«وَإِعْنَاتُ الْمُعْذِرِ مَلَامَةٌ وَحَبْسُ الْمُعْسِرِ مَأْثَمَةٌ»
Burdening someone with a genuine excuse is blameworthy; imprisoning a destitute debtor is characterized as sinful.
The paired terms distinguish a person with a genuine excuse from someone in financial hardship. The judge argues that adding pain to such a person may itself be blameworthy.
Actual inability to pay should not be confused with deliberate evasion. The line reflects judicial compassion within the tale; it is not a complete procedural code applicable to all classes of debt or dispute without inquiry.
PersonCentral positionWifeAlleges deception by promisesHusbandDenies exceeding consentInquiryCompare accounts and corroboration