הוכח תוכיח

". . . bear not a sin on his account" --

Do not shame him in public...

Rebuke her, lest you suspect her for something that wasn't! This is the reason for the phrase "bear no sin on her account", for you will bring upon yourself a punishment on her account/for her sake.

This is to teach us to rebuke and correct. We will share their blame if they sin and we haven't told them not to.

Onkelos' language leans towards this interpretation.

What seems correct to me is that the [issue of ] rebuke is illustrated by the events of Gen. 21:25: "Abraham rebuked Avimelech".

Scripture says 'hate not your brother in your heart' when he does something against you, rather, rebuke him (saying:) 'Why did you do so and so to me!' 'Bear no sin on his account' by covering up your hatred in your heart and not telling him, for in your rebuking of him he will explain himself to you or repent and admit his sin, and you will expiate him. . . .

(1) לא תשנא את אחיך בלבבך, if she has wronged you, do not act outwardly as a friend while inside you are hoping to 'get' her. Don't hate her secretly, rather --

(2) הוכח תוכיח,

. . . . rebuke her for what she has done and as a result you will restore harmonious relations.

(3) ולא תשא עליו חטא, in your heart.