FROM THIS WEEK’S TORAH PORTION – MISHPATYM:

Please notice that there are no “if’s, ands or buts” in this commandment. Even Paul of Tarsos, when abused by the wicked high priest of his day, repented of this sin:

“And Sha’ul, looking intently at the council, said, ‘Men, brothers, I have lived in all excellent conscience before Elohim until this day!’ And the high priest Ḥananyah commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Sha’ul said to him, ‘Elohim is going to strike you, whitewashed wall! And do you sit judging me according to the Torah, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the Torah?’ And those who stood by said, ‘Do you revile the high priest of Elohim?’ And Sha’ul said, ‘I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it has been written, “You shall not curse the ruler of your people.”’”

Nothing you say can change this command or justify breaking it.