J. R. R. Tolkien Quotes

He who is not just is severe, he who is not wise is sad.

One threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.

A great deal may be done by severity, more by love, but most by clear discernment and impartial justice.

Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least.

He who is only just is cruel. Who on earth could live were all judged justly?

He is a hard man who is only just, and a sad one who is only wise.

Those who are compassionate when they should be tough will be tough when they should be compassionate.

The essence of justice is mercy.

Wisdom is a kind of knowledge. It is knowledge of the nature, career, and consequences of human values.

Think carefully before asking for justice. Mercy might be safer.

It isn't right to judge strength as better than good wisdom.

Nothing can make injustice just but mercy.

Let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.

The severest justice may not always be the best policy.

Mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.

Compassion towards the wicked – is cruelty to all beings.

Everyone will be judged one day, but it's not up to me to judge somebody.

Lenity has almost always wisdom and justice on its side.

We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged

Mercy detached from justice grows unmerciful.

The god of compassion is NOT the god of justice.

I have a secret passion for mercy. . . but justice is what keeps happening to people.

I have tried at every point to seek God's wisdom on the decisions I made, and I made it my business to speak up on behalf of the things God tells us are important to Him.

There is no forgiveness in nature.