By the time Moses returned to the scene, his people had hit an all-time low.

They worshipped idols, spoke slanderously of each other, and had wandered very far from the path of their forefathers.

Perhaps he should have told them off, saying, “Repent, sinners, lest you perish altogether!”

But he didn’t. Instead, he told them how G‑d cared for them and felt their suffering, how He would bring about miracles, freedom and a wondrous future out of His love for them.

As for rebuke, Moses saved that for G‑d. “Why have You mistreated Your people?!” he demanded.

If you don’t like the other guy’s lifestyle, do him a favor, lend him a hand.

Once you’ve brought a few miracles into his life, then you can urge him to chuck his bad habits.