ויקרא פרק יט, יז הוֹכֵּחַ תוֹכִיחַ א ת-עֲמִית ך
In Halacha many boundaries are established regarding the manner that one reproaches another. One boundary is that when a person does something incorrect in private, one should reproach that person in private. However, if the person does something incorrect in public, a public objection needs to be made for the sake of G-d’s honor.
Apparently, this is difficult regarding the case of Yerav’am. The Gemara (Sanhendrin 101b) says that Yerav’am merited to kingship since he reproached Shlomo, yet he was punished since he reproached Shlomo in public. However, this is difficult since the action of Shlomo was known to all, why was Yerav’am punished?
It is possible to say according to the Gemara (Moed Katan 16a) that if a Chacham errs one does not place the Chacham in public cherem in order not to lessen the respect of Torah. If so, also by a King one should also not embarrass him in public in deference to the honor of the kingship, even in the circumstance of a public sin.
