הונא דאמר רב הונא כיון שעבר אדם עבירה ושנה בה הותרה לו הותרה לו סלקא דעתך אלא נעשית לו כהיתר
Then how do I interpret,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Lit., 'fulfil'.');"><sup>26</sup></span> Therefore shall they [sc. the wicked] eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices?<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Prov. I, 31.');"><sup>27</sup></span> Transgression which bears fruit<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' E.g., when a great man sins he sets an evil example which is copied by others.');"><sup>28</sup></span>
Teshuvot Maharam
Q. A Jew stole a horse from a Gentile. The court decided that he should take an oath, in the presence of other Jews, denying the charge of stealing. The Jews are aware that he intends to take a false oath. What should they do?
A. The Jews should state that they do not want to listen to this oath. Moreover, they would do a very meritorious deed if they would settle with the Gentile for a definite sum of money. Then they would be entitled to collect that sum from the thief. The Jews were required to force the thief to such a settlement, in order that he should not cause the name of God to be profaned.
SOURCES: L. 233; Hag. Asheri Shebuot 4, 1.
A. The Jews should state that they do not want to listen to this oath. Moreover, they would do a very meritorious deed if they would settle with the Gentile for a definite sum of money. Then they would be entitled to collect that sum from the thief. The Jews were required to force the thief to such a settlement, in order that he should not cause the name of God to be profaned.
SOURCES: L. 233; Hag. Asheri Shebuot 4, 1.
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