May 14, 2019 · 00:04:06
Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily with Mishlei, Perek 19. The perek opens by telling us that it’s better to earn an honest living and be poor than to be wealthy through deceit. Verse 2 says, “Gam b’lo da’as nefesh lo tov, v’atz b’raglayim chotei – It’s not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who rushes his steps, sins.” The Malbim relates that people usually sin not because they are fools, but because they lack da’as, true knowledge and understanding. The more we understand about life, the more informed we are in our judgments and moment to moment decisions. Lack of understanding will cause a person to rush to sin. Alternatively, the Gr’a explains that “it's not good for a person to be without knowledge” refers to someone who does Mitzvos without learning Torah. Ultimately a person's nefesh won't feel satisfied without Torah learning, while he who rushes his steps is referring to those who try to act higher than their level. This is a temptation for many people. Don’t act more righteous than you are, but present yourself accurately, not any higher or lower than your reality. The higher up on a ladder one climbs, the harder the fall. Act with humility and advance in your avoda, your spiritual growth, little by little, step by step. The perek goes on to relate both the advantages and pitfalls of wealth and poverty. Those with wealth may find themselves with many new friends. It can be hard to discern who’s truly interested in them or who wants to benefit fr