263. You may wonder WHY righteousness is harsh judgment, since we find written: "But in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor" (Vayikra 19:15) and "Justice (lit. 'righteousness'), only justice shall you pursue" (Devarim 16:20). There are many such VERSES. HE RESPONDS: It is definite that there is no compromise in righteousness, ONLY ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW. Anyone who judges his neighbor must not compromise any laws for him, but judge according to righteousness, that love should not be a consideration. The scales of justice MEANS without compromise to one side or the other, neither to the one who will have to pay nor to the one who will receive. Because of this, it is one level that is divided into two directions. And these two directions THAT WE MENTIONED WHICH ARE two girdles are one for the rest of the nations and one for Yisrael. When Yisrael went out from Egypt, they were supported by these two girdles: one of war, WHICH IS RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE GIRDLE OF HIS HIPS, and one of peace, WHICH IS FAITH, THE GIRDLE OF HIS LOINS.