We shall explain the severity of the [positive] commandments and the warnings (negative commandments) and different punishments For the penitent is warned to search his ways, and [gauge] how many iniquities and sins [he has done]. And after his search is done, he is warned to examine the magnitude of each sin - as it is stated (Lamentations 3:40), "Let us search and examine our ways" - in order for him to know how much he is guilty for each sin that he sinned. For there is guilt that is big [enough] to reach the skies, and there is evil that corresponds to several big sins. For repentance is great according to investigations of the heart like these. As according to his knowledge of the greatness of the iniquity and its largeness will his heart trouble him. And he will then be able to subdue his uncircumcised heart, and his iniquities will then be atoned.
Moreover, the examination of the enormity of the iniquity will help to ‘cover the mortification of his face’ during his request for forgiveness, like the matter that is stated, (Ezra 9:6), “O my God, I am too ashamed and mortified to lift my face to You, O my God”; to wrap his soul in shame before God, may He be blessed, after the assurance of His forgiveness, like the matter that is stated, (Ezekiel 16:63), “In order that you shall remember and feel shame, and you shall be too abashed to open your mouth again when I have forgiven you for all that you did”; and that the greatness of the kindness of the atonement be in front of his eyes, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 26:3), “For Your kindness is in front of my eyes.” And the parable for this is that if a slave sinned to his master and [then] comes to humble himself in front of him, [the master’s] soul would not pay attention to him until after [the slave] knew of the weightiness of his sin. But if it appears to [the slave] like the sin is light, [the master’s] rage against him would [only] grow. Therefore the sinner is obligated to recognize the enormity of his sin and its punishment, like the matter that is stated (I Samuel 26:21), “behold I have been a fool, and I have erred so very much.” Therefore we need to teach the Children of Judah - for instruction and message - the weightiness of the punishments of each iniquity and of each sin. Hence [the need] for all these words of introduction. And another sublime, great and trenchant purpose is that I have surely seen most of the people thinking about several weighty transgressions that they are light; and about [sins that carry] the death penalty or excision, that concern about them is [just] greater refinement or a measure of piety. So they stumble without paying attention; and there is no rebuke, like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 48:8), “even from yore, your ears were not opened.” Therefore we need to warn them and to have their ears revealed about the weightiness of many sins, and that there are [also] many ways and angles to the light commandments that [lead] to decreed destruction and loss of the soul. And many of the evildoers would leave their paths if they will know the loss and damage that [comes] with it, when they hear about the greatness of the sin and the [punishment] which is decreed about it. [This is] so those that stumble will gird their power to conquer their desire. For how could they see the destruction of their souls [and not react]?
And the parable for this is about a man that wants to go to a city. And he is told that the path is confounded with thorns, snares and stumbling blocks. But because of his need for the place, he is not prevented from going. But if they would tell him that there is a lion on the path and a leopard constantly on it, he would then stop his feet from this path. Therefore King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 1:2), “For learning wisdom and reproof; for understanding.” Its explanation is [that] proper action and abandonment of sins is called wisdom, like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 4:6), “for that is your wisdom and your understanding.” But after he learns and know the commandments and what are the sins, he needs to study the disgrace of the sins, and the damage and the loss that comes with them - in order to distance his soul from them; to reprimand himself by remembering the punishments and to reprove others. And this knowledge is called reproof (mussar); and it is pleasant for those that give rebuke to study this.
Now we will explain the levels of the [positive and negative] commandments and the allotment of the punishments: The first level is the severity of the words of the Scribes: We were obligated by the Torah to accept the ordinances of the prophets and the judges, to obey the words of sages and to be careful with their fences, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 17:11), “you must not deviate from the thing that they tell you either to the right or to the left.” And even though we have also been warned by the Torah to be steadfast to do everything that they instructed us, nevertheless positive commandments [directly] from the Torah are more weighty than their words - since the essence of the thing is mentioned explicitly in the scroll of God’s Torah, and God, may He be blessed, commanded it specifically. But there are ways and angles in which words of the Scribes are more weighty than the words of the Torah - like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 88b), “(With regards to the rulings of the rebellious elder,) there is greater stringency to the words of the Scribes than to the words of the Torah. For one who states, ‘There is no commandment to don tefillin’ - to transgress the words of the Torah - is exempt. But [one who says,] ‘There are five compartments’ - to add to the words of the Scribes - is liable”; [and] (Berakhot 4b), “Anyone who transgresses the words of the Scribes is liable for the death penalty.”
And now, should you not know for what [reason] one who transgresses against the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty, more than one who transgresses [most of the Torah’s] positive and negative commandments? And this is the understanding of the thing: [It is] because one who transgresses against the words of the Sages has had the temerity to do so since their commandments are light in his eyes; and not from his impulse overpowering him. Rather [it is] since his eyes have been dimmed from seeing the light of their words, so he does not follow the light of faith and does not pull the yoke of its decree [upon himself]. So he does not toil to keep their statement, since it was not written in the Torah scroll. And he did not act like the one who transgresses the words of the Torah, about which his soul is bitter and taken away in front of him, such that he is afraid and frightened that his impulse moved him to sin. Therefore there is a sentence of death for a person who knocked down something from all of (His good words) [their good words]. And it is like he is saying, “Let us remove their ropes.” And it is similar to that which is written concerning the matter of the elder who rebels against the words of the Sages (Deuteronomy 17:12), “Should a man act presumptuously and disregard the priest, etc.”
And the second [reason] is because this person is far from repentance. Since the thing is not weighty to him, he will constantly repeat it in his stupidity. And in the sinner’s stumbling upon it many times, this light sin will have a greater punishment than that which is heavy.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Avodah Zarah 35a) that [the understanding of the verse] (Song of Songs 1:2), “For your love (dodekha) is better than wine” is [that] the statements of the Scribes are more beloved than the wine of the Torah. And we need to explain this also: You should surely know that the fear of God is the foundation of the commandments, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:12), “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord, your God, ask of you, other than to fear the Lord, your God.” And through this, God desires His creatures, as it is stated (Psalms 147:11), “The Lord desires those who fear Him.” And the ordinances of the Sages, and their decrees are the foundation of fear [of God]. For it makes a fence and a separation, lest the hand of a man [even] touch a Torah prohibition. [This is] like the owner of a field that makes a fence for his field since it is precious in his eyes. For he is afraid lest people enter it and it become a place to send oxen and for sheep to trample, like the matter that is stated (Leviticus 18:30), “You shall keep My guarding” - make a guarding for my guarding (Yevamot 21a). And is much carefulness, the fence and the separation from the prohibition not from the essence of fear? And one who augments his carefulness will reach great reward, like the matter that is stated, (Psalms 19:12), “Also Your servant pays them heed; in obeying them, there is much reward.” Therefore they said [that] the statements of the Scribes are more beloved than the wine of the Torah. For their fences and decrees are from the foundations of fear [of God]. And the reward for the commandment of fear is great in comparison to many [Torah] commandments, as it is the foundation for them. And the example for this thing is that one who is careful not to isolate himself with a woman, from his fear lest he stumble into iniquity - and like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, decreed - is this not because the light of the fear of God, may He be blessed, shone upon his soul?
And behold we already introduced to you in the Chapter on Fear (commonly known as the Sefer HaYirah) that a person is obligated to examine children and understand them and differentiate between the stubborn and crooked and those that walk straight, for a sublime purpose that we have mentioned to you. And behold when you see gluttonous people belittling netilat yadayim (washing of the hands), when they come to eat bread, and they do not recite a blessing before they eat and after they eat, and [disregard] many like these of the words of the Sages and their ordinances, the fence of whom they breach - through this, you can distinguish; and through this, you can know and determine their ways; that they are evil and sinning greatly to God, and their end is to be permanently destroyed. And about them, they said (Eruvin 21b) that “One who transgresses the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty.” For the impulse did not coerce these plotters to sin; nor did material forces and the desire for the physical coerce them to sin towards them. Rather this is nothing but a bad heart and the removal of the yoke of the Heavens from upon their necks. And behold they are like the masses from the group of criminals that say to God, “Go away from us,” and “We don’t want to know Your ways.” Both these and the group that is not careful about gentile cheese and gentile cooking - since the words of the Sages are light in their eyes - are far from the true path. Even though they are [also] sinning to fill their bellies, behold they have disparaged the words of the Sages and broken the yoke of the Torah (and the teacher) [and the fear]. Also about them is it said, “One who transgress the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty.” And the second [reason for this] is that since they know the holy people guards itself from all of these, they have separated themselves from our people and withdrawn from the ways of the community. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that those that separate from the ways of the community go down to Gehinnom and are judged there for many generations. And know that the punishment of one who transgresses the words of the Sages was in the hands of the court to strike them with lashes of rebellion according to how the court saw fit to discipline them and punish them at that time - whether to have less than forty or to add to strike him more than that.
The second level is the severity of positive commandments: The foundation of the reward and the root of the recompense resulting from the service is [found] in the performance of positive commandments, as it is stated (Proverbs 13:13), “He who respects a commandment will be rewarded.” And it is [also] stated (Malachi 3:18), “And you shall come to see the difference [...] between him who has served God and him who has not served Him.” And the service [to God] is with commandments that depend upon (involve) actions - whether there is nothing besides the positive commandment or whether there is [also] a negative commandment with them, such as (Deuteronomy 15:7), “do not harden your heart, etc.” (which accompanies the positive commandment of charity). And the commandment of the service will be explained in the Gate of the Service (no longer extant), with God’s help. Nevertheless, there is a manner of reward for the one who is careful not to transgress a negative commandment that reaches [that] of one who does a commandment - such as if the opportunity for a sin comes to a man and he had a desire for a sexual prohibition, but he overcame his impulse - for this is from the essence of the fear of God, may He be blessed. And likewise someone who had the opportunity to get rich by cheating and [charging] interest and there is no one to see and to know; yet he went with innocence and clean hands - his reward for this will be like one who plants righteousness and toils [to do a positive] commandment. And so it is written (Psalms 119:3) “They have done no wrong, but have followed His ways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Kiddushin 1:9), “Since they did not do wickedness, they have ‘followed His ways.’” And we have already discussed the explanation of this verse for you. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, likewise said (Kiddushin 39b), “[If] one sits and does not transgress, he receives a reward as one who performs a commandment, [...] in a case where an opportunity to commit a sinful act presents itself to him and he is saved from it.” And they also said (Berakhot 6a), “‘Those who revere the Lord and esteem His name.’ - this is [a case] where an opportunity to commit a sinful act presents itself to him and he is saved from it.” Even [with] this reward [however], its essence and foundation is [based in] a positive commandment, since he suppressed his impulse with the fear of God, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “You must fear the Lord, your God.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 2:1), “Be careful with a light commandment as with a weighty one, for you do not know the reward for the fulfillment of the commandments.” Yet behold [that] what will be done to anyone who transgresses a negative commandment is explicit in the Torah; and it allocates punishments and statutes and a code for what to do to them. And the punishments are forty lashes, death and expiation at the hands of the Heavens and the four death penalties of the court. But the reward for the fulfillment of the commandments is not explicit in the Torah, so that [people] not prevent themselves from fulfilling the light commandments and involve themselves only in the weighty ones.
And they gave a parable about this matter of a king that said to his servants to plant every fine tree in his garden. And he said that he would give them payment; but he did inform them of the payment for each [type] of tree, because the king desired that there would be nothing lacking in his orchard. Therefore they planted many species of delightful saplings. But had the servants known the payment for the planting of each [type of] tree of the trees in the orchard, they would then have given all of their effort to the stems of the plantings for which the reward is greater than the other, in order to enhance their payment. The same is [true] with the matter of commandments. For God wanted to give merit to Israel with the fulfillment of all the commandments, to bequeath them eternal life and for all of the commandments together to be a charming wreath for their heads. For when they complete the measure of their work, their payment will be complete from Him. Did you not know that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 17b), “Anyone who is only involved with Torah is similar to someone who has no God” - even though they said (Peah 1:1), “the [reward for the] study of Torah corresponds to all [the commandments].” And the reward of the light commandment is great and wondrous, such that it cannot be counted or measured. Do you not see with the commandment of sending away the [mother bird] - that has no toil and no large expenditure of money - it is stated about it (Deuteronomy 22:7), “that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 39b), “Rabbi Ya’akov says, ‘There is not a single [light] commandment written in the Torah that the [reward of] the resurrection of the dead is not dependent upon. [...] With the sending [of the mother bird from] the nest, it is [stated], ‘That it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days’ [...] ‘that it may be well with you’ for the world where all is well,’ and ‘that your days may be long’ for the world that is entirely long.” And if that is what the Torah stated with a light commandment that [requires an expenditure of] like an issar (a small coin), all the more so with weighty commandments.
And now we will speak about the matter of punishment for the nullification of positive commandments: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 86b) [that] if [the court warned] someone to perform [the commandment of the] sukkah or [of the] palm branch (lulav) “and he does not do so, we strike, etc.” And they said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that men who have never placed tefillin on their heads are called “rebellious Jews with their bodies,” and their punishment is more severe than one who transgresses once against a sin for which he is liable for excision. And they said [that] all whose sins are greater than his merits and among [his sins] is the sin of rebellious Jews with their bodies - for example, one who has never worn tefillin or one who was involved in transgressions such as forbidden sexual relations - descend and are judged in Gehinnom for twelve months. After twelve months, their body is finished; and their soul is burnt; and the wind spreads it under the soles of the feet of the righteous ones, as it is stated (Malachi 3:21), “And you shall trample the wicked to a pulp, for they shall be dust, etc.” And they said (Sanhedrin 99a), [that] one who is permissive (in his eyes) [regarding] positive commandments, such as one who belittles the intermediate days of the festival - which is from a positive commandment, as it is stated (Exodus 23:15), “You shall observe the Feast of Matsot” - has no portion in the world to come, even if possesses Torah and good deeds. And there is a general warning of a negative commandment, for all the positive commandments - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 13:1), “neither add to it nor take away from it.”
And the fulfillment of positive commandments is called, fear of Heaven; [just] like carefulness is [understood as] the negative commandments. For it is stated (Leviticus 19:32), “You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old; you shall fear your God; I am the Lord.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 34:12), “I will teach you fear of the Lord”; and after it is stated (Psalms 34:15), “Shun evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” We learn from this, that one who is not occupied with doing good and seeking peace annuls fear of Heaven. And he is from the evildoers, since he has no fear of God, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 8:13), “And it will not be well with the evildoer, and he will not live long, because he does not fear God.”
Among the positive commandments in the Torah are some of the weighty ones that the masses are not careful about - for example the mention of [God’s] name in vain, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “You shall fear the Lord, your God.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Temurah 4:1), “We have been warned with this not to mention [God’s] name in vain.” And likewise acts of kindness, which is a positive commandment, as it is stated (Exodus 18:20), “and make known to them the way they are to go” - that is acts of kindness (Bava Metzia 30b). And they said (Sukkah 49b), “Acts of kindness are superior to charity, [since] charity is given to the poor, while acts of kindness are performed both for the poor and for the rich.” Therefore they said (Avot 1:2), “The world stands upon three things: On the Torah; on the service; and on acts of kindness.” And (Sukkah 49b) “charity can be performed only with one’s money, while acts of kindness can be performed both with his person and with his money.” For a person is obligated to exert himself in seeking good for his people and to dedicate himself to the betterment of his fellow - whether poor or rich. And this is one of the main weighty commandments required of a person, as it is stated (Micah 6:8), “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you - only to do justice, and to love kindness.” And likewise to go beyond the law, as it is stated (Exodus 18:20), “and the practices they are to follow.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 30b), “This is going beyond the letter of the law.” And there are many ways in this matter, such that this commandment would be from the weighty ones. It is all according to the contents of the case - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 30b), “Jerusalem was destroyed only because they established their rulings on the basis of Torah law and did not go beyond the letter of the law.”
And there are many people among the masses who think that the main loss and damage to the soul is only from sins that [involve] an action; and that there is no losing of the soul for a man that is pure from sinning actively and who did not walk in the way of transgressions, but rather [only] prevented himself from doing [positive] commandments and good deeds. Therefore, we are obligated to make discernment known to the ones of a mistaken spirit. For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Chagigah 1:7), “The Holy One, blessed be He, forewent idolatry, etc., but He did not forego the sin of wasting [time available for] Torah [study].” And they said, (Sifre Devarim, Ekev), “Just like the reward for Torah study is greater than [that for] all of the commandments in the Torah, so too is the punishment for wasting [time for] it greater than [that for] all of the sins.” And they said (Sanhedrin 99a), “‘Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has breached His commandment’ (Numbers 15:31) - is stated about anyone for whom it is possible to engage in Torah [study] and does not engage [in it].” And we have already mentioned all of these to you in the Gate of the Torah (no longer extant).
And we find with the people of Sodom that they were very bad to God on several [plains] of corruption, such as theft, extortion, perversion of justice and forbidden sexual relations. Nevertheless, Scripture mentions that their souls were lost and destroyed by the sin of nullifying charity, as it is stated (Ezekiel 16:49), “Only this was the sin of your sister Sodom; arrogance - plenty of bread, etc.; yet she did not support the poor and the needy.” And it is stated about the people that do not arrange their thoughts to constantly reflect on the fear of God (Isaiah 29:13-14), “And its worship of Me has been a commandment of men, learned by rote. Truly, I shall further baffle that people with bafflement upon bafflement.” And it is stated (Jeremiah 12:1-2), “Why does the way of the wicked prosper, etc. [...] You are present in their mouths, but far from their thoughts.” And it is stated (Psalms 23:27), “Those who keep far from You perish.”
And know that depending on the greatness of the commandment will the punishment be great for the one who prevents himself from doing it, even though he does not do an act in breaching it - as we find with the commandment of the Passover offering and the commandment of circumcision, which are positive commandments but have excision [as their punishment].
And know that there are sublime virtues given over in the positive commandments such as: The virtues of free choice, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 30:19), “and choose life”; and the virtues of Torah study, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:7), “and you shall speak about them;” and the virtues of walking in the ways of the Lord, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 28:9), “and you shall walk in His ways;” and the virtues of contemplation of the greatness of the Lord, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 4:39), “Know therefore this day and keep in mind that the Lord alone is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other,” and David said (Psalms 14:2), “The Lord looks down from heaven on mankind to find a man of understanding, a man who seeks God”; and the virtues of remembrance of His kindnesses,” as it is stated (Deuteronomy 8:2), “Remember the whole way,” and it is [also] stated (Deuteronomy 8:6), “And you shall know that the Lord your God disciplines you just as a man disciplines his son,” and David said (Psalms 107:43), “he will contemplate the kindnesses of the Lord,” and said (Psalms 26:3), “For Your kindness is across from my eyes”; and the virtues of holiness, as it is stated (Leviticus 11:44), “and you shall sanctify yourselves and you shall be holy”; and the virtues of worship, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “and He shall you worship;” and the virtues of fear, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “And you shall fear the Lord”; and the virtues of love, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:5), “And you shall love the Lord, your God;” and the virtues of clinging, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), ”to Him shall you cling.” There are several levels to each of these, as will be explained, with God’s help. And man was created for the sake of these virtues, as it is stated (Isaiah 43:7), “All who are linked to My name, whom I have created for My glory.” And what is the hope of a creation if it does not make the things for which it was created, the toil of his soul and his main occupation?
And behold the punishment for the nullification of a commandment is explained in the Torah, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 27:26), “Cursed is the one who does not fulfill the words of this Torah, to do them.” It states, “to do them” - teaching that this is stated about the nullification of a commanded act.
And know that a creature is obligated to be a faithful agent and understanding servant in all of the craftful work of his Master. And a faithful worker will be quick at this craft and supervise the craft of his fellow workers. His eyes will be upon their ways, to see if they are faithful; and he will warn them and inform about the work they should do. For his desire and want is that the work of his Master be done without deceit. Therefore, he strengthens those doing the work [to do it right]. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said in the Sifrei (Yerushalmi Sotah 4:4), “‘Cursed is the one who does not fulfill’ (Deuteronomy 27:26), - a man who has studied, reviewed, taught others and fulfilled the Torah and the commandments, but has not strengthened [others to do so] is included in ‘who does not fulfill.’”
And among the weighty [positive] commandments is not to have a trial in the courts of the idolaters (gentiles), as it is stated (Exodus 21:1), “And these are the judgments that you shall place in front of them” - “in front of them,” and not in front of the Canaanites. But rebels stumble in them. And we have already spoken about this transgression before.
And [there is also a curse] about the nullification of the fear of the father and the mother, which is a positive commandment - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 27:16), “Cursed be he who belittles his father or mother.” The content of belittling is to disparage their honor and abrogate fearing them. As our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 31b), ‘A man must fear his mother and father’ (Leviticus 19:3) - what is fear of the father? Not to sit in his place, not to contradict his words or determine [an argument] for him.
And the commandment of tefillin and the commandment of mezuzah are positive commandments - but behold they are included in accepting the kingdom of the Heavens. For thus were they written in the section of Shema Yisrael. And from this, you can contemplate the punishment of one who nullifies these commandments, as he is breaking the yoke and removing the cords [of God’s authority]. And we have already discussed these commandments. And about the commandment of fringes (tsitsit), our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said in the Sifrei (Sifrei Bemidbar, Shelach) that fringes adds to holiness, as it is stated (Numbers 15:40), “In order that you shall be reminded to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God.” And even though the commandment of fringes is only for a garment that has four corners - and if one does not have a garment like this, he is not obligated to acquire one - nevertheless, our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Menachot 41a) that he will surely be punished in times of trouble about the matter: That in his heart he did not desire the beauty of the commandment and its reward [enough], to cause the matter of the obligation to apply to him and to get himself a garment that has four corners to make fringes on its corners.
And know that one who fears the word of God will be stringent and exacting and take himself in hand for light commandments, as he will for weighty commandments. For they will not focus on that which a certain commandment is light compared to the weighty ones. Rather they will focus on the One who warns about it, may He be blessed. And open your eyes well to see that this principle has been explained in the Torah. For about rising in front of an elder - [just] like the commandment of fearing one’s father and one’s mother and the observance of Shabbat - it is written, “I am the Lord.” And we have brought to this place many of the commandments about which the people found in this generation are short-handed in doing - the principle of each one is in this book, please take it to yourself and place it upon the tablet of your heart.
The third level is the negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 141a) [that] we do not give lashes for a negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment - for example (Deuteronomy 22:6), “you shall not take the mother from over the young,” is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 22:7), “You shall surely send away.” But even though they would not give lashes through the court [in such a case], there were some with weighty punishments, such that it would reach the heavens and their judgement would be raised to the clouds. For example theft - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:13), “you shall not rob” (Leviticus 5:23) - is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated “and returned what he robbed.” Yet they said (Sanhedrin 108a), “The final judgement of the generation of the Flood was sealed only because of robbery, as it is stated (Genesis 6:13), ‘The end of all flesh has come in front of Me, for the earth is filled with extortion.’” And even though sexual immorality is weightier than robbery, it is the characteristic of the punishment of robbery to bring close its day and to quicken the future [consequences] to it. And they [also] said (Vayikra Rabbah 33:2), “[If you have] a seah full of iniquities, there is no prosecutor among all of them like robbery.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said about treasures [acquired] from dishonesty and fraud (Proverbs 21:6), “Treasures acquired by a lying tongue are like driven vapor, heading for death.” The explanation is [that] treasuries [acquired from] dishonesty and fraud are vanishing vapor, for their end is destruction. And while they are still in his possession, they are his enemies and seek the life of their master and cause his death - like the matter that is stated, (Habakkuk 2:9-11) “Ah, you who have acquired gains to the detriment of your own house, etc. For a stone shall cry out from the wall.” And in [the case of] robbing the poor, one is liable for death at the hands of the Heavens on account of it, as it is stated (Proverbs 22:22-23), “Do not rob the indigent for he is indigent; and do not crush the poor man in the gate. For the Lord will take up their cause and despoil those who despoil them of life.” Its explanation is, “do not rob from the indigent” because “he is indigent” and has no one to help him; “and do not crush the poor man in the gate,” with shame and disgrace. And “in the gate,” is to say, in public. And it is like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 3:15), “How dare you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” “For the Lord will take up their cause,” since they have no support, or someone to argue and take up their cause. “And despoil those who despoil them of life” - since the cry of the indigent has been brought to Him, He will not take money from you in place of the loot that you robbed, but rather God will remove your soul. And it is stated (Job 27:8), “For what hope has the impious man when he is cut down, when God takes away his life?” And it is also stated (Proverbs 1:19), “Such is the fate of all who pursue unjust gain; It takes the life of its possessor.” And one who torments and pains a widow or an orphan - whether with robbery, or fraud or shame or any type of pain - is liable for death at the hands of the Heavens. And likewise the judges who are able to rescue someone robbed from him who defrauded him, and do not judge [the case of an] orphan, have a death sentence upon them - as it is stated (Exodus 22:21-23), “You shall not ill-treat any widow or orphan. If you do oppress them, I will heed their outcry as soon as they cry out to Me. And My anger shall blaze forth and I will put you to the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.” Its explanation is, “and your wives shall become widows,” corresponding to the oppression of the widow; “and your children orphans,” corresponding to the oppression of the orphan - measure for measure. And even though these punishments are not written [about the following], one who pains any Israelite transgresses a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 25:17), “A man shall not oppress (tonu) his kinsman.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 58b) the verse is speaking about verbal oppression. And that is from the contents of pain and torment, like the usage “(Isaiah 49:26), “I will make your oppressors (monayich) eat their own flesh.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, [also] said (Bava Metzia 59a), “All the gates [of prayer] have been closed, except for the gates of [one who is praying as a result of his] oppression.” And where Scripture was speaking about financial oppression, it mentioned buying and selling, as it is stated (Leviticus 25:14), “When you sell property to your kinsman.” And they said (Bava Metzia 58b) [that] verbal oppression is greater than financial oppression, for this is upon his body and that is upon his money - and about [the former] it stated (Leviticus 25:17), “but you shall fear your God,” but about [the latter (25:14)], “but you shall fear,” is not stated.
And with interest and usury, there is a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 25:36), “Do not exact from him usury or accrued interest, but fear your God” - and it is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated, (Leviticus 25:36) “let him live by your side as your kinsman.” Its explanation is, if you have taken interest or usury from him, surely return it to your brother, in order that he may live with you. And his punishment is very weighty - so long as he does not fix that which is crooked, he does not come to the resurrection of the dead, as it is stated (Ezekiel 18:13), “He has lent with usury, or exacted accrued interest - shall he live; he shall not live!” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Pirkei De’Rabbi Natan 33), it [to be] about the matter of the resurrection of the dead. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Exodus Rabbah 31:6), “Anyone who has the iniquity of interest in his hands will not have an angel intervene (teach) merit on his behalf.” And this is [the understanding] of that which, “shall he live,” is stated as an expression of question and wonder - is there an intervener that will say that his case is to live? All of them will answer, “He shall not live.”
The fourth level is a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 63a) that we do not give lashes for [violating] a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action. But it is explained in their words (Yoma 85b), may their memory be blessed, that a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action is more weighty than a negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment. And among the [negative commandments] that do not [involve] an action, some of [them] are dependent upon the heart, some on the tongue, some on the closing of the hand (not giving of one’s money or possessions) and some on not doing an action. And there are likewise some transgressions that do not [involve] an action, but are dependent upon the sense of hearing or the sense of sight. And we have seen many people that have forgotten many of them. And there are some that know but are not careful about them, because they do not depend upon (involve) an action. For the transgressions that depend upon an action, such as the eating of forbidden fat, blood, a carcass or a torn animal (tereifah) are not as accessible to violate as the ones done with thought or the tongue, or by rest from an action. Therefore we have seen fit to mention some of them - to remind some of [the people], to remember; and those that do not know, to be forewarned. But we have not come to write about them at length, but rather only to hint to them, that they be a reminder for those repenting from rebellion.
Among the [negative commandments] that are dependent on the heart are: “Take care lest you forget the Lord, your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 5a), “Wherever it is stated in a verse, ‘beware,’ ‘lest’ or ‘not,’ this is [surely] a negative commandment.” We are warned [then] with this to remember God, may He be blessed every instant. And a person is obligated to make efforts to always acquire for himself behaviors that are mandated by remembrance - such as fear, modesty, refinement of one’s thoughts and strategies [to acquire] good traits - so that the holy seed will attain every fine behavior and be crowned through it from the remembrance of God, may He be blessed, just as it is stated (Isaiah 45:25), “It is through the Lord that all the offspring of Israel Have vindication and glory.”
“Only observe for yourself, and guard your soul diligently, lest you forget the matters that your eyes saw” (Deuteronomy 4:9). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Menachot 99b) [that] anyone who forgets [even] one matter from his studies violates two negative commandments. Is it possible even if his studies were too hard for him? Hence we are taught to say, “And lest they depart from your heart” (Deuteronomy 4:9). The verse is only speaking of one who causes them to depart from his heart, by being idle from Torah study and not constantly poring over it.
“Say not to yourselves, when the Lord your God has thrust them from your path, saying, ‘The Lord has enabled us to possess this land because of our virtues, etc.’ It is not because of your virtues and your rectitude, etc.” (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). We are warned with this not to imagine to ourselves that our success is from our righteousness and the rectitude of our hearts, but rather that we believe and know in our hearts that our success is from the kindness of the Most High and His great goodness - and like the matter that was said by our father, Jacob (Genesis 32:11), “I am unworthy of all the kindness and all the truth.”
“Do not try the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16). And we are warned with this that a man should not say, “I will make a trial with my service of charity [whether] the Lord will make my way successful; and I will test through the properness of my actions, whether my gold and silver will grow.” But the good man will not slacken from his toil in wisdom, knowledge and proper action when his path in the matter of his money and the rest of the goods of the body are not successful. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Taanit 9a) that only with tithes of the storehouse is testing [God] permitted, as it is stated (Malachi 3:10) “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, and let there be food in My House, and thus put Me to the test.” King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:9-10), “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first of all your produce. And your barns will be filled with grain, [etc.].” Its explanation is, if you do not have like this - to be filled with grain when you give from your wealth and from the first of all your produce - but you are rather seized by days of poverty, “Do not reject the discipline of the Lord” (Proverbs 3:11), and know that this is also for your good. “For whom the Lord loves, He rebukes” (Proverbs 3:12), to do good for him in his end; that the reward in this world and his honor be exchanged for the good that is hidden and continues forever.
“Should you say to yourselves, ‘These nations are more numerous than we; how can we dispossess them?’ You need have no fear of them” (Deuteronomy 7:17-18).
“When you go out to war, etc., and see horses and chariots - forces larger than yours - have no fear of them” (Deuteronomy 20:1). We were warned with this that if a person sees trouble nearby, the salvation of the Lord should be in his heart and he should trust in it - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 85:10), “His salvation is near those who fear Him”; and likewise is it written (Isaiah 51:12), “What ails you that you fear man who must die.”
“Fear no man, for judgment is God’s” (Deuteronomy 1:17). We were warned with this to believe that injury will not occur to us on account of righteous judgment, when we do not show favoritism. [It is] like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 5b), “Agents of a commandment will not be injured, not on their way [to do it] and not on their return.” And this is the explanation of, “for judgment is God’s” - that injury caused by Him will not happen to you.
“That he will not act haughtily toward his brothers” (Deuteronomy 17:20). We were warned with this to remove the trait of pride from our souls; and that the great not lord it over the small, but rather be of a lowly spirit. And pride is one of the weighty sins that lose and destroy the soul, as it is stated (Proverbs 16:5), “Every haughty person is an abomination to the Lord.” And of what help is the procurement of his money, his great wealth and his (lofty) treasures [in the heights]? Behold, since he is loathsome and foul, the heights of his great splendor are lower than the pit. And [even] a wise man should not glory in anything besides the service of God, may He be blessed, and fear of Him, trust in Him, love of Him and clinging to Him - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:21), “He is your Glory and He is your God.” And it is [also] stated (Jeremiah 9:22-23) “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, etc. But only in this should one glory: In his earnest knowledge of Me.”
“Give to him readily and have no regrets when you give to him” (Deuteronomy 15:10). We were warned with this to distance our souls from miserliness, but rather to be generous - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 22:9), “The generous man is blessed.” And it is not enough with the gifts of our hands, but we must rather plant the trait of generosity into our souls. Therefore, it warned and said, “and have no regrets,” after it is stated, “Give to him readily.”
“Do not harden your heart and shut your hand” (Deuteronomy 15:7). We were warned with this to remove the trait of cruelty from our souls, and to plant delightful saplings in it - [namely] reliable mercy and kindnesses, as it is written (Deuteronomy 28:9), “and you shall walk in His ways.” And because it is possible not to shut his hand and to grace the poor person, but not in the way of mercy - like the matter that is written (Proverbs 12:10), “but the mercies of the wicked are cruelty” - therefore it is written, “Do not harden your heart.” And the punishment for cruelty is bad and bitter, as will be explained in the Gate of Cruelty (no longer extant), with God’s help. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 151b), “‘And He will show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you’ (Deuteronomy 13:18) - anyone who has compassion for the creatures will receive compassion from Heaven, and anyone who does not have compassion for the creatures will not receive compassion from Heaven.”
“Show him no pity or compassion, and do not shield him” (Deuteronomy 13:9). We were warned with this to not have compassion nor to have mercy on those that cause people to sin and stumble. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Midrash Tanchuma, Metzora 1), “Anyone who becomes merciful upon the cruel will end up being cruel to the merciful.”
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen.” (Leviticus 19:18). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 23a), “What is revenge [... If] one said to [his fellow,] ‘Lend me your ax’; he said [back] to him, ‘I will not lend to you, just as you did not lend yours to me’ - that is revenge. And what is bearing a grudge? [...] he said [back] to him, ‘Here it is, as I am not like you, who would not lend it to me.’” And the punishment for this is not for speaking, but rather for the grudge in the heart. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 23a) the [prohibition] on bearing a grudge is for monetary matters, but it is permissible to keep words of pride or disgrace or seeking evil [against him] upon his heart. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 22b), “Any Torah scholar who [when insulted] does not avenge himself and bear a grudge like a snake is not considered a Torah scholar.” But if they request forgiveness from him, he should forego his reckonings.
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart” (Leviticus 19:17). We were warned with this to remove the trait of hatred from our souls. And it is a trait that brings many sins and causes several foul plots - such as evil speech which corresponds to several [sins which are punished with] a death penalty from the court, as will be explained; and like seeking the bad, and joy in calamity, causing injuries to one’s fellow, talebearing, revenge and bearing a grudge. And it destroys much good for the soul, as will be explained in the Gate of Hatred (no longer extant). And see how far the punishment of hatred reaches: For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 9b), “For what [reason] was the Second Temple destroyed, [even though] they were occupied with Torah [study] and good deeds? Because of the causeless hatred that was among them.”
“Be on your guard against anything bad” (Deuteronomy 23:10). They, may their memory be blessed, explained (Ketuvot 46a), “A person should not think [impure] thoughts by day and thereby come to impurity by night” - and even though his thought is not to [follow it up with action]. And it is something learned from its [context]. As after it, it is written (Deuteronomy 23:11), “If anyone among you has been rendered unclean by a nocturnal emission.”
“So that you do not follow your heart and your eyes” (Numbers 15:39). We were warned with this not to think to do a transgression (or upon any) [or any] prohibition or sin - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 24:8), “He who thinks to do evil” - and not to think about words of heresy, lest one stumble and be drawn after them. And when he places upon his heart that God, may He be blessed, examines the heart and investigates the kidneys (understood as the seat of wisdom), how can he dare to defile his heart and [have] a ruffian matter lodged upon it? And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 24:9), “The schemes of folly are sin.” He also said (Proverbs 6:16-18), “Six things the Lord hates; seven are an abomination to His soul: [...] A mind that hatches evil plots.”
“Do not bear a vain report” (Exodus 23:1). We were warned with this not to accept evil speech. And [it is] like the Targum (translation of Onkelos) says, “Do not accept a false report.”
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exodus 20:17); “and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house” (Deuteronomy 5:18). We were warned with this not to make evil plots to take the field or vineyard or anything of (your) [our] fellow, even if one gives their price. And we were warned about the thought of this evil thing, that we should not resolve in our thoughts to do it, as it is stated, “You shall not covet.” And if a person longs for his fellow to sell him a field or a vineyard or [any] of his possessions and [the owner] does not want to sell it - but if he pleads with him with many supplications, he will be embarrassed to answer him - it is forbidden to plead with him, as it is like coercion or duress. And one who covets to take any object and is a respected person - such that if he asked the question, they would not let his eminence down - it is forbidden to ask for [any] purchase or grant, unless he knows that [the owner] would give it to him with [full agreement], and not regret giving it to him in his heart.
Among the [negative commandments] that are dependent on the (heart) [tongue] are: “Since the Lord, your God, moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you, let your camp be holy; let not anything unseemly be seen among you” (Deuteronomy 23:15). They, may their memory be blessed, said (Berakhot 25b) that included in this [prohibition] is that when we speak words of the Torah of God, may He be blessed - and in our speaking in prayer in front of Him - our camp should be holy, and let not anything unseemly be seen among us. Therefore we were commanded about this, to mention [God’s] name in holiness and to engage in words of Torah and prayer in holiness; and not to mention [God’s] name or words of Torah if he is naked or if there is a naked man across from him. And likewise were we warned that the place be clean, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 23:14), “you shall dig a hole with it and cover up your excrement.” And all the more so is he warned not to mention [God’s] name if his hands are not clean. And if his hands touched something disgusting to him, he should wash them - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 26:6), “I wash my palms in cleanliness.” And when one is walking on the path and he is in doubt if the path is clean, he should not mention [God’s] name, and he should not say words of Torah. And if there is something that is not clean behind him - such as excrement or a carcass or water [used for] soaking [flax] - one must move a distance of four ells away from where the odor ends; but in front of him, [the distance] is [as far as] his eye can see. And carefulness about this is one of the ways of fearing God, as it is stated (Malachi 3:16), “concerning those who revere the Lord and esteem His name.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Berakhot 24b), “‘For he has shown contempt for the word of the Lord’ (Numbers 15:31) - this is [referring to] one who says words of Torah in filthy alleyways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kohelet Rabbah 1:17), “‘He gives wisdom to the wise’ (Daniel 2:21) because the wise honor the Torah and occupy themselves with it in holiness.” But if He had given it to the silly, they would have said words of Torah in filthy alleyways.
There are some [negative commandments] that are dependent upon the tongue, for which we give lashes. For so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Makkot 16a), “All the warnings in the Torah - we do not give lashes for a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action, except for one who makes an oath or curses his fellow with [God’s] name.” And even though there is no death penalty from the court with a vain oath, its punishment at the hands of the Heavens is more weighty than many sins that do have a death penalty from the court. For making an oath in vain profanes [God’s] name - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:12), “You shall not swear falsely by My name, profaning the name of your God” - and the punishment for profaning the name is more elevated than [that of] all of the sins. And it is not written like this about any of the sins besides a false oath and idolatry, as it is stated (Leviticus 20:3), “because he gave of his offspring to Molech and so defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name.” And it is stated in the warning about idolatry (Exodus 20:5), “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord, your God, am a jealous God.” [This] means to say, that He will not forgive the iniquity of idolatry in the way of forgiveness for other sins - like the matter that is written (Jeremiah 5:7), “Why should I forgive you; your children have forsaken Me and sworn by no-gods!” And likewise is it written in the warning for a false oath (Exodus 20:7), “for the Lord will not clear one who swears falsely by His name.” And the warning for a false oath is written (immediately) after the warning of idolatry, most certainly because the iniquity of profaning God, may He be blessed, is found under the wings of a false oath. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said regarding the matter of the verse (Proverbs 30:8-9), “Give me neither poverty nor riches, etc. Lest, being sated, I renounce, saying, ‘Who is the Lord,’ or, being impoverished (it is written fully with an aleph, but its meaning is, poor), I take to theft, and profane the name of my God,” that the latter is harsher than the former - as it is stated (Ezekiel 20:39), “As for you, O House of Israel, etc., go, every one of you, and worship his idols and continue, if you will not obey Me; but do not profane My holy name any more.” It is meaning to say that the iniquity of the one who swears falsely in a court is more weighty than the punishment of one who worships idolatry in private, due to the profaning of the name [involved in the former]. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shevuot 39a), “For all of the other transgressions in the Torah, punishment is exacted only from the transgressor and his family; whereas here, punishment is exacted from him and from the entire world,” And if the court obligates a man to make an oath but he knows that his mouth speaks falsely (it would be a false oath), it is forbidden to [even] take the oath upon himself, saying, “I will swear” - in order to frighten his fellow - even though he does not plan to swear. For it is stated, (Exodus 20:7), “You shall not bear” - and included in its meaning is not to accept (agree) to swear falsely. And likewise did they, may their memory be blessed, say in our Mekhilta (Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael, Yitro). And the Targum (translation of Onkelos) of, “Do not bear a vain report“ (Exodus 23:1), is “do not accept.” And it is forbidden to make a needless oath, even if he is swearing about the truth, as it is stated (Exodus 20:7), “Do not bear the name of God in vain” - and its Targum is, “for nothing.” And likewise is the iniquity of one who causes his fellow to swear for nothing, great - for example when his fellow owed him a hundred and he doubled it in his claim, in order that the law would come out that one who admits partially is obligated to make a Torah-based oath; or when he claims against his fellow for nothing and asks him for what he knows nothing about and makes him take a [rabbinic] oath of inducement. And our Rabbis said (Shevuot 39a) that this man is called a thief, as he is stealing his mind (deceiving him); and about him is it stated (Zechariah 5:4), “[But] I have sent it forth - declares the Lord of Hosts - and [the curse] shall enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name, and it shall lodge inside their houses and shall consume them to the last timber and stone.” And one who knows that if he takes an oath, people will suspect him about [the truth of] the oath, should restrain himself from [taking] the oath for the honor of the Heavens - even though the truth is with him.
“You shall not curse powers, nor revile a chieftain among your people” (Exodus 22:27); “You shall not curse a deaf man” (Leviticus 19:14). And we were warned with this not to curse [any] man of Israel with [God’s] name or one of all of [His] appellations. And [the reason] the Torah mentions not to curse powers; a chieftain; and a deaf man, is to come to warn one not to curse a judge (the power mentioned here) when he finds him guilty in the trial, nor a chieftain when he punishes him, to dispatch him for his transgression. And it was necessary to mention a deaf man, lest you say, “There is no punishment for cursing him - since he does not hear, no pain will reach him from his curse.” And “You shall not curse powers” is written at the end of Parshat Mishpatim (Statutes) to say that you should not curse a judge that judges with these statutes. But you may curse a judge that is not proper. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shevuot 36a), “One who curses his fellow or himself with [God’s] name is lashed.” And his punishment at the hand of the Heavens is very great, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 28:58-59), “If you fail to observe all the words of this Torah in the book, etc., to reverence this honored and awesome name, the Lord, your God; The Lord will inflict extraordinary plagues upon you, etc.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Temurah 3:2) the topic of this verse as one who curses his fellow or himself with [God’s] name.
And it is forbidden for a person to say that God should save him if the matter is true, when the thing is actually untrue. For he cursed himself with [God’s] name [by doing so] - as the negative can be inferred from the positive.
“Drink no wine or other intoxicant, etc. And to distinguish between the holy and the profane, etc. And you must teach the Israelites” (Leviticus 10:9-11). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Eruvin 64a), “If one drank a quarter [log] of wine that was not mixed with water, he may not issue a ruling, but if he drink more than a quarter, he may not issue a ruling even though he mixed it [with water].
“A man shall not oppress his countryman” (Leviticus 25:17) - the verse is speaking about verbal oppression, like we discussed above. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 58b), “[If] one is a penitent, [another] may not say to him, ‘Remember your earlier deeds.’ [If] one is the child of converts, [another] may not say to him, ‘Remember the deeds of your ancestors.’” And that which is stated (Exodus 22:20), “You shall not oppress a stranger or press him,” [is understood as] “You shall not oppress” him verbally; “or press him” with money. And the Torah warned in several places about oppression of the convert, for he forgot his [own] people and the house of his father, and came to seek refuge under the wings of the Divine Presence - like the matter that is stated (Ruth 2:11), “how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and came to a people you had not known before”; and it is stated (Ruth 2:12), “May the Lord reward your deeds; may you have a full recompense from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have sought refuge!” And there is a [relevant] parable about a gazelle that comes to a flock, and crouches with the sheep there. So the owner of the flock had compassion on it - since it left a broad pasture to stand in a narrow place.
“You shall not follow the many to do bad.” (Exodus 23:2). We were warned with this not to verbally strengthen the hands of sinners, and not join with those that conspire to do injustice - like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 8:12) “You must not call conspiracy, all that people call conspiracy.”
And it is forbidden to make an association with an evildoer for matters of the world, as it is stated (II Chronicles 20:37), “As you have made an association with Ahaziah, the Lord will break up your work.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 3:31), “Do not envy a lawless man, or associate with any of his ways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said in Avot DeRabbi Natan (Avot DeRabbi Natan 9:4), “Do not befriend an evildoer even for the matter of a commandment.” And there are many paths of death found in the association with evildoers; and we have already spoken about this iniquity and the severity of its punishment.
“You shall not place a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). And we were warned with this not to give a ruling to the Israelites which is not like the doctrine and not like the law (halakha). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 1:1), “Be deliberate in judgement.” And the ones who are impatient to understand and give a ruling will not save their souls from putting a stumbling block before the blind; and their sin is very heavy, as it is written (Psalms 82:5), “They neither know nor understand, they go about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth totter.” And they also said (Avot 4:13), “Be careful in study, for an error in study counts as deliberate sin.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 22a), “‘For she has cast down many wounded’ (Proverbs 7:26); this is [referring to] a Torah scholar who has not yet attained the ability to issue rulings, and yet issues rulings. ‘And a mighty host are all her slain’; this is referring to a Torah scholar who has attained the ability to issue rulings, but does not issue rulings.”
We are also warned by this verse to give proper advice when we advise one of our people, and not to make him stumble with boorish advice; and not to advise one’s fellow for one’s [own advantage].
And a man is obligated to think thoughts that will bring up proper and coherent advice for this fellow. And this is one of the main types of acts of lovingkindness, as it is stated (Proverbs 27:9), “Oil and incense gladden the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than one’s own counsel.”
“Do not go talebearing among your people“ (Leviticus 19:16). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 46a) that included in this [negative commandment] is not to put out a bad name for any of our people. And the punishment [for doing this] is very stringent, as will be explained in the level of those liable for the death penalty. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Ketuvot 46a) [that] “Do not go talebearing (rakhil)” is a [prohibition] to the judge, that he should not be soft to (rakh la) this one and harsh to that one.
“You shall not grant them grace” (Deuteronomy 7:2). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained [it] as do not give grace to the seven (Canaanite) nations.
“And not be like Korach and like his community” (Numbers 17:5). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 110a), “Anyone who perpetuates a dispute violates a negative commandment, as it is stated ‘and not be like Korach and like his community.’” But it is permissible to say evil speech about disputatious people, as it is stated (I Kings 1:26), “But he did not invite me your servant, or the priest Zadok, etc.”
One who does not perpetuate a dispute against those who stand on a path that is not good, and those that haul in iniquity, is surely punished for their transgressions in all their sins (of the actual sinners); and [also] transgresses a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “and not bear sin because of him..” And it is stated (Hosea 10:9) “You have sinned more, O Israel, than in the days of Gibeah; there they stand; shall they not be overtaken [as] at Gibeah by a war upon scoundrels?” Its explanation is [that] if that generation (of Hosea) was standing there, they would not have overtaken those in Gibeah in war, to destroy the evil, as that generation had overcome [the evildoers of that time] in war. The understanding of “there they stand” is, if they stood there. And likewise “and leave his father” (Genesis 44:22) is, if he left. [This is] meaning to say, that their sin was of the type of sin of Gibeah. However [the earlier generation] was better than these, since they gathered and stood with their lives to destroy the evil. And it is stated (Judges 5:23), “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord; ‘Bitterly curse its inhabitants, because they came not to the aid of the Lord, to the aid of the Lord among the warriors.” And it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:17), “do not fear in front of a man.” And anyone who is for God, may He be blessed, should give over his life for the sanctification of God, as it is stated (Exodus 32:26), “‘Whoever is for the Lord, come to me’; and all the Levites gathered to him.” And it is [also] stated (Numbers 25:7), “And Phinheas saw, etc. and he took a spear in his hand.” And it is an obligation on all that fear [God] - even if he is one that loves pureness of heart - to arouse zealotry when he sees that behold, the officers and the prefects are in trespass, as it is stated (Ezra 9:2), “and it was the hand of the officers and prefects who were in this trespass first.”
“But as for your brothers of the Children of Israel, no one shall rule ruthlessly over the other” (Leviticus 25:46). A man may not subjugate his fellow. And if his fear is upon them or they are embarrassed to violate his word, he should not command them to do [anything at all], except from their [own] will and for their benefit - even to heat up a jug of water or to go on an errand to the town square to buy as much as a loaf of bread. But it is permitted to command anything he wants to a man who does not behave properly.
“You shall not profane My holy name” (Leviticus 22:32). This is among [the sins for which] one is liable for excision, as will be explained. And know that, is not the (greatest) damage and destruction found among the souls of the masses on the lips of the tongue? For they mention [God’s] name for nothing, and they also mention it without reverence. And about this matter did our Rabbis explain (Leviticus Rabbah 27) that which it is written (Isaiah 1:3), “Israel did not know.” And they are also not exacting about the cleanliness of the place and cleanliness of [their] palms.
And when people are not careful with their tongues about the honor of Torah scholars - whether in front of them or not in front of them - they turn into [those categorized as] heretics (apikorsim), who do not have a share in the world to come. And likewise, is not the destruction of the four groups (see Sota 42a) from the sin of their mouth and the word of their lips? It is all like it will be explained in this chapter. Therefore it is written (Proverbs 18:21), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Observe and see the iniquity of the tongue and the severity of its transgression: For the punishment of one who curses his father and mother is more severe than one who strikes [them]. As the sentence of the one that curses is stoning - which is the most stringent of the court’s death penalties - whereas the sentence of the one who strikes [them] is strangulation.
And many are also ensnared and trapped in profaning their glorious senses - the sense of seeing and the sense of hearing. And it is stated about the sense of seeing (Numbers 15:39), “so that you do not follow your heart and eyes.” We were commanded with this that a man should not stare at a married woman or at other sexual prohibitions, lest he be ensnared by them.
And among the sins that are dependent on the sight of seeing is [that of] raised eyes. For it is caused by pride, as it is stated (Psalms 101:5), “I cannot endure one of raised eyes and a thick heart.”
And among the words of our Rabbis about the sense of hearing is, “A person should not allow his ears to hear idle matters, because they are the first of the limbs burned” (Ketuvot 5b). And about the one that audits a mouth that speaks vulgarity, it is stated (Proverbs 22:14), “The mouth of strange women is a deep pit.” One who is of the fearers of God and of the penitents should pay attention to all of this, in order to save his soul from the flame. And we have already written fine words about this matter in the Gates of Precautions of Caution (no longer extant).
Among the [negative commandments] dependent upon the shutting of the hand and the one who prevents himself from an act is “do not [...] shut your hand against your needy kinsman, [etc.] Beware lest you harbor the base thought, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is approaching,’ so that you are mean to your needy kinsman and give him nothing” Deuteronomy 15:7-9). We have learned from this that one who refrains from lending to a poor person violates two negative commandments. And they are “Beware,” and “lest.” So if at the time that the seventh year is approaching, we are warned not to prevent ourselves from loaning because of the fear of the matter of the year of remission, certainly [is it so at] a time when he will not lose [the loaner’s] debt - for the sin of one who shuts his hand from lending will become greater. And from the greatness of this iniquity, the verse called the thought of stinginess from lending, “base thought (devar belia’al).” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 68a), “[Regarding] anyone who averts his eyes from the obligation to give charity, it is as if he engages in idol worship. It is written here, ‘Beware lest you harbor the base thought in your heart…and you will not give him’ (Deuteronomy 15:9), and it is written there, ‘Certain base fellows from among you have gone out’ (Deuteronomy 13:14).” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yalkut Shmuel 28:134) that a miser is called base. And so is it written (I Samuel 25:25), “to that wretched fellow, Nabal” - because he was stingy, since he said to David’s servants (I Samuel 25:11), “Should I then take my bread and my water and the meat that I slaughtered, etc.?” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 63a), “Greater is one who lends to a poor person than one who [gives] charity.”
“You shall not abuse your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:13). (And the explanation is that this is also from the [negative commandments] that are dependent upon the shutting of the hand. For the verse is speaking about abusing the wage of a wage-worker, such that [the employer] prevents himself from paying him his wage. And likewise, that which [Rabbenu Yonah] brings the verse, “The wicked man,” after this is because it is from this type in which one prevents himself from paying the debt.) And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 37:21), “The wicked man borrows and does not repay.” “You shall not leave over the wages of a laborer with you until morning” (Leviticus 19:13). “You must pay him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets” (Deuteronomy 24:15). It is the same for the rent of an animal, [the wage] of a person or of vessels - one transgresses, “You shall not leave over.” [Even with] contracting, one transgresses, “You shall not leave over” (Bava Metzia 101b).
“You must not leave over his corpse on the stake overnight” (Deuteronomy 21:23). One who leaves over his dead [relative] overnight transgresses a negative commandment, unless he leaves him over for [the sake of] his honor.”
“You may not be indifferent” (Deuteronomy 22:3). We were warned with this not to be negligent from saving the wealth of our fellows - whether movable property or lands - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 31a), “‘And so too shall you do with anything that your brother loses’ - to include the loss of land.” For example, if there was water streaming and coming there, he is obligated to block it. And also were we warned [with this verse] to make efforts to rescue our neighbors, and to save our fellows at the time of their troubles. And it is likewise written (Leviticus 19:16), “you may not stand over your neighbor’s blood.” And Solomon said (Proverbs 24:10), “If you showed yourself slack in time of trouble; and wanting in strength.” Its explanation is [that] if you have the ability to save with counsel or with effort, but you show yourself [as if] you do not have the strength, your strength will be reduced - measure for measure. And it is stated afterwards (Proverbs 24:12), “If you say, ‘We knew nothing of it,’ surely He who fathoms hearts will discern [the truth], He who watches over your life will know it, and He will pay each man as he deserves.” Behold one who prevents himself from the salvation [of others] and from giving counsel to help, the Holy One, blessed be He, will consider it like his act. (It appears to me that his intention in explaining the verse is that even though the iniquity of preventing himself is passive, nevertheless it will be counted for him as if he had actively done evil to his fellow. For that evil that came to his fellow in a place where he could have been saved through [the sinner], is considered for the one that prevented himself from saving [the other] as if he was active and did [it]. And this is [the understanding of] its being considered like his act.)
And it is good and very correct that there be volunteers from the people in each and every city, to be ready and prepared for any matter of rescue, when an Israelite man or woman is found in trouble. And behold we became obligated to exert ourselves for his missing ox or sheep, to be with us - now what fineness and greatness to do for its owners - until our brother requests it; and it is written (Isaiah 58:7), “and take the wretched poor into your home.”
“You shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.” (Leviticus 19:17). We were warned with this not to incur sin from the sin of our fellow, in our preventing ourselves from rebuking them. And if one man sins when his sin is completely revealed and they did not rebuke him with a rod of reprimands, the whole congregation is punished. And it is accordingly written (Joshua 22:20), “When Achan son of Zerah violated the proscription, anger struck the whole community of Israel; he was not the only one who perished for that sin.” And it is stated (Deuteronomy 29:28), “but with overt [acts], it is for us and our children forever.“ And even the nations of the world said, (Jonah 1:7) “Let us cast lots and find out on whose account this misfortune has come upon us” - and certainly with Israel, who are responsible for one another.
And in order to be saved from this punishment, it is a proper thing to choose men of truth and to identify men of valor from all of the people; and to place them as the heads of supervision over every marketplace and lot of their dwelling places - in order to supervise their neighbors and to reprimand them for any matter of rebellion and destroy the evil [that they find].
“When you make a vow to the Lord, your God, do not delay fulfilling it” (Deuteronomy 23:22). Behold there is a punishment for the delay of vows and charity, even though one pays them later. And if someone vows to give charity to the poor, he is obligated to pay it immediately. And if by way of forgetfulness, a delay of the vow happens to him, this too will surely be punished. For since he knows that forgetfulness is found with people, he should have remembered his vows and constantly put them into his heart, so that he would not forget them - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 20:25), “It is a snare for a man to pledge a sacred gift rashly, and to give thought to his vows only after they have been made.” Therefore, his punishment for his negligence is severe, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:5), “Don’t let your mouth bring your flesh to sin, and don’t plead before the messenger that it was an error, but fear God; else God may be angered by your talk and destroy the work of your hands.” Its explanation is “Don’t let your mouth bring your flesh to sin, etc.” - why do you vow, if you are not careful with your vows and bring guilt upon yourself? And we have already explained this verse in the Gates of Precautions of Caution (no longer extant). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said about the iniquity of [unfulfilled] vows (Shabbat 32b) that children die [as a result], as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:5), “and destroy the work of your hands.” The verse is also explained to be about the matter of evil speech, that one is punished for negligence with it - even if he does not intend to disgrace his fellow. (And likewise did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say in the Sifrei - and Rashi cites it in his commentary on the Torah concerning Miriam - and this is its language, “And with Miriam, she did not have in mind to to disgrace him [...]” And it concludes in the Sifrei, “But rather for praise, on account of the commandment of being fruitful and multiplying, etc.”) And behold we were commanded not to make vows, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 23:23) “Whereas you incur no guilt if you refrain from vowing.” And our Rabbis expounded from this (Nedarim 77b) that if one does vow, he incurs guilt. For a vow is a stumbling block for the one who vows, lest he profane his word or delay fulfilling it. Rather a righteous man is gracious and gives without his vowing. [It is hence forbidden to vow] except for when he calls out from distress. For then he should make a vow, like the matter that is written (Genesis 28:20), “And Jacob made a vow, saying, etc.” And likewise in the gathering together of the heads of the people - the Tribes of Israel: They should make vows to strengthen weakened hands. (It appears to me that his intention in that which he wrote, “to strengthen weakened hands,” is meaning to say that it energizes the rest of the people whose hands are weakened in the trait of volunteering, since they are not used to it. And through his vowing publicly in front of many people, their hearts are elevated to volunteer as well. And so is it written in I Chronicles 29:1-9, “King David said to the entire assemblage, etc. ‘I have prepared with all of my strength, etc. and who is going to make a freewill offering and devote himself today to the Lord?’ And the officers of the clans made freewill offerings, etc. The people rejoiced over the freewill offerings they made, for with a whole heart they made freewill offerings to the Lord; King David also rejoiced very much.”
The fifth level is a negative commandment that [involves] an action: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Makkot 13b), “We give lashes for a negative commandment that [involves] an action.” And the [number of] lashes is forty minus one. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 10a) that lashes comes instead of the death penalty. And they said (Sanhedrin 81b), “Someone who was lashed and repeats [the sin], we put into jail (kippah). And it is an obligation upon the reprimanaders to investigate the ways of the people and to know what they are stumbling in. Since there are many [negative commandments] - even though they observe many of the [negative commandments), they [also] negate many of them. For example, they keep most of the prohibitions of work on Shabbat - but there are types of work that part of the people are not careful about, since they are not known to them. And their mistakes are attributed to themselves, since they did not lodge among the sages and seek Torah from their mouths. Hence they transgressed the practices and will be punished, as it is stated (Isaiah 26:10), “But when the evildoer is spared, he learns not righteousness.” And there are rebels that stumble in them; for they did not become accustomed to them in their youth, in the houses of their fathers, to be careful about them. And they inherited [the ways of] the fathers, and did not listen to the voice of their teachers. [Hence] these are doing [these] sins wantonly.
And likewise all of the people are careful about the blood of the soul and the blood of exudate; but some of them are not careful about the preparation of salting, to remove the blood from the meat according to the law. And there are very many like these [examples], without knowledge and without reprimand. And it is like it is stated (Proverbs 29:18), “For lack of vision a people becomes wild.”
And there are some [negative commandments] that some of the masses do not keep the main [negative commandment], such as wounding and hitting. For one that hits his fellow violates two negative commandments, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 25:3), “You shall strike him forty; you shall not add, lest you add.” And many transgress these negative commandments by hitting their wives. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 58b), “Anyone who raises his hand to strike another, even if he does not strike him, is called wicked - as it is stated (Exodus 2:13), ‘and he said to the wicked one, “Why should you strike your friend?”’ ‘Why did you strike,’ is not stated, but rather, ‘should you strike.’” And Job said (Job 31:21), “If I raised my hand against the fatherless.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 58b) [that] Rav Huna would cut off the hand of the striker. He would say, “And the high arm shall be broken” (Job 38:15).
And there are people that do not refrain from [wearing] a garment that is of a forbidden mixture of fabrics. For they sew a wool garment with a linen thread or make a linen rim for the edge of a woolen garment.
“No man shall approach anyone of his own flesh” (Leviticus 18:6). Any approaching of the flesh is forbidden, such as touching the hands of a married woman. And its explanation [in the continuation of the verse], “to uncover nakedness,” is because approaching leads to nakedness (forbidden intercourse). And should you say in your heart, “Where is it found in Scripture that the Torah made a fence, that you should say that it forbade the touching of hands, that it should be a sin” - we will answer you [this] word: Behold the commandment of the nazirite in which one’s main separation is lest he forget the Lawmaker or be fooled by a spirit of licentiousness, [and yet] the Torah forbade him from [consuming] everything that is from the vine of wine. And all of that is as a fence to distance him from drinking wine. And likewise did our Rabbis say in the Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 16:2).
“And do not place a stumbling block in front of the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). Our Rabbis said (Moed Katan 17a) that we were warned with this that a man should not strike his grown son, lest it be a snare and a stumbling block for [the son’s] tongue and to hit his father. And likewise were we warned with this not to bring about any stumbling block for the iniquity of an Israelite or even a gentile, such that he not give a cup of wine to a nazarite or a limb from a living animal [also] to a Noahide, and also not extend to him that which is forbidden to him, nor to cause him to stumble upon one of the things about which the Noahides were [forbidden].
“You must not destroy its trees, wielding the ax against them” (Deuteronomy 20:19). For we were warned with this not to cut down any fruit tree - even to build fortifications with it, so long as one finds enough fruitless trees for his needs. And we were also warned with this not to throw money around for no reason - even the value of a perutah (a small coin). And our Rabbis said (Bava Kamma 91b), “One who rends his garments excessively over his dead [relative] is lashed.” And all the more so, one who breaks vessels in his anger, as he has done two evils - destroying his wealth; and letting his anger be in control, to make him transgress matters of the Torah. As from now on, he will have a struggle with the impulse of anger, to make him transgress his religion - like the matter that is written (Proverbs 29:22), “a hot-tempered man commits many offenses.” And we have already let you know that which our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 105b), “One who breaks his vessels in his anger [...] should be like an idol worshiper in your eyes, as that is the way of the evil impulse. Today it tells him, ‘Do this,’ and tomorrow it tells him, ‘[...] worship idols.’” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yevamot 44a), “A man should not pour out water from his well when others need it.” We were even warned not to waste the body, by giving it over to dangers or torturing the body to consume it needlessly with fasts from his distress and anger, and not to mourn [more than is necessary] for his dead [relative]. But [regarding] one who grieves and mourns over his iniquities - about him is it stated (Isaiah 57:18), “I note how they fare and will heal them; I will guide them and mete out solace to them, and to the mourners among them.” And it is stated (Genesis 9:5) “But for your souls’ blood, I will require a reckoning.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 91b), “From the hand of your souls (i.e., from yourself), will I require your blood.”
“Three years it shall be forbidden (arelim) for you, not to be eaten” (Leviticus 19:23). Orlah is applicable outside of the Land [of Israel] and it is forbidden in benefit. And anything that is forbidden in benefit is forbidden to give to a [gentile]. And the fourth year vineyard is forbidden in benefit, when not redeemed. And we may not redeem it until its fruits have reached the season of the tithes. So when is the season of the tithes? From the time that the fruits have been completed, like the matter that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, learned (Maasrot 1:2), “From when are the fruits obligated in tithes?”
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עַל כֵּן לֹא יֹאכְלוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה (בראשית ל"ב:ל"ג). גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה אָסוּר בַּהֲנָאָה. וְאָסוּר לְתִתּוֹ לְעַבְדּוֹ וְשִׁפְחָתוֹ הַכְּנַעֲנִי. וְאָסוּר לִשְׁלֹחַ יָרֵךְ לְגוֹי וְגִיד הַנָּשֶׁה בְּתוֹכָהּ (וכן הביא הרא"ש ר"פ גיד הנשה בשמעתא דשולח אדם ירך לכנעני בשם רבינו המחבר. ולא קי"ל כותיה בהא. אלא כדעת הרמב"ם ושאר פוסקים דג"ה מותר בהנאה ושולח ירך לכנעני וג"ה בתוכו. ומבואר בטור ש"ע י"ד סימן ס"ה).
“Therefore the Children of Israel do not eat the sciatic tendon” (Genesis 32:33). The sciatic tendon is forbidden in benefit, so it is forbidden to give it to one’s Canaanite slave or maidservant. And it is forbidden to send a thigh (as a gift) to a Canaanite with the sciatic tendon inside it. (And likewise does Rosh bring in the name of [Rabbeinu Yonah] at the beginning of the chapter [entitled] Gid HaNashei in the discussion of a man sending a thigh to a Canaanite. But we do not establish [the law to be] like him in this, but rather like the opinion of Rambam - that the sciatic tendon is permissible in benefit, so one may send a thigh to a Canaanite with the sciatic tendon inside it. And it is explained in Tur and Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh Deah 65.)
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal deceitfully or falsely” (Leviticus 19:11). Our Rabbis said (Bava Metzia 61b), “‘You shall not steal’ in order to aggravate” - that one should not say, “I will steal vessel x, in order that he will be pained and I will make him aggravated (nakot, [like] the usage, ‘and you shall aggravate yourselves’ [in] Ezekiel 36:31), be careful in watching his vessels and give it back to him afterwards.” And it is likewise forbidden to take vessels from the house of one’s fellow in the way of theft, to use them and [then] return them to him. And one may not steal what is his from behind the thief - so that he will not appear to be a thief (Sifra, Kedoshim, Section 2:2).
“You shall not practice divination or soothsaying” (Leviticus 19:26). “You shall not practice divination” - such as those that divine with weasels and birds. [It is if] his bread fell from his mouth or a gazelle crossed his path, and he said it is a sign that his journey will not be successful - so he leaves his journey because of this. And that which is similar to this, such that he follow the augurs, whether to do something or to refrain from the action. “You shall not practice soothsaying (teonenu)” is an expression of times (onot) and hours: That he says, “Day x is good to begin work, hour y is bad for leaving.” And one should [also] not listen to the astrologers. But rather one’s heart should trust in the Lord, the God of the heavens and the God of the earth. Therefore it is written about this matter (Deuteronomy 18:13), “You must be wholehearted with the Lord, your God.” We have learned from this that the diviners and the augurs are lacking trust. And these plots and divinings are the acts of the Land of Canaan, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 18:14), “For those nations that you are about to dispossess do indeed resort to soothsayers and augurs; to you, however, the Lord, your God has not assigned the like.”
“You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment” (Leviticus 19:15). Behold, afterward it states, “you shall not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your countryman fairly.” So what is, “judgement” stated at the beginning of the verse? Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sifra, Kedoshim, Chapter 8:5) [that] this is [referring to] length, weight and capacity: “It is to teach us that a measurer is called a judge, and if he falsifies in measurement (it is as if the perverts justice); and he is called wrong, [...], revolting, rejected and abominable, and he brings about five things (like one who perverts justice): He defiles the (Land), he profanes the Name, he drives out the Divine Presence, he causes Israel to fall by the sword, and he exiles them from their land.” (And it appears to me that there is a lacuna here - and it is accordingly found below - “You shall not falsify measures of length, weight, or capacity. You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin; I am the Lord, your God, who freed you, etc.” [Leviticus 19:35-36]). “Measures of length” - that is measuring of land; “weight” - like its meaning; “or capacity” - that is a liquid and a dry measure; “honest weights” - masses to weigh across from them; “an ephah” is a dry measure; “a hin” is a liquid measure; “I am the Lord, your God, who freed you, etc.” - in Egypt, I distinguished between the drop of a firstborn and the drop that was not a firstborn, so I am credible to punish the one who hides his weights in salt, in order to fool the creatures who are not aware of them.
“You shall not act towards him as a creditor” (Exodus 22:24). We were warned with this not to distress the borrower. And the creditor may not pass in front of him when he knows that the borrower does not have with what to pay him back. For he torments him and weakens his spirit with this. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 78b), “Behold, it is as if he is judging him with two [punishments], as it is stated (Psalms 66:12), ‘You have let men ride over us; we have endured fire and water.’”
“You shall not put usury upon him” (Exodus 22:24) - [this is a negative commandment] for the witnesses - as the creditor, the borrower and the witnesses [all] transgress a negative commandment. Therefore, it states, “you shall not put (tasimun),” in plural, after it stated, “you shall not act (singular) towards him as a creditor” - since it is a warning to the witnesses.
“You shall not plow with an ox and an ass together” (Deuteronomy 22:21). We were warned with this not to plow - nor to tread - with two species, when they are joined with a yoke or with a rope. And the law is the same for driving them when they are joined. And [the reason] that it (only) spoke about plowing is [that] the verse mentioned the common [case]. And it is even forbidden to drive them with [one’s] voice. And it is forbidden to drive together two mules, [if] one is the daughter of a female horse and one is the daughter of a female donkey. And it is forbidden to drive a mule with [either] a horse or a donkey.
“And a figured stone you shall not set in your land” (Leviticus 26:1). We were warned with this not to bow down on a floor of stones in the synagogue or in any other place, except for the Temple.
“You shall not make yourselves abominable” (Leviticus 11:43). We were warned with this not to eat fish or a grasshopper until they die. And likewise should one not drink from the horn of a bloodletter (that he uses for his craft). One who delays his [bodily needs also] transgresses on account of “You shall not make yourselves abominable” (Makkot 16b).
“Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity” (Leviticus 19:29). Our Rabbis explained (Sanhedrin 76a) that this verse comes to warn that a man not give over his single daughter for intercourse that is not for the sake of marriage (kiddushin). “Lest the land fall into harlotry” - for if you do this, the land will be untrue and give its fruit elsewhere, and not in your land. And likewise does it state (Jeremiah 3:3), “And when showers were withheld and the late rains did not come, your face had the brazenness of a harlot.”
And behold you have seen the greatness of the punishment of one who designates a single woman as a harlot for himself. For it is stated about this (Leviticus 19:29), ”lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity.” [That is] besides the great evil stumbling block that is found for those having intercourse with a single woman - for she is ashamed to immerse in the waters of a river or a mikveh [to purify herself] from the impurity of her menstruation, lest a rumor of her harlotry become public. Therefore she will [usually remain] in menstruation; her impurity in the bottom of her skirts, she does not think of her end. Our Rabbis also said (Sanhedrin 76a), “‘Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot’ - behold this is a [negative commandment] that a man not marry off his daughter to an old man.”
“You shall not eat any corpse” (Deuteronomy 14:21). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 32a), “Anything that is disqualified during slaughter is a corpse (neveilah).” And it is goodly for the reprimanders to warn the people, so that they should be careful about the law of slaughtering and all of its details, to fulfill its dictates. And for all of its laws, they should choose a slaughterer (schochet) who fears sin, since a large number of Israelites are dependent upon him for the [proper execution] of the commandments of slaughter and examination. And though it is true that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 3b), “Most of those found around slaughter are experts” - there are places without concern and without reprimand. There, most of the people found around slaughter are not understanding experts. And we have also seen scandal in some of them. For many of the experts have distanced themselves [from these places] out of fear of sin; and the heart of those that do not not fear, does not understand how to be exacting in the examination of the knife. For one has to focus his heart very, very much in its examination. Do you not see that a man may check two or three times and not feel a small nick (that would render the knife improper), but find it afterwards when he set his heart to it in the end? So [this shows] that the sense of touch is according to the focus of the heart. [This is] besides that a man that has no fear will err in the examination of the marks and the rest of the ways and angles that are clearly revealed to anyone who knows the doctrine and the law.
“And you shall not take a bribe” (Exodus 23:8) - even on condition to have the innocent be innocent and the guilty be guilty, and even if the two parties to the argument have agreed to give him a wage together. Thus did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Ketuvot 105a): “[Regarding] one who takes a wage to judge, his decisions are null.” But they are permitted to give him the wage of the loss he incurred, in that they disturbed him from his [regular] activities - if the loss is recognizable and fixed, and it is known to people. And [this is] so long as one of them does not give more than his fellow towards the wage of the loss.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 105b), “‘And you shall not take a bribe” - even a bribe of words. As if one of them said words of a flatterer to him, he must withdraw himself from that case. And if he brings him a present when he comes to be judged in front of him, he should not take it from his hand. And even if he preceded and gave him a gift in front of him to take from him (before he received his summons), this judge has already been disqualified from judging him.
“No work at all shall be done on them; only what every person is to eat, etc.” (Exodus 12:16). Our Rabbis said (Beitzah 12a), “From transporting being permitted for the sake of food for people, it was also permitted not for its sake - so long as it is for the sake of the day.” And it is like the matter that they said, “We transport a Torah scroll on a holiday to read it on that day.” But it is forbidden to transport for the needs of weekdays - only for the needs of the holiday. And many of the people sin by transporting a key for their containers into the public domain on the holiday, even though there is no food that can be eaten on the holiday in the container.
“So that you do not bring bloodguilt in your house” (Deuteronomy 22:8). [This is a negative commandment against] placing a bad dog or a rickety ladder inside one’s home.
“You must not work your firstling ox or shear your firstling sheep” (Deuteronomy 15:19). [The law of] the firstborn is practiced both in the Land [of Israel] and outside the Land. And a firstling that is mixed in a hundred or [even] a thousand (other animals) renders all of them prohibited in benefit.
“And you shall not follow their practices” (Leviticus 18:3). And we were warned with this to distance ourselves from all the ways of the Emorites. And among them are incantations, and amulets that are not from an expert for healing.
“And you shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears until that very day” (Leviticus 23:14). And [until the day it becomes permitted], the new grain is forbidden by the Torah also outside of the Land.
We have written some of the things about which many people err unknowingly, for their ears had not been exposed to them; and some of the things they knew were forbidden, but did know the severity of the prohibition. And we mentioned some of these [things] so that the people will not err in them laying down. The wise man will hear [this] and add [more] teaching, to warn the people about the things like this that happen to them. And the understanding ones will note their mention, and so, shine with the shine of heaven.
And the sixth level is [the sins that come with] a death penalty at the hands of the Heavens: The difference between [this] death penalty and excision (karet) is that the liability for the death penalty is upon him, but not upon his progeny; whereas with the punishment of excision, he and his progeny are excised. Nevertheless our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said (Pesachim 32b) that regarding one matter, in one aspect, death at the hands of the Heavens exceeds the severity of excision. For the one who is liable for [death] at the hands of the Heavens has death in his apertures, and the animals of his livestock die: His cow eats dust and dies; his chicken eats from the dungheap and dies. And [so] death clings to him until it finishes him off.
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(Perhaps Section 108 is missing, or a mistake happened in the ordering of the sections.)
And some of those liable for a death penalty at the hands of the Heavens were enumerated in the Mishnah, such as one who eats untithed foods - and that is grain that was not prepard by the separation of the priestly tithe and the tithe from it. And this commandment is practiced [only] in the Land of Israel. And [another] example is an impure priest that eats pure priestly tithe or a non-priest that ate the priesly tithe.
And there are some of them that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained in the Talmud and in the Midrash, and most of them can be learned from the verse [itself]. For example, one who afflicts a widow or an orphan, as it is stated (Exodus 22:21-23), “you shall not afflict a widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, etc., My anger shall blaze forth.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Mekhilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Mishpatim 18), “It is one if they cry out or they do not cry out.” [This is] meaning to say that when one who afflicts the widow or orphan is punished, it is the same doctrine whether the afflicted surely cries out under his hand or is surely silent. But when the orphan cries out to God, may He be blessed, the punishment comes quickly.
[Likewise,] stealing from the poor person, as it is stated (Proverbs 22:22-23), “Do not rob the indigent for he is indigent; and do not crush the poor man in the gate. For the Lord will take up their cause and despoil those who despoil them of life.” And we have already explained this in the third level. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 119a) that one who steals from a poor person is as if he takes his life, as it is stated (Proverbs 1:19), “Such is the fate of all who pursue unjust gain; it takes the life of its possessor.” Sometimes it deprives him of his livelihood - even with the theft of less than the value of a perutah (a very small coin). Therefore it is considered like bloodguilt for that person: If he stole the value of a perutah, he has spilled blood.
[Likewise] one who put out a bad name (on someone else), as it is stated (Numbers 14:37), “And those who spread such calumnies about the land died of plague in front of the Lord.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Arakhin 15a) [that] if the punishment for one who puts out a bad name on the land is death, all the more so for one who puts out a bad name on a fellow Israelite - who is obligated in Torah and the commandments. And it is stated (Deuteronomy 22:19), “And they shall fine him a hundred [shekels of] silver and give it to the girl’s father; for the man has put out a bad name, etc.” Behold, the verse did not mention his sin about having tried to take the life of the woman, and causing her to be killed in court with false witnesses that he brought about her [fabricated] harlotry; yet it mentioned the iniquity of putting out a bad name! For it is a greater iniquity than one seeking to squelch a life, as the pain of the shame is more bitter than death. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say that he is liable lashes and [a fine] for putting out a bad name, not for having sought to kill her. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Bava Kamma 8:7) that one who puts out a bad name with words about a blemish in the family is never able to atone. For it is not enough for him to get pardoned by those still alive, as he caused the shame and disgrace of their forebears that gave him birth. And we will still add more to its explanation [when we explain] the severity of the four death penalties [of the court].
And one who plays with children and [masturbates] whether with the hand or the foot is liable. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Niddah 13b) that his punishment is like the punishment of the generation of the flood, that had corrupted their ways. And likewise one who does like the act of Er and Onan - to thresh (the penis) inside (the vagina) and winnow outside, to destroy the seed - is liable, as it is stated (Genesis 38:10), “And what he did was displeasing to the Lord, and He killed him as well.” And it is stated about those that waste seed (Isaiah 57:5), “You who inflame yourselves among the terebinths, under every verdant tree; who slaughter children, etc.”
And a Torah scholar that does not act modestly is liable, because he distances the Torah from the love of the creatures. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 114a), “About this is it stated (Proverbs 8:36), ‘all who hate me love death.’” The explanation of haters is, those that cause hate - as they cause the creatures to hate the Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 86a), “[When a man] reads [Torah], studies [Mishnah, ...]; and he speaks pleasantly with other people, is pleasant with [them] in his business transactions in the marketplace and gives and takes faithfully - what do people say about him? Fortunate is his father [and his mother] who taught him Torah, [...], woe to the people who have not studied Torah. So-and-so who was taught Torah - see how [beautiful] are his ways, how proper are his deeds. About him does the verse state (Isaiah 49:3), ‘You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ [But when a man] reads [Torah], studies [Mishnah, ...]; but he does not speak pleasantly with other people, is not pleasant with [them] in his business transactions in the marketplace and does not give and take faithfully - what do people say about him? Woe to so-and-so who studied Torah, woe to his teacher and to his father who taught him Torah. So-and-so who studied Torah - see how [ugly] are his deeds, and how [corrupted] are his ways. About him, the verse states (Ezekiel 36:20), ‘they caused My holy name to be profaned, in that it was said of them, “These are the people of the Lord, yet they had to leave His land.”’”
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אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (מסכת דרך ארץ רבה י״א:יג) כָּל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בֵּית הַמִּדְרָשׁ בְּעִירוֹ וְאֵינוֹ הוֹלֵךְ שָׁם חַיָּב.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Derekh Eretz Rabbah 11:13), "Anyone who has a study hall (beit midrash) in his city but does not go there is liable."
And one who issues a legal ruling in front of his teacher is liable. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Eruvin 63a) [that] when Nadav and Abihou brought a foreign fire, they did not die for the sin of bringing [it], since their intention was for the sake of a commandment: They said, “Behold it is written in the Torah (Leviticus 1:7), ‘And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar’ - although fire descends from Heaven, it is [nonetheless] a commandment to [also] bring ordinary fire.” Rather their punishment was because they issued a legal ruling in front of Moses, their teacher.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8), “Pestilence comes to the world for sins punishable by death according to the Torah, but which have not been referred to the court, and for [neglect of the law regarding] the fruits of the sabbatical year.” And they also said (Avot 5:9), “At four times pestilence increases: In the fourth year, in the seventh year, at the conclusion of the seventh year and at the conclusion of the Feast [of Tabernacles (Sukkot)] in every year. In the fourth year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due in] the third year; in the seventh year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due] in the sixth year; at the conclusion of the seventh year, on account of the produce of the seventh year; and at the conclusion of the Feast in every year, for robbing the gifts to the poor.” We have seen from this that there is death at the hands of the Heavens for robbing the gifts of the poor. And from this, know and examine the severity of one who makes vows of charity but does not fulfill [them]. Also one who shuts his hand from his poor brother and turns away from his flesh is similar to these - for since he has already been obligated to give [these sums by the Torah], behold he is like someone robbing the gifts [of the poor].
The seventh level is the severity of excision: The punishment that one is liable [when the consequence of the sin’s] wanton [transgression] is excision; when inadvertent, is for one to bring a sin-offering. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Keritot 2a) - that a person is only liable to bring a sin-offering for something the punishment of which, when done wantonly, is excision. [This is] like the matter that is stated (Leviticus 20:20), “they shall bear their guilt; they shall die childless.” And there are two categories of those liable for excision:
The first category is [composed of] the ones excised [only] from this world: For example, one who has sexual relations with his sister, the sister of his father, the sister of his mother, the sister of his wife or the sister of his brother after he [divorces] her or after the death of her husband. And likewise one who has sexual relations with the wife of his father’s brother or with the wife of the mother’s brother; one who eats forbidden fat or blood; who eats chamets at Passover; one who does (forbidden) work on Yom Kippur; one who did not [eat from] a Passover [offering]; and one who has sexual relations with a menstruant.
The second category is [composed of] the ones excised from this world and from the next world: For example, one who worships idolatry; one who sins publicly; one who disgraces Torah, such as if he disgraces its students or those that love God, may He be blessed; and those that rescind the covenant on their flesh (circumcision). And we will explain the content of these groups more fully in the eleventh level.
And there are times when the merit of someone who is liable for excision lasts him two or three generations. And the delay in the death of evildoers is to pay their reward in this world, and so to destroy them in the world to come. For it is stated (Deuteronomy 7:10) “But who instantly repays with destruction those who hate Him - never slow with those who hate Him, but repaying them instantly.” And the thing is explained in the words of King David, peace be upon him (Psalms 92:7-8), “A brutish man cannot know, a fool cannot understand this: Though the wicked sprout like grass, though all evildoers blossom, it is only that they may be destroyed forever.” And likewise did Asaf, peace be upon him, say (Psalms 73:3-17), “For I envied the wanton; I saw the wicked at ease. Death has no pangs for them, etc. Until I entered God’s sanctuary and reflected on their fate.” Its explanation is that vengeance upon the evildoers is at their end, as it is stated (Proverbs 24:20), “For there is no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked goes out.”
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kohelet Rabbah 7:32), “Rabbi Yoshiyahu said, ‘For three things does the Holy One, blessed be He, delay punishment of evildoers in this world: Lest they repent; [because] they have done a commandment, such that the Holy One, blessed be, will pay them back in this world; or lest righteous children will come out from them - like we have found [when] He showed favor to Achaz, such that Hezekiah came out of him; as well as Amon, from whom Yoshiyahu came out; as well as Shimi, from whom Mordechai came.’”
And [part of] the content of excision is the shortening of years; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 10:27), “but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” But there is a difference in the matter of the shortening of the years between death [at the hands of the Heavens] and excision. For [in the case of] excision, the death of the person is before fifty years, whereas [in the case of] death, [it] is before sixty - like those that died in the desert. This is meaning to say, that one about whom it was decreed to live for seventy or eighty years, but became liable for death [at the hands of the Heavens], will die at less than sixty years. However there are righteous ones the [decree for which] is to have less days than sixty [years] - as they said (Taanit 5b), “One [who dies] at fifty-two years, this is the death of Samuel of Rama.” And it is stated (Numbers 4:18), “Do not let the group of Kohathite clans be cut off from the Levites.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, expounded (Yerushalmi Bikkurim 2:1) from this that excision is before fifty years. Its explanation is, let not an accident be how you cause the tribe of the Kohatites to be cut off from the service of the Levites. For if you do not guard them - that they should not come to see when the holy [vessels] are covered - they shall be excised from the service of the Levites, and will die before they are fifty years; as it is stated (Numbers 8:25), “But at the age of fifty they shall retire from the workforce, etc.”
And among those liable for excision are those that cause a bad trap and corruption for one’s offspring, besides that the end of the offspring is to be excised. And that is one who has sexual relations with a menstruant. Such a one is tearing up evil seed; for there will be a strip of brazenness upon [the child’s] forehead while he is still alive. [It is] as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kallah Rabbati 2), “Brazen faced - is that not the son of a menstruant woman?” And the iniquities of the son will be upon the bones of the father. For he caused his soul to be a sinner from the womb. And woe is the evil of the evildoer, for it corrupts him; and his soul and his wife’s soul will surely be excised. And his ruffian seed will be completely cut off. And behold that the woman is in menstrual impurity even if she is pure from [having] her flow and counted seven [clean] days - as is her statute - so long as she has not immersed in a source of water, a river or a spring that has forty seah. And the numerical equivalent (gematria) of the thing is walking slowly (le’at).
And the eighth level is the four death penalties of the court: And they are stoning, burning, killing and strangulation. Stoning is more severe than burning; burning than killing, which is with a sword (decapitation); and killing than strangulation. And from the sins [punished by] stoning: [A man] who has sexual relations with the wife of his father, with his daughter-in-law or with a male; a baal ov or yidaoni (types of fortune tellers); one who profanes the Shabbat; one who curses his father or mother; a man who has sexual relations with a betrothed maiden; one who entices others to idolatry; a sorcerer; a rebellious son; and - more severe than all of them - one who blasphemes or worships idolatry (Sanhedrin 53a).
By burning: [A man] who has sexual relations with a woman and her daughter, with the daughter of his wife, with the daughter of his son, with the daughter of his daughter, with his mother-in-law, with the mother of his mother-in-law and with the mother of his father-in-law (Sanhedrin 75a).
By strangulation: One who strikes his father or his mother; one who abducts an Israelite; a rebellious elder according to the court; a false prophet; one who prophesies in the name of idol worship; and one who has sexual relations with a married woman (Sanhedrin 84b).
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 37b), “From the day that the Temple was destroyed, although the [four death penalties of the court] have ceased, [...] the principle of the four death penalties of the court has not ceased: One who is liable for stoning, either he falls from a roof or an animal tramples him. One who is liable for burning, either he falls into a fire or a snake bites him (as a snakebite causes a burning sensation). One who is liable for killing, robbers come upon him (and execute him). One who is liable for strangling either drowns in a river or dies of diphtheria (bisronekhi).”
And [the law of a man] who has sexual relations with a maidservant is similar to those liable for the death penalties of the court in two ways. For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 81b), “One who has intercourse with an Egyptian woman, zealots may accost him,” like the matter which is written (Numbers 25:8). And this matter is more severe than the death penalties of the court, for they do not put to death, except with witnesses and a warning and by the decision of a Sanhedrin, which is not the case here.
And besides these, the evildoer discussed profaned the holy ones of God, whom He loved, and had intercourse with the daughter of a foreign god. And every foreign son he fathers will be a snare and a trap and a reminder of the iniquity - the father will carry the iniquity of the son. And he betrayed God, for he bore foreign children.
And secondly, the Heavens will reveal his iniquity and the earth will oppose him. For his sin will maintain his decline. And behold he will be similar to those liable for the death penalties of the court after the destruction of the Temple, such that they are judged from the Heavens - that they will die in their rebellion and not die like every other person, as we have explained. And it is stated (Malachi 2:12), “May the Lord leave he who does this without anyone awake or coherent in the tents of Jacob.” And our Rabbis explained (Shabbat 55b), “‘Awake’ among the Sages, or ‘coherent’ among the disciples.”
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8-9), “The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. Wild beasts come to the world for swearing in vain, and for the profaning of [God’s] name.”
And among the things that are pleasant for the reprimanders to watch and testify about the people, are to keep in view the fate of the lawless concerning the laws of the Shabbat - regarding the main and derivative categories of forbidden work. For many of them have vanished from the eyes of the masses. And there is no one speaking up and no one making [it] heard.
And the ninth level is the severity of the sins for which one is killed rather than transgressing them: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 74a), “[With regard to] all transgressions in the Torah, if a person [is told], ‘Transgress and you will not be killed,’ he may transgress and not be killed, [...] as it is stated (Leviticus 18:5), ‘[You shall keep My statutes and My judgments,] which a person shall do, and he shall live by them’ - ‘and live by them,’ and not to die by them,” except for idol worship, forbidden sexual relations, and bloodshed. For if a person tells him about one of these three, “Transgress and you will not be killed,” he must [let himself] be killed and not transgress - even when they tell him to do the transgression in private; [whereas with other sins, such a law would only apply in public,] as it is stated (Leviticus 22:32), “that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people.”
And [regarding] these three transgressions, [even] the punishment for their lighter side is more stringent than several weighty transgressions. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, called the lighter side of a transgression, the dust of the transgression. And they said (Pesachim 25a), “One may heal oneself [from a disease that brings a mortal danger] with anything except for wood of an asheira (a tree designated for idolatry)” - such that if they say to him, “bring leaves from an asheira and you will be healed by them,” he should [allow himself to] die and not be healed by them. And even though one who benefits from the wood of an asheira is not worshiping idolatry - since it is the dust of idolatry, he should [let himself] die and not be healed by it. For he would be strengthening the hands of the worshipers of the asheira, lest they would say, “The asheira saved him.”
And likewise with forbidden sexual relations - for example, if [a man] desired a married woman and they said to him, “Your healing will not be accomplished until she stands in front of you naked” - or that she should talk with him - he should [let himself] die and not breach the fence [around] the prohibition of a married woman. And from this, you can recognize the weightiness of touching the hand of a married woman.
And behold the dust of murder is whitening [someone else’s] face (embarrassing someone). Since his face turns white and the ruddy appearance leaves [it], it is similar to [the draining of blood] caused by murder. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Bava Metzia 58b). And secondly because the pain of the [embarrassment] is more bitter than death. Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 67b), Really “it is preferable for a person to make himself fall into a fiery furnace, and not whiten the face of his fellow in public” - but they did not say this about other weighty transgressions. Indeed, they compared the dust of murder to [actual] murder: And just like they said that he must [let himself] be killed and not murder; they likewise said that he should make himself fall into a fiery furnace, and not whiten the face of his fellow in public. And they learned this from the matter of Tamar, as it is stated (Bereishit 48:25), “As she was being brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, etc.” Behold even though she was being taken out to be burned [to death], she did not reveal that she was pregnant from Yehudah, so as not to whiten his face.
And they also said (Bava Metzia 58b), “Anyone who descends to Gehinnom [eventually] ascends, except for three [who] descend and do not ascend [...]: One who whitens the face of his fellow in public; one who calls his fellow a derogatory name; and one who has sexual relations with a married woman.” Behold that they compared one who whitens the face of his fellow in public and one who calls his fellow a derogatory name - in that he also whitens his face - to one who has sexual relations with a married woman, which is from the transgressions for which one should die and not transgress.
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וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וּמָה שֶׁלֹּא אָמְרוּ כֵּן עַל הָרוֹצֵחַ שֶׁאֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא (פי' שאחר שההלבנה היא תולדת הרציחה כמו שאמר למעלה שהיא אבק הרציחה לא רעה הרציחה מן ההלבנה ולא אמרו בה שאין לו חלק לעוה"ב) כִּי הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ אֵינֶנּוּ מַכִּיר גֹּדֶל חֶטְאוֹ וְאֵין נַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ עַל עֲוֹנוֹ כְּמוֹ הָרוֹצֵחַ. עַל כֵּן הוּא רָחוֹק מִן הַתְּשׁוּבָה.
And they also said (Bava Metzia 59a), “One who whitens the face of his fellow in public has no share in the world to come.” And that which they did not say this about a murderer - that he has no share in the world to come (the explanation is that since whitening [the face] is a derivative of murder, - as he said above, that it is the dust of murder - murder should be no worse than whitening [the face, in this context]; yet they did not say that he has no share in the world to come) - it is because one who whitens the face of his fellow does not recognize the greatness of the sin. So his soul is not bitter towards himself about this iniquity, as is a murderer. Therefore he is far from repentance.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said about Shabbat (Yerushalmi Nedarim 3:14) that it corresponds to all of the [other] commandments. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, [also] said (Chullin 5a) that one who worships idolatry or publicly profanes Shabbat is one who denies the whole entire Torah; so his slaughter [renders an animal] a carcass, and he makes wine forbidden by touching [it].
The tenth level is the severity of the transgressions for which those who do them have no share in the world to come: All creatures are created for God’s glory, as it is stated (Isaiah 43:7), “All who are linked to My name, whom I have created, formed, and made for My glory.” Hence it is logically understood that one who profanes [God’s] name and disgraces His word will lose his hope. For it is not enough that he does not fulfill that which is expected from him from the essence of his creation - to glorify God and to sanctify Him - but he rather puts out his hands to do the inverse and the opposite, and to profane His holy name. And so is it written (Numbers 15:30-31), “But the person [...] who acts defiantly is blaspheming the Lord; that person shall be excised from among his people. Because he has spurned the word of the Lord and violated His commandment, that person shall be excised - he bears his iniquity.” For death does not atone for him, and he has no share in the world to come. Therefore it mentions, “he bears his iniquity” in this matter - for it does not mention this in other excisions. And the explanation of “who acts defiantly (literally, with a high hand),” is such that he publicly does sins known to people. And likewise one who removes the yoke of the kingdom of the Heavens - and even privately, because he too is doing it defiantly. And the content of one who removes the yoke is, for example, one who is [defiant] in eating carcasses or forbidden fat or blood, or to profane holidays - even though he does not transgress the other commandments. Since he removed the yoke of one [negative commandment] from upon himself, he has already rebelled against God, may He be blessed. It is true that sometimes righteous people also stumble in a sin - but this is only incidental, when his impulse overpowers him. [Moreover, the righteous person’s] soul is bitter with him about the matter, and he will be careful about it afterwards. However the person who thinks in his heart to remove the yoke of one [negative commandment] from upon him anytime he wants to transgress it, is called a heretic for one thing. And we have already explained this earlier in the first section of the Gates of Repentance. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 26a), “[Regarding] all shepherds, we do not [save them], etc. (as they engage in such behavior).” And the notion of the shepherds is [about] people that would graze their animals in the fields of others, removing the yoke of the prohibition of theft from upon themselves. And their category is the category of the heretic to eat carcasses, or one of the other transgressions, out of desire. But one who is a heretic to eat carcasses in order to anger [God] is a [full-fledged] heretic (apikoros). And the content of angering, is that he does not sin out of a desire for desirable food. Rather even if there is [also] slaughtered meat in front of him, he will take from the carcass. For he is rebelling, and does not accept upon himself to beware of the prohibition of carcasses [at all].
Behold we have explained the matter of “the person who acts defiantly. Now we will explain the [content of] “because he has spurned the word of the Lord.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 99a) that “‘Because he has spurned the word of the Lord and has breached His commandment,’ this is [a reference to] one who says: The Torah is not from Heaven; [...] one who reveals the Torah [inappropriately]”; one who spurns Torah scholars; and one who spurns the festivals. For even though he has Torah and good deeds in his hands, he has no share in the world to come.
And the explanation of one who reveals the Torah [inappropriately], is a man who has the temerity to say things about the Torah which are not so: And he says that some of the verses or some of the recounting of things were written for nothing. And from his arrogance and his pride, he says in his heart that since he does not grasp [how] to get to the nature of the explanation of the things, [thinking] that there is nothing hidden to it. And it is stated (Deuteronomy 32:47), “For it is not an empty thing from you.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Ketubot 51a), “If it is empty, it is from you” - for you do not know to explain the reason for the thing. And likewise one who leaves one of the words of the Torah and does not concede to it - this is certainly revealing the face of the Torah - for example one who says, “Of what benefit are the Torah scholars for us? If they become wise, they become wise for themselves, and do not bequeath anything to us.” And behold they have contradicted that which is written in the Torah (Genesis 18:26), “and I will raise (spare) the whole place for their sake.”
And the content of one who spurns the festivals, is that he does work on the intermediate days of the festival and spurns the punishment, because the prohibition of work on the intermediate days of the festival is not explicit in the Torah. And this is in the way of one who is a heretic for one thing, to anger - as we have explained, such that he has no share in the world to come. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bekhorot 30b) [that] one who comes to convert and says, “Behold, I accept all of the Torah except for one matter from the words of the Sages” - we do not accept him. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Makkot 23a), “One who spurns the holidays is like one who worships idolatry, as it is stated (Exodus 34:18), ‘You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread’; and adjacent to it is ‘You shall not make molten gods for yourselves’ (Exodus 34:17).” And they, may their memory be blessed, explained (Chagigah 18a), “‘You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread’ - observe it to not do work all of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.” And we were warned with this about work on the intermediate days of the festival. And that which it is written (Leviticus 23:39), “a complete rest (shabbaton) on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day” is because there are many types of work that are permitted on the intermediate days of the festival, as is explained in their words, may they be blessed.
And that which they, may their memory be blessed, said that one who spurns Torah scholars, spurns the word of God and does not have a share in the world to come - this is something with a root in logic and a basis in analysis. And behold we find good reason and knowledge about this matter: King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:38), “The wise shall obtain honor, but disgrace uplifts dullards.” And likewise (Psalms 109:4), “and I am prayer,” [means] a man of prayer; [and] (Jeremiah 9:5), “You dwell in the midst of deceit,” [means] in the midst of people of deceit. [Hence] its explanation is that a lowly and disgraceful person uplifts dullards; and he honors and praises them. For there are great benefits in the honoring of the wise and upright; and many large snares in the honoring of the dullards and evildoers, and in putting them [on a pedestal]. For when the wise are lauded and put [on a pedestal], their words are heard [more], the whole nation accompanies them and their counsel appears right to them. Secondly, when people see their honor, they will learn a teaching, to offer honor and amplify knowledge. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 50b), “A person should always engage in Torah [study ...], even if not for its [own] sake; as through [Torah study] not for its sake, he will come to [doing it] for its sake.” Thirdly, many of those asleep at heart will be aroused from their sleep, when they see the splendorous honor of the Torah, will recognize its sublimity and the desire for it will enter their hearts. So their involvement with it will be for God, may He be blessed, and to serve Him with a complete heart.
Behold these are honorable reasons - strong as a mirror of cast metal. But there is another honorable reason above them all - and we hinted to it in the introduction to our words about the matters of the evil groups mentioned: As it is known that among the ways to sanctify His name, may He be blessed, is to make known - with every expression of the lips, with every hint of the eyes and with every practice and movement of the hands - that the foundation of man’s soul and his glorious adornment, and the good and the essence, and the purpose and the preciousness in it, is the service of God, may He be blessed, and fear of Him; as it is written (Ecclesiastes 12:13), “for this is all of man.” And this thing is the glory of God, may He be blessed. And the ones that spurn Torah scholars and fear of Him are nullifying this knowledge and showing the opposite with their behavior. And it is as if they are saying, the service of [God] is not the essence; and the root of the matter is found somewhere besides the service of God, may He be blessed. So they are profaning the Torah - therefore they shall be lost from among the congregation. And it will cease (vayikhlu) in their mouths. (It appears to me that it should say, vayiratsu with their mouths - like the usage [in Psalms 49:14], “the end of those pleased yirtsu with their mouths,” which according to some commentators is an expression of speaking. Or maybe it should say, “and they will be able to say [vayokhlu leimor] with their mouths” - meaning to say that they will be able to say, by way of an excuse) [On my opinion, it should say, express (vayibateu) with their mouths - Y. B.] As they are serving God without involvement in Torah study. Is it not a well known thing that the service does not survive without those that study Torah, who meditate upon it day and night? For they instruct knowledge and bear understanding of the times, to know what the Israelites should do. And they hold up [the Torah] in Israel, so that it will not be forgotten from the mouth of their seed. And in a place where there is no one involved with Torah, the snares grow and there is no upright person. Therefore the servants of God, may He be blessed, honor the sages of the Torah for [the sake of] God’s honor; and to make known that only His service is the essence of existence. And since it has been clarified that God, may He be blessed, created everything for His glory - a man is obligated to pay attention at all times, to honor God and sanctify Him with all of his words; to exult Him, to praise Him and to always bless Him, as it is stated (Psalms 34:2), “I bless the Lord at all times; praise of Him is ever in my mouth.” And whenever he stands among the people and speaks with his friends, he should reflect with understanding, be exacting and supervise everything that comes out of his mouth; to sanctify God with his words; to speak in praise of His service and in glorification of His fear; and to praise His (works) [servants] and those that fear Him. And through this, he will merit - with the meditation of his heart and with the expression of his lips, [and] without exertion or the actions of his hands - great merit [that reach] to the heavens. For this is from the essence of man’s creation. And it is stated, (Proverbs 27:21), “For silver, the crucible; for gold, the furnace; and a man is tested by his praise.” And its explanation is that the virtues of a man are according to what he praises: If he praises good deeds, the sages and the righteous ones - know that you have tested that he is a good man and the root of justice is found within him. For he would not find it in his heart to praise the good and good people with all of his words - and to detest sins and spurn their masters - without being disgusted by evil and choosing the good. And even if it is possible that he has some hidden iniquities in his hand, he is nevertheless among the lovers of justice. So his root is from [the right] choice and he is from the congregation of those that honor God. But one who praises detestable acts or praises evildoers is a complete evildoer and profanes the service of God.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 25:26-27), “Like a muddied spring, a ruined fountain, is a righteous man fallen before an evildoer. It is not good to eat much honey, but it is honorable to peruse honor.” For when a man muddies a spring with his foot, its waters are temporarily moved; afterwards the water is still and becomes clear, like at the beginning. So is the righteous person: When he is fallen before an evildoer, his level is not lowered and he is not diminished because of it. And if he is temporarily murky - a righteous man falls seven times and rises and [then] returns to his strength and his glory. “It is not good to eat much honey,” but much perusing of the honor of the righteous is an honor for the peruser. For righteous ones are mentioned in the verse above; and the word, “much,” [also] refers to “peruse honor” - as is its function in many places (to refer to two phrases). But the snares found in the honor of evildoers are many and well known. For with their honor, there is a profanation of the Torah and the service [of God]; and it is a sin that destroys from the soul to the flesh.
And fourthly, because they are bringing down the honor of people of truth, and nullifying their service. And there is no success in the honor of the righteous, except after the lowering of the [evildoers’] honor - as it is stated (Proverbs 14:11), “The house of the evildoers will be demolished, and the tent of the upright will flourish.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 11:11), “A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the speech of the evildoers.”
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Berakhot 24b) that included in that which is written (Numbers 15:31), “he spurned the word of the Lord,” is one that speaks words of Torah in filthy alleys, anyone who has the possibility of being involved with Torah and is not [so] involved and one who reads the books of heretics; and that, that which it is written, “and he rescinds His commandment” - is [regarding] one who rescinds the covenant of the flesh (circumcision).
And we also learned (Sanhedrin 90a), “All of the Jewish people have a share in the world to come, as it is stated (Isaiah 60:21), ‘And your people also shall be all righteous, they shall inherit the land forever [...].’ And these are the ones who have no share in the world to come: One who says [that] there is no resurrection of the dead [derived] from the Torah, and that the Torah is not from the Heavens, and an apikoros. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, warned us in this statement to believe that faith in the resurrection of the dead is [to be found] in the Torah, and that it is one of its principles. And one of the places that resurrection of the dead is made explicit in the Torah is as it is stated (Deuteronomy 32:39), “I deal death and give life; I wounded and I will heal.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 68a), “It might be, death is with one [person] and bringing to life with [another] - hence we learn, ‘I wounded and I will heal’: In the same way that the wounding and the healing are with one [person], so too is the death and the giving life with one [person].”
And they, may their memory be blessed, explained about the matter of the apikoros (Sanhedrin 99b), that he is a man who does not act in a manner of awe and exaltation towards Torah scholars, even though he does not spurn them. For example, he spurns his fellow in front of a Torah scholar, and he does not pay attention to the honor of the sage’s Torah status. For since the Torah is not exalted in his eyes - to act with honor towards it - he has no share in the world to come. For this one too will be considered as one of those that profane the Torah. Therefore, our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 22b), “‘Fear the Lord, your God’ (Deuteronomy 6:13) - [this is] to include Torah scholars.”
And secondly, because awe of them contributes to fear of the Heavens. For when their words are obeyed by way of their awe, will they not teach and guide the people to fear the glorious and awesome God? And it is stated (I Samuel 12:18), “and the people stood in fear of the Lord and of Samuel.” And also in the category of apikoros is one who says, “What have those studying benefited us with their study? Is there anything [about which] he can say, ‘See, this is new?' He has never permitted us any crow; and he has never forbidden us the young pigeons.” And these people have also never heard or opened their ears to the benefits found in the occupation with Torah. And we have written some of [these benefits] in the Gate of the Torah (no longer extant), with God’s help. [That is] so that the hearts will yearn for the Torah. And those that do not have the ability to study, will know the exalted honor of occupation with Torah, such that they will merit its knowledge and not lose their souls from the world to come.
And also in the category of apikoros is one who calls his teacher by his name. And they said (Sanhedrin 100a) that the reason for which Gehazi was punished was because he called his teacher by his name, as it is stated (II Kings 8:5), “this is the woman and this is her son whom Elisha revived.”
And behold that the principle behind all of the punishments mentioned in this level is because of profaning the Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Nedarim 3:14), that the sin of profanation is bigger than all of the transgressions. And it is not possible to atone [for it] with repentance and afflictions, as will be explained in the Gate of the Parts of Atonement (no longer extant). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 40a), “There is no [deferral] with [the punishment] for profaning [God’s] name - whether one is inadvertent or volitional.” And now stand and reflect upon our great obligation to sanctify His name: As the essence of that which God, may He be blessed, sanctified us with His Torah and His commandments and separated us to be [a people] for Him was to sanctify Him and to fear Him. [Hence] it is fit from the ones he sanctified to be holy - in that even the vessels [used to] serve in front of God, may He be blessed, need to be sanctified; as it is stated (Leviticus 22:32), “You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people; I am the Lord who sanctified you,” Note and understand that the matter that we said can be found explicitly in this verse: It is stated (Psalms 111:9), “He ordered His covenant for all time; His name is holy and awesome.” Its explanation is, because “His name is holy and awesome,” “He ordered His Covenant for all time” and commanded us with His commandments - to sanctify Him and to fear Him. Hence, it is written after it (Psalms 111:10), “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; sound understanding, etc.” And through the holiness of the commandments - when we sanctify God, may He be blessed, we are associated with the supernal holy ones that sanctify and venerate Him, as it is stated (Psalms 89:8), “A God venerated in the great council of holy beings, etc.”
There are other groups that do not have a share in the world to come: And they are the group of the enemies of the Lord, may He be blessed; the group of the destroyers of the vineyard of the Lord; and the group of the ones inflicting fear in the land of the living. Behold we will present their content and the proof of their punishment explicit in the Torah: For the group of the enemies of Lord will be lost from the world to come, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 7:10), “But who requites with destruction those who hate Him to his face - never slow with those who hate Him, but requiting them to his face.” Its explanation is that he repays the reward of the commandments fulfilled by those that hate Him, in this world - in order to destroy them from [getting to] the world to come. And its Targum (translation by Onkelos) is, “And He repays those that hate Him the good that they do in front of Him, in their lives, to destroy them. And David said (Psalms 37:20), “But the evildoers shall be lost, and the enemies of the Lord shall be like heavy sheep, completely consumed in smoke.” And he mentioned the expression, “loss,” with the evildoers, as it is [used] for distress and exile - as the matter that is stated (Isaiah 27:13), “the lost who are in the land of Assyria and the expelled, etc.”; (Jeremiah 50:6), “My people were lost sheep”; [and] (Psalms 119:176), “I have strayed like a lost sheep” - and it is also [used] for death, as the matter that is stated (Psalms 119:92), “I would have been lost in my affliction”; (Esther 8:6) “at the loss of my kindred”; [and] (Leviticus 23:30) “and I will cause that soul to be lost” - meaning excision from this world. For evildoers are punished with difficulties and afflictions or with death, and they are also punished with the judgement for their deeds in the world to come. But [David] compared the enemies of the Lord to the meat of sheep, as it will become coals. Therefore, it will be “completely consumed in smoke.” Just like the fat of sheep is consumed in smoke, so too will the enemies of the Lord be consumed. For their souls will be consumed and lost from the world to come. And it is stated (Exodus 20:5), “visiting the guilt of the parents upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generations of those who hate Me.”
And the matter of those that hate the Lord is sometimes found also among those that fulfill the commandments and are careful [not to commit] any transgression - in deed or in speech - if their soul is upset and it is difficult in their hearts when their fellows are involved in Torah. And it is bad in their eyes when people serve God and fear Him. [It is] like you say about a man who does not want people to honor the king and serve him, since he hates the king; all the more so if they carry their thoughts into action. As they dissuade people’s hearts from occupation in Torah and from the commandments, for they hate the Lord. And likewise people who are miserly about the honor of righteous and upright Torah students, and hate the glory of their crown; or if it is bad in their hearts when they come to them and become the leaders of the generation. And so is it written (I Samuel 8:7), “for it is not you that they have rejected; it is Me they have rejected as their king.” And all the more so, if they seek to embarrass their honor or to humiliate them. And likewise if they love the honor of the evildoers and compare them to [the prolifration of] the dust - for these really hate the Lord and they do not want His pure service. Nor do they want the elevation of His holy fear, or that His servants and those that fear Him greatly proliferate.
And likewise the group of destroyers of the vineyard of the Lord - such as those that cause the masses to sin - are haters of the Lord. As you would say that people that destroy the cities of the king or his vineyards and orchards are haters of the king. And it is stated (Isaiah 5:7), “For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts Is the House of Israel, and the seedlings he lovingly tended are the men of Judah.” And it is stated (Psalms 83:4), “They plot craftily against Your people, take counsel against Your treasured ones.” And it is stated (Psalms 83:6), “Unanimous in their counsel they have made an alliance against You.” And it is stated (Psalms 2:2), “and regents intrigue together against the Lord and against His anointed.” Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that those that sinned and cause the masses to sin descend to Gehinnom, and are judged there for generations and generations.
And Ezekiel, peace be upon him, spoke about the group of those inflicting fear in the land of the living - “who inflicted fear in the land of the living, etc. and their iniquities are upon their bones” (Ezekiel 32:24-27). We learned from this that death does not atone for them. Indeed, their iniquities are upon their bones forever. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a), “The heretics; [...]; and the apikorsim; and those who denied the Torah; and those who denied the resurrection of the dead; and those who separated from the ways of the community; and those who inflicted their fear in the land of the living” - like those community leaders that put too much dread on the public, not for the sake of the Heavens; “and those who sinned and caused the masses to sin - for example, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and his company - descend to Gehinnom and are judged there for generations and generations, as it is stated (Isaiah 66:24), ‘And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; [their worms shall not die, etc.]’”
And the punishment of those that inflict their fear in the land of the living is from five aspects - two are from himself and three are from the people: The two that are from the angle of himself: The first is that man is maggots and worms; and he is called this even when he is alive. Yet it is not enough for him that he does not bow and does not lower himself, but he also lords it over [others], not for the sake of the Heavens? And even the thought of pride - without lording it - is destructive to a man, as it is stated (Proverbs 16:5), “every haughty person is an abomination to the Lord.”
And the second is that a man is obligated to always set up frameworks of the heart to enshrine dread and fear in his heart in front of God, may He be blessed. But it is stated about the evildoers (Jeremiah 5:24), “They have not said in their hearts, ‘Let us revere the Lord, our God.’” But the man who inflicts his fear in the land of the living, not for the sake of the Heavens, does not have dread in his heart in front of God and wants to impose his [own] fear upon His creatures. And instead of his having to set up thoughts to enshrine the dread of God in his heart, he designs them to impose his own fear on the people of God, may He be blessed. And it is stated (II Samuel 23:3), “He who rules men justly, He who rules in awe of God.” The explanation [of this] is that it is fit for a righteous man who fears God to be a ruler of men. Since once he fears God, may He be blessed, it is fitting for people to fear him.
And the three that are from the aspect of the people: The first is that he distresses the public when he instills his fear upon them. And it is stated (Leviticus 25:17), “Do not wrong one another.” And that is with regards to distress about things that we have already explained.
And the second is that several stumbling blocks come as a result of his instilling his fear - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Gittin 6b), “A person should never impose excessive fear within his household; as the husband of the concubine of Gibeah imposed excessive fear upon her and this caused the downfall of many tens of thousands of Jews [in the resulting war (see Judges 19–20)].”
And the third is that the holy people who are servants of God, may He be blessed, should not humble themselves to flesh and blood. So it is not fitting that the fear of flesh and blood be upon them except for the sake of the Heavens. As it is stated (Leviticus 25:55), “For it is to Me that the Israelites are servants” - [they are] My servants, and not the servants of servants. And it is stated (Exodus 19:6), “But you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” The expression, priests, is [to mean] masters and officers; and like this [usage] is (II Samuel 8:18) “and David’s sons were priests.” And the whole nation is called a kingdom, from [the usage] (I Kings 18:10), “there is no nation or kingdom”; (Isaiah 60:12), “For the nation or the kingdom.” The explanation [of Exodus 19:6] is that you shall be a kingdom that is all officers, such that the yoke of flesh and blood shall not be upon you. And it is stated (Isaiah 51:12), “What ails you that you fear man who must die”; and it is [also] stated (Isaiah 51:7), “Fear not the insults of men.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 47b), “From the time when those who say to evil, good; and to good, evil,” proliferated, [they removed the yoke of the Heavens from upon themselves, and the yoke of flesh and blood was thrown upon them].” And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 9:20-21). “Rise, O Lord; let not men have power; let the nations be judged in Your presence. Strike fear into them, O Lord; let the nations know they are only men. Selah.” We have learned from this that at a time when a man has power, he does not recognize that he is [only] a man. For dominion is not fitting for man, except for the sake of the Heavens.
And now we will explain the matter of the punishment of those that separate from the ways of the community, and that he is included in the punishments of the groups that we mentioned above: When the heads of the people and the holy communities gather to serve God, may He be blessed, and make agreements to place commandments upon themselves - they are surely sanctifying God, may He be magnified and sanctified, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 33:5), “Then He became King in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people assembled, the tribes of Israel together.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 47:10), “The great of the peoples are gathered together, the people of Abraham’s God; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.” Israel is called, “peoples,” because they are twelve tribes, like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 33:19), “They invite the peoples to the mountain.” But they are one people to serve God; therefore is it stated, “the people of Abraham’s God.” And the kings and the officers are called, “shields,” from the usage (Isaiah 21:5), “grease the shields.” The explanation of [Psalms 47:10] is, the great of the peoples gathered together to serve God, may He be exalted, because their kings and their officers are for God - as they are His servants and His faithful, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 89:19), “Truly our shield is of the Lord, our King, of the Holy One of Israel.” “He is greatly exalted,” since the Holy One, blessed be He, is exalted and glorified in His world in their gathering together and in their service. And the man that separates from the ways of the community is like an opponent of the agreement about the service of God; and like one who exits from the aggregate that is sanctifying God. So he shows himself to not want to be in their council, nor be written in their writings. Behold he is [thus] among those that profane the service and is included in the groups that we mentioned - that are scorning the word of God, and do not have a share in the world to come. And secondly, they dissuade the heart of the weak-minded by their separating from the ways of the community, and so are among those that cause the many to sin.
Now we will explain the matter of those that forsake God; and we shall say that they are people that do not have the yoke of the fear of the Heavens, so they fulfill the commandments in a rote fashion. So when the impulse overpowers this man and the spirit [to sin] passes over him, and he transgresses and will be guilty - he does not sigh and he does not worry about his sin. He ate and wiped his mouth; but in his eyes, he is like one that did not do [evil]. It is like the matter that is stated (Psalms 36:2), “What transgression says to the wicked is within my heart; the dread of God is not in front of his eyes.”
And there are some from this evil group for which it is not enough that they do not wear trembling when they bypass the law and the testimonies, but they praise and bless themselves when they fulfill their desires. So they bring anger and scorn before God, as it is stated (Psalms 10:3), “The wicked crows about his unbridled lusts; the grasping man reviles and scorns the Lord.” And Isaiah, peace be upon him, spoke about the destruction of this group - as it is stated (Isaiah 1:28), “But rebels and sinners shall all be crushed, and those who forsake the Lord shall perish.” And he compared the rebels and the sinners to a broken vessel that has a remnant; but he said that “those that forsake God shall perish.” For they have no share in the world to come, as the matter is stated (Malachi 3:19), “and leave of them neither stock nor boughs.”
And the destruction of the groups mentioned is at a time when they have not repented. But if they repented from their evil ways, their souls escape destruction - like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 3:22), “Repent, O rebellious children, I will heal your afflictions!”
Explanation of the words of iniquity of four groups: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 42a), “Four groups will not greet the Divine Presence: The group of scoffers, the group of liars, the group of flatterers, and the group of slanderers. The group of cynics, as it is written (Hosea 7:5), ‘He draws His hand from cynics’; the group of liars, as it is written (Psalms 101:7), ‘he who speaks falsehood shall not dwell before My eyes’; the group of flatterers, as it is written (Job 13:16), ‘that a flatterer cannot come before Him’; the group of slanderers, as it is written (Psalms 5:5), ‘For You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness, evil shall not sojourn with You.’”
Now we will speak about the nature of their contents and the nature of their aspects, so as to enlighten you with understanding about some of their depths; and we will divide them into sections. We will reveal the end of the weighty punishments of disgusting deeds, and acquire much benefit through the analyses of the sections. For perhaps you have never stood over our words, you have not properly examined the weightiness of the transgression of each part of the sections. So maybe you have never seen the sight of the weightiness of the punishment that is [found] in each one of them. And maybe you have seen its edge, but you have not seen all of it. And [with] each section that we organize, the first is worse than the second (they will be in descending order). And from our words - even from the light parts - that we will mention, you will recognize the terror of darkness, and know that their ends are the ways of death. And maybe you have not yet opened your ears, and it [appeared] like a straight path in front of you. But now that we will write about their bitterness, their fear will come into your thoughts. Also the correct teachings will come into the chambers of your spirit when you see that I will have trusted witnesses testify: intellect, verses, the words of the Sages and their wonderful riddles. And they will be for a witness and a sign, and the truth will thus be revealed to you; and a spirit of grace will pour itself upon you from above. And you will destroy the bad traits from within you, and pure things will support your heart (from the usage, “With the pure, you act in purity” [II Samuel 22:27]).
And this is the thing about the group of scoffers - scoffing is divided into four sections: And the first section is the man of the tongue that spreads the infamy of people, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 50:20), “You are busy maligning your brother, defaming the son of your mother.” And he is called a scoffer, as it is stated (Proverbs 21:24), “The proud, insolent man, scoffer is his name, acts in a frenzy of insolence.” Its explanation is that] two bad traits - which are insolence and pride - gathered and joined in the scoffing man. For without having a benefit from the thing, he causes great damage to his fellows, whose reputations he sullies in the eyes of people. And this is the goal of the scoffer, more than the thief or the extortionist - who does [it] to increase his money. And he is also arrogant - for when one who is lowly and submissive recognizes his own deficiencies and blemishes, he will not scoff at people. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Taanit 8a), “In the future, all the animals will gather together by the snake and say to him, ‘A lion mauls [its prey] and eats; a wolf tears [it] and eats; [but] you, what pleasure do you have [when you bite a person]?’ He will say to them, ‘If the snake bites because no spell was uttered, no advantage is gained by the master of the tongue!’ (Ecclesiastes 10:11).” And this section is also from the sections of the group of the slanderers.
The second section: The one who mocks people because he disdains them in his heart for their lack of reaching virtues or temporal successes regarding honor or power; or he disdains them for their poverty or indigence. And it is pride that brought him to this trait; or much tranquility and pampering, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 123:4), “Long enough have we endured the scorn of the complacent, the contempt of the haughty.” And sometimes the scoffer will mock holy ones and prophets, like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 20:7), “everyone jeers at me.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 14:21), “He who disdains his fellow is a sinner.” It was also stated (Proverbs 11:12), “He who disdains his fellowman is devoid of sense.” And it was stated (Proverbs 17:5), “He who mocks the poor affronts his Maker; and he who rejoices over another’s misfortune will not go unpunished.” One who mocks the poor shows about himself that he imagines that successes are in the hands of people to surely achieve them with their wisdom - like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 8:17), “My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me.” And it is stated (Isaiah 10:13), “For he thought, ‘By the might of my hand have I wrought it, by my skill.’” And because of this, he mocks the poor; for he says in his heart that he did not reach wealth from lack of intellect and from the lowliness of his [work]. And behold he affronts the One who makes the poor and the rich, because it is all from God, may He be blessed - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 22:2) “Rich man and poor man meet; the Lord made them both.” And about “he who rejoices over another’s misfortune,” he said, ‘He will not go unpunished” - for even though he did not injure with an action or with speech, “he will not go unpunished.” However the evil of the one that rejoices is not as great as the evil of the one who mocks. And because scoffing is caused by pride - which is the opposite of humility - King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:34), “If at scoffers, He scoffs; but to the lowly He shows grace.” Its explanation: “If at scoffers” - truly, God mocks scoffers who mock people, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 2:4), “He who is enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord mocks at them.” And the expression, “if,” is to confirm the matter. And so [is such a usage found] (in Numbers 24:22) “Yet if Kain be consumed”; (Proverbs 23:18) “For if you will have a future.”
The third section: One who always mocks things and actions, but he does not intend to disgrace those associated with them. Rather he pushes off things that should not be pushed off and pushes off the [possibility of] results from actions that have hope for results. And about this is it stated (Proverbs 13:13), “He who disdains a thing will be injured thereby.” And they said (Avot 4:3), “Do not disdain any man, and do not discriminate against anything; for there is no man that has not his hour, and there is no thing that has not its place.” And what brought this scoffer to this bad trait is his being wise in his [own] eyes. And sometimes this trait brings a person to heresy, to mock the commandments - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 119:51), “Though the arrogant have cruelly mocked me, I have not swerved from Your teaching.” And this third section is a group that does not accept reprimand, as it is stated (Proverbs 9:8), “Do not reprimand a scoffer, for he will hate you.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 9:7), “To rebuke a scoffer is to call down abuse on oneself.” And it is [further] stated (Proverbs 19:25), “Beat the scoffer and the simple will become clever.” And that which causes this group not to listen to reproof is that the trait that leads to this [type of scoffing] is that a person is wise in his [own] eyes. And this trait controls him so much until he scorns the intellect of anyone besides himself. And it is a trait that has no hope, as it is stated (Proverbs 26:12), “If you see a man who thinks himself wise, there is more hope for a dullard than for him.”
And the fourth section: One who always makes a habit for himself to engage in idle talk, and idle matters, like those who sit in the street corners. And there are two evils in the matter: The first is because all who proliferate words bring sin. And the second is that he is idle from [speaking] words of Torah. And the ways of death [are found] in this. For he does not remember or pay attention, that the time periods that he is wasting, he could [use] to reach pleasantness, to acquire eternal life - if he were to set these available times for Torah when he is free to pursue it, being unburdened by his work and dealings? This is nothing but his heart despising the commandments and the reward of the World to Come. In addition to losing much goodness, he will incur sin. For the guilt [accrued] from neglecting Torah when he has the ability to study it is a fire that consumes to destruction, as [the sages] said (Avot deRabbi Natan 36:6), “'For he has despised the word of the Lord' (Numbers 15:31) - anyone who can study Torah but does not...," as we mentioned earlier. And they, may their memory be blessed, said, [that] one who goes to a place where they gather for frivolity, this is considered a place of scorners, about which it says (Psalms 1:1), “nor sits in the company of scorners,” and it is stated afterward, “but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” You learn from this that a place of scorners leads to the neglect of Torah. And he who does not set his heart to engage in the Torah during his free time should take heed for his own soul, so he does not get lost. He should rather isolate himself to reflect upon his end, understand his fate, examine his ways, acquire virtues of the soul and draw near to God, may He be blessed. The Fifth Section – One who scoffs with words about deeds and matters, though in his heart he does not despise them, but it is rather from the way of those who are joyous without cause and not according to the properties of [true] humor. Sometimes this is caused by wine and drunkenness, as it is stated (Proverbs 20:1), “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby will not grow wise,” meaning a person given to wine is a scoffer, a person given to strong drink rages, anyone misled by it will not grow wise. It is like (Psalms 109:4), “But I am prayer,” [means] a person given to prayer. This implies that wine feasting causes three bad things: First, it makes a person a scoffer. Second, it makes him a boisterous and talkative person. And they, may their memory be blessed, said, “He who speaks excessively brings about sin.” And it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:2), “And the voice of a fool is known by a multitude of words.” The third thing, “whosoever is deceived thereby will not grow wise.” Know that the habit of mockery does not become entrenched in a person’s soul until he throws off the yoke of the Heavens from upon himself. Therefore he will be punished to carry the yoke of afflictions - measure for measure - as it is stated (Isaiah 28:22), “Now therefore do not be scoffers, lest your suffering be made strong.” And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 18b), “Anyone who scoffs, suffering will befall him, as it is stated, ‘lest your suffering be made strong.’” And the Sages would warn their students against scoffing even occasionally and by chance. And about this section they had to warn, since many have stumbled on it in an occasional way.
And this is the thing about the group of liars - the content of this group is divided into nine sections: The first section: The lying man that left the Torah and does evil and destroys with the response of his mouth - like one who contradicts his countryman about a deposit or a transfer or the wage of a wage-worker, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:11), “you shall not deal deceitfully or falsely, a man towards his countryman.” And likewise, one who bears false witness against his neighbor; and it is said (Exodus 20:13), “you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” And included in this section is deception and fraud in commerce and in partnerships; and it is stated (Leviticus 25:14), “you shall not cheat, one man, his brother.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 55:12), “fraud and deceit never leave its square.” And he is called a man of iniquity and a ruffian; and he is the heaviest with iniquity from the groups of the evildoers, as we have discussed in the Gates of Fear of Sin (no longer extant). And the characteristics of this man of iniquity are that he winks his eyes and rolls his fingers, as it is written (Proverbs 6:12-13), “A ruffian individual, a man of iniquity, etc. Winking his eyes, etc.”
The second section: One who lies, but there is no damage or loss to his fellow from the actual lie; however he plans it in order to do the damage or the evil - like one who deceives his fellow to believe that he is his friend and trusted companion; and he plans that [the other] will trust him through this and not be on guard against him, so that he will be able to lead him to evil; like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 9:7), “One speaks peace to his fellow, but lays an ambush for him in his heart.” And it is stated after it (Jeremiah 9:8), “‘Shall I not punish them for such deeds,’ says the Lord; ‘shall I not bring retribution on such a nation as this?’” And the punishment of these two sections is for two things: For the lie and for the damage that [comes with it]. For falsehood [even] without the angle of damage is an abomination to God, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:16-18), “Six things the Lord hates, etc: A haughty bearing; a lying tongue; etc. A mind that hatches plots of iniquity.” [And it is stated] (Proverbs 8:13), “I have hated duplicity in speech.” And it is stated (Job 15:16), “What then of one loathsome and foul, man, who drinks wrongdoing like water!” And to flesh and blood also is falsehood loathsome, as it is stated (Proverbs 12:22), “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” (It appears to me that there is a printing error here, and it is supposed to say: And it is stated [Proverbs 8:13], “I have hated duplicity in speech”; and it is stated [Proverbs 12:22], “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” And to flesh and blood also is falsehood loathsome, as it is stated [Job 15:16], “What then of one loathsome and foul, etc.” And it means to say that the understanding of the language of the verse is that a man who drinks wrongdoing like water, is essentially loathsome and foul - for he is even loathsome and foul to flesh and blood.)
And the third section: One that comes with deception and deceptive words to prevent good from someone and to bring the good to himself. It is not to rob his fellow of something that is his nor to extort him. Rather he puts his eye upon a good that will be coming to his fellow in the future, and ambushes it to bring it to himself by the falsehood of his words; or his lying words cause his fellow to give it to him as a gift. And the main punishment is for the lie. Indeed, the punishment of the lie is enlarged if it causes a loss to someone besides himself, even though the main part of the punishment is not for the loss [here] - for he did not cause him to lose something that he had acquired. It is like the matter that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 92a), “Anyone who alters [the truth in] his speech, it is as though he worships idols. As, it is stated (Genesis 27:12), ‘Maybe my father will feel me, and I shall seem to him a deceiver (metate’a)’; and it is written there (Jeremiah 10:15) [regarding idolatry], ‘They are vanity, the work of deception [tatuim].’” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said that it was as if he worshipped idolatry [here] - they brought it to the extreme and other (and it appears to me that it needs to say, to the final extreme). For he is (traded) (it needs to say, hidden - and it is from the usage of the verse [Isaiah 28:15], “We have hidden in falsehood” - and so is it found in the Chapter on Falsehood in the Paths of the Righteous, the chapters of which are built upon the pearls of this holy book Y. B.) in falsehood and girded in vanity.
The fourth section: One who lies in recounting things that he heard and alters some of them on purpose, yet he does not have any benefit from his lies, nor does he cause a loss to anyone else. Rather his characterization is that [it is] from his love of falsehood over just words, forever. And sometimes he will invent a whole story of words from his heart. And the punishment of this person will be lighter from one angle, since there was no loss to [another] person from his lies and from his wantonness. But his punishment will be very big due to his brazenness and his love of falsehood. And his punishment will be weighty, for he loved it without a benefit. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 6:19), “He breathes lies, a false witness.” Its explanation is [that] if you see a man that breathes lies in his speech and in recounting his words - know that this trait will bring him to testify falsely against his brothers and testify that which is wrong against him, from his love of falsehood. And they permitted this section in order to fulfill a commandment and to seek good and peace. And they said (Ketuvot 17a) that it is permissible to praise the bride in front of the groom and to say that she is fair and attractive, even though it is not so. And they said (Yevamot 65b) [that] it is permissible to alter [the truth] for matters of peace, as it is stated, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, ‘So you shall say to Joseph, “Please pardon, etc.”’” And there are some people that change some of the things they have heard unintentionally, as they did not place it into their hearts to analyze it when they heard it. This too is a bad trait. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 22:28), “But one who really heard will speak forever.” Its explanation is that a man who puts into his heart to listen and audit to the essence of the words that they speak into his ears - in order that he can tell them correctly to others, and not have a treacherous tongue in his mouth - “will speak forever.” For people will love to hear his words, and they will not say, “Why are you still speaking your words?”
The fifth section: One who says to his fellow that he will benefit him and give him a gift; but as he is still speaking, he tells his heart that he will not give [it]. And it is stated (Psalms 34:14), “Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained it (Bava Metzia 49a) [as saying that] one should not speak one way with the mouth and [another way] with the heart. And they also said (Yerushalmi Bava Metzia 4:2) [that] there are words that, if he goes back on them, are considered bad faith - but only if he says it with the mouth, and decides upon it with the mind. (It appears [correct] to me to explain the words, “and only (oubilvad),” as being in the place of the word, “rather.” And he means to say that the word of a man should only be in such a way that he says it with the mouth and decides upon it with the mind, which is the opposite of, one thing with the mouth and [another] with the heart.
The sixth section: One who promises his fellow to benefit him, but falsifies his speech and makes his word worthless. Since after he said to benefit him (upon) [with an expression of] a promise, and his fellow’s heart depended on it, he should not profane his promise - as this is the way of falsehood. And it is like a man who broke a covenant, as it is stated (Zephaniah 3:13), “The remnant of Israel shall do no wrong, and speak no falsehood; a deceitful tongue shall not be in their mouths.” And likewise one who says that he will give his fellow a small gift, even though he does not mention any expression of promise. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 49a) it is because [there is] bad faith with this. As since the gift is small, his fellow counts on it; that he will surely give it. And if it is to a poor person, his evil is great even if the gift was large - for he surely vowed it (since charity is like a vow); and it is stated (Numbers 30:3), “he shall not profane his word.” And likewise one who glorifies himself in public by [announcing that] he will give a gift to someone. And see that he is like one who praises himself about his generosity with this. And this is surely like a promise, so it is not proper that he should go back on his words once he honored himself and boasted about the thing; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 25:14), “Like clouds and wind - but no rain - is one who boasts of gifts not given.” Its explanation is, just like people are distressed after signs of rain come, but rain does not come; so too is the matter of the man who boasts about a false gift. For that which he boasted about the thing is a sign about the fulfillment of the thing. Hence the man to whom he promised the gift will be distressed when his expectation is disappointed.
The seventh section: One who fools his fellow, saying that he did him a favor or spoke favorably about him, but he did not do [so]. Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 94a) [that] it is forbidden to deceive (literally, steal the mind of) people. And note that this was more weighty among the Sages of Israel than theft. For lying lips is certainly [a cause of] great guilt. And we have been obligated about the fences of truth because [truth] is from the principles of the soul.
The eighth section: One who praises himself about virtues that are not found in him. King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 17:7), “Lofty words are not fitting for a villain; much less lying words for a great man.” Its explanation is [that] a villain should not act proudly and raise himself up due to the virtues of his ancestors. For he said in the verse above this (Proverbs 17:6), “and the glory of children is their parents.” Much less should a great man honor himself with lies and say, “I did so, and spread and gave [gifts],” when he did not do so. And this is a disgrace for any person, but all the more so, a great man. And he disgraces the generosity that he has done; for he profaned his soul with what he did not do. For this will testify that all of the righteous deeds that he did were [only] for fame and praise. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Shevi’t 10:3 at the end) that one who is honored according to the level of one who knows two tractates, but knows only one, must tell them - “I know only one.” All the more so is it forbidden to lie and boast, saying, “I have learned many like these.”
The ninth section: Children who do not lie in recounting things that they heard and telling over events, but switch the words according to the circumstances of their wishes, [yet it is] without hurting any person through it. However they find a little benefit with their lies, even though they do not make money from it. And our Rabbis said (Yevamot 63a) that this is also forbidden, as it is stated (Jeremiah 9:4), “they have trained their tongues to speak falsely.” However their punishment is not like those that lie about something that [did not happen], the nature of which we discussed in the fifth (it should say fourth) section. Behold these are the sections of the group of liers; and we have already mentioned their centrality to you for the ways of faithful people, and that they are fundamental for the soul.
And this is the thing about the group of flatterers - the content of this group is divided into nine sections: The first section: The flatterer who recognizes or sees or knows that there is injustice in the hand of his fellow, and that he is holding fast to deception; or that he sinned to another person with evil speech or verbal abuse - and he blandishes him [with] improper speech, saying, “You did not do evil.” The sin of one who refrains from reprimand - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him” - is too small for him; so he increased the sin by saying, “You did not sin.” It is like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 23:14), “they encourage evildoers.” And behold this is a criminal offense in the hand of the foolish flatterer, for he was not zealous against falsehood, but rather assisted the falsehood, and said about the bad, “Good,” and made darkness, light. He also placed a stumbling block in front of the sinner in two aspects. The first one is that he will not regret his evil. And the second is that he will repeat his evil on the next day. For the one who flatters the other one about his desire praises [that] evildoer. Besides that he will carry the punishment for the damage that he caused to the one towards whom the sinner was guilty, by justifying [the sinner]; he will [also] be punished for the false words, as it is stated (Psalms 5:7), “You doom those who speak lies.” And it is stated (Proverbs 17:15), “To acquit the guilty and convict the innocent; both are an abomination to the Lord.” All the more so if the injustice in the hand of his fellow, the evildoer, is revealed to the public. For when he, the flatterer, said to him in front of people, “You are pure, without transgression” - he has profaned and disgraced the religion and the law.
And a person is obligated to give himself over to danger, and not to place guilt like this upon his soul. And our Rabbis said about the matter of Agrippa (Sotah 41a-b) that when he read from the Torah [and] “arrived at [the verse], ‘You may not appoint a foreigner over you’ (Deuteronomy 17:15), tears flowed from his eyes. And they said to him, ‘You are our brother.’ [...] At that moment the enemies of the Jewish people (a euphemism for the Jewish people) were sentenced to destruction for flattering Agrippa.” Especially should one who sits in judgement not fear mortal men, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:17), “Fear no man.” And among the sections of the group of flatterers, there are some in which the flatterer is destroyed and lost just for the iniquity of flattery, as will be explained.
The second section: The flatterer who praises the evildoer in front of people - whether in front of him or not in front of him - even though he does not justify him for his extortion or lie about his trial, but says about him that he is a good man. About this is it stated (Proverbs 28:4), “Those who forsake Torah praise the wicked.” For had he not forsaken the Torah, he would not have praised one who transgressed its words and breached its commandments. Even if he only praises the evildoer for that which he finds that is good about him and he defends him to people to tell them of his righteousness, but he does not mention the bad - this too is a sore evil. For in his mentioning the good and not mentioning the bad and covering up all of his transgression, he will be thought of as a righteous man by those listening and they will give him honor and elevate him. And we have already mentioned [and] let you know the stumbling blocks and the destruction that is found in honoring evildoers. Hence it is incorrect to mention their righteousness without mentioning their evil and foolishness as well, as it is stated (Proverbs 10:7), “But the fame of the wicked rots.” And it is [also] stated (Isaiah 57:12), “I hereby pronounce judgment upon your deeds; your deeds shall not help you.” The explanation is [that] your good deeds will not help to save you from your evil when you will come to judgement and in My evaluation for eternity - since the matters of your iniquities finished off [their merit]. And it is like our Rabbis said (Rosh Hashanah 16b), “One whose iniquities are greater than his merits is written and sealed for death.” And evildoers are recognizable by their speech and behavior, as we discussed earlier with you, in the Gates of the Fear of Sin (no longer extant).
And behold the righteous abominate the evildoer, as it is stated (Proverbs 29:26), “The unjust man is an abomination to the righteous.” And with one who is not in the counsel of the sages - if he does not surely abominate him, nor surely curse him; he should also surely not bless him.
And it is likely that the case of the one praising the evildoers is from foolishness. For the fool (he) intends to praise the good - whether it is about the truth, or whether it is the opposite. And without knowing, he is praising the dead. For our Rabbis said (Berakhot 18b), [that] evildoers are considered like wraiths, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 9:5). “But the dead know nothing.” But this unintentional sin is considered wanton. For a master would not love a slave, if [the slave] loves [the master’s] enemies and brings close those who he has distanced. Should they not know this from the intellect, that this is so? And it is stated (Proverbs 3:35), “disgrace uplifts dullards.”
The third section: The flatterer who praises the evildoer to his face, yet his wisdom restrains him - for he does not praise him in front of [other] people, lest he be a stumbling block for them. The sin of this flatterer is also great, as he blandished him in his eyes; such that he will not repent from his evil path and not worry about his iniquities - for he is righteous in his eyes. And when they praise anyone who is not from the congregation of the righteous - he will say in his heart, “Indeed, I knew that it was like this''; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 11:9), “The flatterer destroys his neighbor through speech; but through knowledge, the righteous is rescued.” The explanation is that the flatterer destroys his neighbor with his mouth, because he will praise him and [the neighbor] will believe [his] words. So he will harden his spirit and he will see himself with honor, and not understand that his soul is murky. And with this stumbling block in his hand, he will fall into the trap of his pride. So behold, he surely destroyed him with his flattering lips. “But through knowledge, the righteous is rescued”: The righteous are saved from the damage of the flatterer through their knowledge. For if he flatters him, his heart will not be elevated as a result, like our Rabbis said (Niddah 30b), “Even [if] all of the world says about you, ‘You are righteous’ - be like an evildoer in your [own] eyes.” And they [also] said (Avot D’Rabbi Natan 29), “If you have companions, some of whom praise [you], and some of whom reprimand [you] - love the ones that reprimand you, and hate the ones that praise [you]. For these are bringing you to life eternal, and those, when they praise you, are gladdening you to your [own] detriment." And it is also possible to explain [it as]: “Through knowledge, the righteous rescue” their neighbors - as they will not flatter them; but will rather reprimand them and show them the path, when they err in the chaos that is not a path. And it is stated (Proverbs 26:28), “and a flattering mouth throws one down.” This compares a flattering mouth with a crooked path; and it says that just like a man falls and is thrown down by walking on a crooked path - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 35:5-6), “Let them be as chaff, etc., the Lord’s angel throwing them down. Let their path be dark and slippery” - so too does a man fall and get thrown down by a flattering mouth. And that is the mouth of the flatterer. And about the matter that we are discussing, King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 12:4), “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, every tongue that speaks arrogance.” He cursed a flattering mouth, since he destroys his neighbor with it; and a harsh tongue - which is the opposite of the smooth [one], and that is evil speech. And among the flatterers, there are those that intend to flatter intimidating people, in order that they should honor them and promote them. And our Rabbis said (Avot D’Rabbi Natan 29), “Anyone that flatters his fellow for the sake of honor will in the end be removed from it in shame.”
The fourth section: One who attaches himself to an evildoer. It is not enough for him that he does not reprimand him with the rod of his mouth and surely distance him; but he rather brings him close like a friend. And it is stated (II Chronicles 20:37), “As you have made a partnership, etc., the Lord will break up your work.” Whereas the righteous are surely disgusted by the evildoer, as it is stated (Psalms 15:4), “A contemptible man is disgusting in his eyes.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 92b), “Not for naught did the starling go to the raven, but because it is its kind. And it stated, ‘All fowl will live with its kind, and men with those like him’ (Book of Ben Sira 13:17).” And they said (Megillah 28a), “It is prohibited for a person to gaze at the likeness of a wicked man, as it is stated (II Kings 3:14), ‘Were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judea, I would not look toward you, nor see you.’” And they [continued], “[Any one who gazes at the likeness of an evil man,] his eyes become dim [at the time of his old age], as it is stated (Genesis 27:1), ‘And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim so that he could not see’ - because he gazed at the wicked Esau.” And we have already discussed very well that there are many ways of death found by one who attaches himself to an evildoer.
And the fifth section: A man whose words people trust, and everyone relies on his words; and he intends to boost one of the people or his redeeming relative, out of his love for him - and he says about him that he is wise, whereas he is not wise. And this will be [a cause] for faltering and a stone for stumbling; for they will rely upon his rulings: Every dispute will go according to his [decision], he will twist every case and he will destroy the world. And likewise, if he says about a man, that he is trustworthy, but he does not know whether he is trustworthy or someone who cannot be trusted. So perhaps a listener will hear and appoint him over his house and give him everything that he has into his hand (to watch); and he will deny it, saying, “I [never] saw you.” And the Rabbis said (Sanhedrin 7b), “Anyone who appoints a judge who is not fit over the community is as though he plants a tree-idol (ashera); and in a place where there are Torah scholars, it is as though he planted the tree next to the altar.” And in the early days, there was someone who appointed someone who was not fit to make rulings, as the head. And they read this verse about him (Habakkuk 2:19), “Ah, you who say, ‘Wake up’ to wood, ‘Awaken,’ to inert stone; can that give an oracle; why, it is encased in gold and silver, but there is no breath inside it.” And in the future, the Holy One, blessed be He, will repay the ones that appointed him, as it is stated (Habakkuk 2:20), “But the Lord is in His holy Sanctuary; let all the earth be silent before Him.”
The sixth section: One who has the ability to protest, but does not protest and has no words of reprimand in his mouth; and does not use the swords of his eyes and does not take responsibility for the deeds of sinners. So he will not be a man of reprimand, whereas we were commanded to destroy the evil from within our nation - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 13:6), “and you shall destroy the evil within you.” And our Rabbis said (Shabbat 54b), “Anyone who is in a position to protest against the members of his household and does not protest, is apprehended for the members of his household; if he is in a position to protest against the people of his city, and does not protest, he is apprehended for the people of his city; if he is in a position to protest the whole world, and does not protest, he is apprehended for the whole world.” And it is stated (Leviticus 26:37), “A man shall stumble over his brother.” And they, may their memory be blessed, expounded (Sanhedrin 27b), “‘A man over’ the iniquity of ‘his brother.’” And they said that all of Israel is responsible for one another.
The seventh section: One who sees the people of his place [being] a stiff-necked people, and says in his heart, “Perhaps they will not listen if I speak [words of] integrity with them and fill my mouth with reprimands.” Hence he saves his mouth [from speaking]. Yet he surely bears his sin, for he did not try to reprimand and warn [them] - (indeed) [maybe] if the city is pitied, they will awake from the slumber of their stupidity and their error will not [continue to] lay with them. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 55a) about that which is written (Ezekiel 9:4), “and set a mark (tav) upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry, etc.”: The attribute of justice said, “[Even though these are full-fledged righteous people and keep the Torah,] it was in their hands to protest, and they did not protest. [The Holy One, blessed be He,] said, “It is revealed and known before Me that had they protested, they would not have accepted [it] from them.” [The attribute of justice] said, “Master of the Universe, if it is revealed before You, [they did not know if the people would listen to their voice or ignore them].” So afterwards God, may He be blessed, commanded (Ezekiel 9:4), “and begin from My Temple (Mikdash)” - and that is the dedicated (mekudash) righteous ones. And it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.” But if the matter is revealed to all, known, tested and analyzed that the sinner hates rebuke and will not listen to the voice of his teachers and will not bend his ear to his instructors - about this is it stated (Proverbs 9:8), “Do not rebuke a scoffer, for he will hate you.” And they said (Yevamot 55b), “Just as it is a commandment to say something that will be heard, so is it a commandment to not say something that will not be heard.” And they said (Beitzah 30a), “It is better that they be inadvertent, and not be intentional.”
And the eighth section: Someone who hears the words of the people saying evil speech, or hears every mouth speaking fouly or sits among a group of jokers disgracing the Torah and the commandments - and he knows that they are stubborn and [like] thorns. So if he would reprimand them, they will not listen to his words - hence he puts his hand to his mouth (does not speak). This one will also be punished, since he did not answer fools about their foolishness - lest they say that he is like them and that he concedes to their words. Rather, he becomes obligated to answer and scold them, to give greatness to the Torah and the commandments which they disgraced and made light of. He should be zealous for the honor of the Clean and Righteous One about whom they are speaking.
This is one of the things for which a person becomes obligated to leave the group of evildoers. For he will be punished for hearing their evil words and being too listless to answer them. And this is something explicit in the words of Solomon, as it is stated (Proverbs 24:1-2), “Do not envy evil men; do not desire to be with them. For their hearts talk violence, and their lips speak mischief.” And he meant to say [it is] because you will bear the iniquity when they sin. For you will constantly hear their evil words and you will be silent.
The ninth section: One who honors evildoers in a way of peace. However he does not speak well about the evildoer and does not act to honor him in a way in which people will think that he is honoring him because he is honorable and precious in his eyes. Rather he only shows him respect in the way that people honor the rich, in the way of dignification; and with the hope of benefit, since their path has been successful - and not because of the grace of his arrangement. Nevertheless there is a sin and guilt in this thing. If it is permitted to honor the rich, it is not so with the evildoers - as it is stated (Job 40:11-12), “see every proud man and bring him low. See every proud man and humble him, and bring down the evildoers where they stand.” Nevertheless this section is permitted in the case of worry about something - lest the evildoer injure him and cause him a loss, at the time when the evildoer is strong and his time is brazen; and we do not have the ability to humble him, and to put him him down [with our soldiers]. Hence it is permitted to honor him in the way we honor very intimidating people out of fear and terror, by rising for them, noting them and that which is similar to these. However, one should not praise him, nor speak well about him to people. And likewise did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Sotah 41b), “It is permissible to flatter evildoers in this world.”
And this is the thing about the group of slanderers: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Arakhin 15b), “Anyone who speaks evil speech is as though he denied a fundamental principle [of faith] - as it is stated (Psalms 12:5), ‘Who have said, “we will make our tongue mighty; our lips are with us; who is lord over us?”’” Therefore, they considered him as if he denied a fundamental principle. For he causes and brings about great damage and much evil to his fellows by making them foul in the eyes of people or by other ways of [causing them] loss. And it is not likely that a man would prepare a mechanism of destruction and damage that is more bitter than death without it benefitting himself monetarily, unless it is to have his [evil] impulse honor himself and remove the yoke of the Heavens from upon him - to remove ethical constraints - as it is stated in the Psalm, “when the Ziphites came and told Saul, etc., O God, arrogant men have risen against me; a band of ruthless men seek my life; they are not mindful of You.” (This is a scribal error, as there is some difference between the verse brought down by the author, may his memory be blessed, [and his source]. As [in the source], it is written, “For strangers have risen against me, etc.” And the verse that he wrote here is found in Psalms 86:14; but it needs to be corrected and replaced with the verse as it is written there in Psalms 54:5.) And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 54) that they intended that Saul would bless them, as he said to them (I Samuel 23:21), “May you be blessed of the Lord for the compassion you have shown me!” But they did not place God in front of them - as it is written in His Torah (Deuteronomy 27:24), “Cursed be he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.” And it is written (Ecclesiastes 10:11), “no advantage is gained by the master of the tongue!” And it is stated about Doeg (Psalms 52:4-5), “Your tongue devises mischief… You prefer evil to good; the lie, to speaking truthfully. Selah.” And they explained in Midrash Tehillim 52, “What do you benefit and what do you gain when you say evil speech? Is it not that you did not need money, for you had [already] become wealthy - as it is stated about him (I Samuel 21:8), ‘Saul’s chief herdsman.’ It was only because you preferred the evil to the good, and ‘the lie, to speaking truthfully’ - as you have removed His yoke.” And it is stated (Proverbs 6:30), “A thief is not held in contempt for stealing [to fill his hunger]; and it is written after it (Proverbs 6:32), “He who commits adultery is devoid of sense, etc.” This is meaning to say that he is worse than a thief, for [the former] needs to “fill his hunger.” Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Midrash Tehillim 120) that one involved in evil speech is worse than both of them. For he does a great sin without benefit, as it is stated (Psalms 120:3), “What can you profit, what can you gain, O deceitful tongue?”
And secondly, for this [too] is one who speaks evil speech considered as if he denied a fundamental principle: For he says in his heart that his lips are in his [own] control; and because they do not do an action and he is in charge of his tongue, he determined in his heart that he should not restrain the spirit of his lips from saying that which comes to his spirit; and that only all the other limbs are not in his control to sin with them - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 12:5), “They say, “with lips such as ours, who can be our master?” And they do not say, “Where is the God that made me, to whom all the movements of His creations are given - not one is lacking. They are all subjected to doing His will. Rather, it is no matter - the petitions about the lips are in our control.” The evildoers that sin with other sins are not like this. For they know that their leaving God is bad and bitter, however they were pulled after their desire and their overpowering [evil] impulse; yet they are pained by this. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15b), “Evil speech [...] corresponds to three transgressions [and these are them]: Idol worship, forbidden sexual relations and bloodshed. [...] With regard to idol worship, it is stated (Exodus 32:31), ‘Oh, this people have sinned a great sin.’ With regard to forbidden sexual relations, it is stated (Genesis 39:9), ‘How can I do this great wickedness.’ With regard to bloodshed it is stated (Genesis 4:13), ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear.’ [And with regard to evil speech,] it is stated (Psalms 12:4), “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things.”
And behold we must explain to you how it is possible that the iniquity of evil speech can be more than these three. Did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, not say about each one of them (Sanhedrin 74a), “Let a man be killed and not transgress them?” And they said [that] idolatry is weighty, for anyone that concedes to it is like one who denies all of the Torah. And they [also] said (Chullin 5a) that one who is an apostate [only] for idolatry is like one who is an apostate for all of the entire Torah. And when you put your heart to these statements of theirs, may their memory be blessed, you will find several roots [to them] and several aspects.
The first is because the one involved in evil speech repeats his stupidity - he will embarrass, sully and shame ten times a day. He will speak superfluously and strike in secret. So who can measure his punishment? For one involved in evil speech does not put an end to [his] words. And even a light sin is very weighty when the stupidity is repeated many times - as we discussed earlier - all the more so, when it is a big sin and a grievous evil. And when our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said, “Evil speech [...] corresponds to three transgressions,” they meant to say, corresponding to one who transgresses them at a time when his impulse attacks him - not corresponding to an habitual sinner or one who has left the congregation to transgress them all the time.
The second is because the repentance of one involved in evil speech is difficult, since he has taught his tongue to speak falsehood, and sent his mouth to evil. From so much habit, he does not control his spirit, and it is as if his mouth causes the thought - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 52:4), “Your tongue devises mischief”; and it is stated (Ecclesiastes 10:12), “but a fool’s lips will swallow him up”; and it is stated.(Proverbs 18:7), “The fool’s speech is his ruin (mechitah).” And mechitah is an expression of fear and trepidation. It means to say that the fool is afraid and in trepidation from the rage of his tongue, lest he be ensnared - like he fears from his enemy - as his lips are not in his control.
And the third is because the sin of the one involved in evil speech is light in his eyes - as he says it is only something of the lips, and he does not pay attention to its damaging the many. Hence he does not repent from his evil path. And if he does repent, his repentance will not be complete - as he will not recognize the greatness of his sin. For complete repentance to be cleansed from [such a] great transgression is when a fire of anguish is surely lit and there is like a fire burning inside his soul.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 21:24), “The violent, proud man, scoffer is his name, acts in a frenzy of violence.” The explanation is that the scoffer whose violence is great to strike with his tongue in his pride and his loftiness, his anger and his rage - do not say [about him] that he only strikes with his tongue, and not with a deed. For you should surely know that he “acts in a frenzy of violence.” He means to say that if he could not strike his enemies with his tongue and he could strike them with a deed, he would strike them with a frenzy and have no pity. [It is] like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said regarding Doeg (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10:2) that when Saul commanded that the priests be smitten but his people refused to strike them, he said to Doeg, “You struck them with the tongue, you strike them with the sword,” as it is stated (I Samuel 22:18), “You, go and strike down the priests.”
And the fourth is that if the one involved in evil speech does repent, he will need to request forgiveness from those upon whom he poured the fury of his tongue, but he will not remember all of them. As he generated much pain and saddened many souls - also more than he remembered that he sullied. And they did not know that he sent the evil to them, [so] he will be ashamed to inform them and open their ears to that which he did evil to them. For he strikes, but his strike is not known, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 120:3-4), “What can you profit, what can you gain, O deceitful tongue? A warrior’s sharp arrows.” Therefore evil speech is compared to an arrow - for many times, one who pulls the bow sends forth his arrows but does not know who he struck.
And it was also compared to an arrow for another reason. For one who draws his sword can put it back in its sheath if he has mercy on someone who pleads with him. Not so is one who sends forth an arrow - he is not able to bring it back. Such is one involved in evil speech - once the word came out of his mouth, he is not able to repair [it]. And sometimes he will speak about a family blemish and injure all of the generations that come after [the one he insults]; and he cannot get forgiveness for this. Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Bava Kamma 8) that one who speaks about a family blemish does not ever have atonement. And behold one who sends out his tongue, also speaks about the holy ones in the land. For upon whom has his constant evil not expressed itself? And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, already said (Sanhedrin 90a) that [one who disgraces the Torah scholars] has no share in the world to come.
And the fifth is that evil speech brings one involved with it to put his mouth to speaking wrongly about God - and as it is stated (Psalms 73:9), “They set their mouths against Heaven, and their tongues range over the earth.” And there is none among all of the sins the punishment for which reaches the punishment for flinging [accusations at God]. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15a), “Our ancestors tried the Holy One, Blessed be He with ten trials, but their sentence was sealed only due to the evil speech.” For it is stated (Numbers 14:28), “I will do to you just as you have urged Me, etc.”; and it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:34), “When the Lord heard your loud complaint, He was angry; and He vowed”; and it is stated (Malachi 2:17), “You have wearied the Lord with your talk.” And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 50:16-20), “And to the wicked, God said, ‘Who are you to recite My laws, and mouth the terms of My covenant. [...] When you see a thief, you fall in with him, etc. You devote your mouth to evil, and yoke your tongue to deceit. You are busy maligning your brother.’“ Behold you have learned from this that Torah [study] does not protect those involved with evil speech or one accustomed to steal or to engage in forbidden sexual relations; and that they are not fit to be involved with Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 21a) [that] because Doeg spoke evil speech, his wisdom did not stand him in. And that which our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said - “Sin extinguishes a commandment, but sin does not extinguish Torah, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:23), ‘For the commandment is a lamp, and the Torah is a light’” - they said about someone who sins by chance, and not about one who removes the yoke of the warning of a sin from upon him.
And consider how great is the sin of a man who speaks evil speech: Is their sin that they have sealed their lips and quieted their tongues from speaking words of Torah not big enough for them; that they surely [use them to] destroy with evil speech? And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 119:23), “Though princes meet and speak against me, Your servant speaks out Your laws.” The explanation is that they are still from speaking out Your laws and speak evil speech and speak against me, while I am still speaking out Your laws. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15a) [that] the cure for evil speech - to save oneself from it - is to be involved with the Torah; as its stated (Proverbs 15:4), “A healing tongue is a tree of life,“ And this is [the meaning of] what is stated (Psalms 39:2), “I would keep my mouth muzzled, etc.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 39) that the muzzle is involvement with Torah. And our Rabbis said (Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 721), “The Congregation of Israel is beloved by her voice and hated by her voice: She is beloved by her voice, as it is stated (Song of Songs 2:14), ‘let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet.’ And she is hated by her voice, as it is stated (Jeremiah 12:8), ‘she raised her voice against Me; therefore I have hated her.’” And this is [the meaning of] what is stated (Proverbs 18:21), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.” And its explanation is: “Those who love it will eat its fruit” - and one who loves the tongue, and that is a man that always wants to talk, for him the proper counsel is that he should, “eat its fruit.” That is, he should not speak idle words but rather words of Torah, wisdom and ethics and the bringing of peace between a man and his fellow; justify the [actions of] the masses; praise the good; disparage the evil; and be zealous about the truth. For there is no end to the merits that he can acquire for himself with his tongue. And [it is] as we discussed earlier, that life is in the tongue.
And behold this group of slanderers is divided into six sections: And the first section: When he attributes a blemish to a person and [that person] does not have the blemish. There are times that he will lie against beauty. And behold the heart of this one (has his mouth jump the trait of) [gathers the evil of the traits of] two bad groups - which are the group of the liers and the group of the slanderers. And behold we have been warned by the Torah not to accept evil speech - perhaps it is empty or a false matter - as it is stated (Exodus 23:1), “You must not carry false rumors.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 17:4), “An evildoer listens to bad talk; a lie gives ear to malicious words.” Its explanation is - two groups accept evil speech: The first is is a violent evildoing man - from the usage [in] (Isaiah 9:16), “for all are ungodly and doing evil” - for he suspects the innocent, and loves to find a blemish and guilt about his fellow and a disgrace to his honor. And it will be that when he hears someone saying evil speech about his companion, the violence in his heart brings him to believe that the things are true. And the second group is [that of] the lying man. He also listens and believes malicious talk. Since he does not distance himself from false words, he will not be concerned if he accepts a lie, or if he listens to a false rumor. Hence he will be quick to accept evil speech. [The meaning of] “a lie gives ear,” is like a man of lies. And likewise (Jeremiah 9:5), “You dwell in the midst of deceit,” [means] in the midst of people of deceit; [and also] (Psalms 109:4), “and I am prayer,” [means] a man of prayer.
And know that when the listener concedes to the evil speech, his lot and measured portion (a scriptural expression [in Jeremiah 13:25], “This shall be your lot, your measured portion”) is with the one who speaks evil speech. For they will surely say, “See, the listeners accepted the thing, and that is a sign that the thing is really true. Even if the listener tilted [his] ear and made himself appear to be listening and believing these words in front of people, this also helps the evil, causes a disgrace to [the subject of the talk], and strengthens the hands of the one who brings his evil speech against people. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 25:23), “A north wind tehollel rain, and a raging face, a hidden tongue.” Its explanation is, just like a north wind scatters the clouds and prevents the rain, so does a raging face stop evil speech. For when the speaker sees the face of the listener enraged, he will stop the voice of his raining words. But if he sees that the listener is listening to him, he will not stop his mouth from his lies; and tomorrow will be like today. For he will repeat his stupidity, to always speak false speech; and his tongue will follow the rain of his falsehoods. Tehollel is from the expression challilah (forbid or prevent). And likewise (Numbers 30:3), “he shall not annul (yechal) his word”; and also (Genesis 4:26), “it was then huchal to call,” [which means] it was then prevented.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 26:28), “A lying tongue does a dakav hate.” The explanation is that a humble, contrite and lowly person hates a lying tongue - he will not seek it nor listen to it. For a humble person desires people’s worth, and is pained by their embarrassment and disgrace. The [letter,] vav, is in place of a hay in the root, like the vav, in [the word,] anav. And some explain [the verse as,] someone with a lying tongue will hate those who make him contrite and reprimand him, so he will not bring them more evil slander against people. And behold we have been warned by that which is written (Exodus 23:1), “You must not carry false rumors,” not to believe in our hearts the telling of evil speech - to hold in our thoughts that the things are true, such as to demean in our eyes the one about whom it is spoken.
The second section: The one who speaks evil speech, but distances himself from a false matter. And this is what they meant when they spoke of the group of slanderers, even though they are not from the group of liers. And behold, if someone mentions to his fellow - between the two of them - the bad deeds of his ancestors, he transgresses that which is written in the Torah (Leviticus 25:17), “A man may not abuse his countryman.” [For] the verse is speaking about verbal abuse, as we mentioned earlier. And it is stated (Ezekiel 18:20), “a child shall not bear the iniquity of a parent.” And if he embarrasses him in front of others about the deeds of his ancestors - about this our Rabbis said (Bava Metzia 58b) that one who whitens the face of his fellow in public is from those that descend to Gehinnom and never ascend [from it]. And if he speaks about and makes known the abominations of his forefathers in front of people - but not in front of him - about this they said, this is the group of slanderers that does not receive the Divine Presence. And likewise if [the one he spoke about] was a penitent, and he speaks about his earlier deeds.
And know that if a man sees that his fellow has transgressed against an item in the Torah privately, and [the former] reveals his sins at the public gate, he will surely be guilty about this. For maybe that sinner repented from his evil way and his anguish [about it] is in his thoughts. And the heart knows the bitterness of his soul. So it is incorrect to reveal them, except to a discreet sage, who will not tell the rest of the masses. He will only distance himself from [the sinner’s] company until he knows that he has repented from his evil way. And if the sinner is a Torah scholar and a man who fears sin, it is fitting to think that he has [already] truly repented. And if his [evil] impulse attacked him once, his soul causes him bitterness [about it] afterwards.
There are two things that the speaker of evil speech brings about: The damage and embarrassment that he causes his fellow; and his [own] decision to condemn and prosecute his fellows and his joy at their calamity. And from one angle, the iniquity of the one who speaks evil speech about something true is greater than one who speaks about something false. For the people will believe his saying true things about his fellow, and [that fellow] will go up in flames in front of them. So he will be disgraced in their eyes [even] after he regrets his evil and is forgiven for his sins.
And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 14:9-10), “Fools will advocate guilt; among the upright, good will. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider can share in its joy.” Its explanation is - the fool advocates guilt, since he searches for the blemishes of people and their guilt. So he will attribute defects to them and never speak about their praise or about something good that is found with them. And the analogy for this is that flies always all land on dirty places. And his saying, “fools will advocate (literally, fools advocates),” in the singular is [to address] each and every one of the fools, like (in Genesis 49:22), “(literally) daughters treads on the wall.” And our Rabbis said (Kiddushin 70a), “Anyone who is of flawed lineage never speaks in praise of [others]. And [his way is to] disqualify them with his own flaw.” “Among the upright, good will” - for it is the way of the just to cover over transgressions, and to praise a man when a good thing is found with him. And they spoke in ethics about a [simple] man and a sage who were walking past a carcass. The [former] said, “That carcass is so rotten!” The sage said, “How white are its teeth!” And [Solomon] said after this, “The heart knows its own bitterness.” And every sage knows that Solomon did not bring words that are not useful among his chosen teachings (Proverbs). Rather the matter is coming with regard to the first verse - to say that the evil of the fool that advocates guilt is because it is probable that the sinner has repented from his way. And no one knows the bitterness of the soul of a person, and its joy, besides him. And that lifts up the sin, for the essentials of repentance are according to the bitterness of his soul. Therefore the fool that mentions his iniquity sins and is guilty.
And you must know that the punishment of the fool that advocates guilt is only when he attributes a defect in a man who fears sin, [and] whose [evil] impulse seized him and he sinned and was guilty - as his practice and way is to regret his sins. And all the more so if the matter that he repented is known. But [regarding] the man whose path you have examined and he has no fear of God in front of his eyes and is also stationed on the bad path - it is a commandment to speak in his disgrace and to reveal his sins, and to make the ones involved with sin foul in the eyes of people, so that the souls of the ones listening will be revolted from bad deeds. And it is stated (Proverbs 29:27), “The unjust man is an abomination to the righteous.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 8:13), “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.” And they said (Sanhedrin 52a), “It is permissible to call an evildoer who is the son of a righteous man, ‘an evildoer, son of an evildoer’; and it is permitted to call a righteous man who is the son of an evildoer, ‘a righteous man, son of a righteous man.’” And behold when you see a man who is saying something or performing an act, and one can judge the thing as him being guilty or being innocent: If the man is one that fears God, you have been obligated to judge him favorably in truth - even if the thing is closer to, and makes more sense to be, understood unfavorably. And if he is from the [group] in-between, that are careful about sin, but sometimes stumble over it - you must incline the doubt towards judging favorably, as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 127b), “One who judges another favorably is himself judged favorably.” And it is a positive commandment from the Torah, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:15), “you shall judge your countryman justly (betsedek, which can also be understood as, favorably).” And if the matter leans towards guilt - let the matter be a doubt to you, and do not decide it unfavorably. But if most of that man’s actions are evil, or you have examined that he has no fear of God in his heart - judge his actions or his words unfavorably, as it is stated (Proverbs 21:12), “The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked man; he subverts the wicked to their ruin.” And we have already discussed its explanation.
And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 24:29-30), “Do not be a vain witness against your companion; would you mislead with your speech? Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me; I will pay the man like what he did.’” Its explanation is: It is not necessary to warn, saying, “Do not be a false witness”; but do say, “Do not be a vain witness.” For if your companion stumbles upon a sin, do not testify about it and do not reveal it in vain, without punishment. For while it is true that if a man stole or extorted his countryman, [a witness] is obligated to testify so that [if] there are two witnesses he will return the theft that he stole; and if there is only one witness, there will be an oath between them; but if he saw his fellow stumble in a matter of a sexual prohibition or one of the sins [that do not involve payment], it is not fitting that he should testify about this in vain - meaning to say without punishment - even if there is another witness with him to authenticate the matter. And if the sinner was someone who fears sin, it is fitting to speak to one’s heart, [to say] that he truly [already] repented. And also because he should fear to himself and say in his heart, “Since this man fears the Heavens, maybe His merits are more numerous than his iniquities; and our Rabbis said (Kiddushin 39a) that a man whose merits are more numerous than his iniquities is surely from the congregation of the righteous.” However if the sinner is from the fools - the way of which is to repeat their foolishness - it is good that they tell the judges, in order to chastise him and separate him from sin. However if he is one witness, it is not good for a man to be alone, testifying about his fellow. For his testimony is vain, since they cannot rely upon it, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 19:15), “A single witness may not validate against a person any guilt or sin.” And therefore he is considered a defamer. And the word, “mislead (fitita) is [in] a causative structure - it means to say that through your lips, you are grinding his face (from the usage [Leviticus 2:6], “You shall break it into bits.”) when you reveal his hidden iniquity. And after this, he said, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me.’” For if he revealed your sins, do not take vengeance or bear a grudge to do to him like what he did to you. [And this is a glorious teaching and from the essence of fear [of God]. But if the sinner is a man that does not fear in front of God - like someone who removes the yoke of the Heavenly kingdom, and is not careful about a commandment which all the rest of his people know is a sin - it is permissible to embarrass him and to speak about his disgrace. Thus did our Rabbis say (Baba Metzia 59a), “‘A man shall not oppress his countryman (amito)’ (Leviticus 25:17). [Meaning, from] his nation (amo) - one that is with you in [observance of] Torah and commandments - he shall you not mistreat. But [regarding] one who did not put his heart to the word of the Lord, it is permissible to embarrass him with his actions, make his abominations known and pour forth disgrace upon him. And they also said (Yoma 86b), “We publicize the hypocrites due to the desecration of [God’s] name.” But if he stumbled on a sin by chance and it is his habit most of his days to be careful about iniquity, we should not reveal his sin - as we have explained. So it would [then] be possible to explain, “Do not be a vain witness against your companion” - to testify about sins with which you have also fallen sick, like him. Hence he is called his companion. And this is shown by its stating afterwards, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me.’” For even though it is a commandment to publicize the ones that sin to their core and the hypocrites; [in the case of] a sinner - if it is a man like him in his evil and [like other] people with his sins, we should not publicize [his sin]. For [the first one’s] intention to reveal his secrets will not be for the good, but rather to rejoice in his calamity. Secondly, how will he not be embarrassed to mention the defect of these actions in someone else, when he holds on to them [himself]? And it is stated (Hosea 1:4), “I will punish the House of Jehu for the bloody deeds at Jezreel”: Behold even though he did a commandment in cutting off the House of Ahab, [Jehu] bore his sin. For he was also full of transgression.
And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 113b) that we give lashes for rebellion to the one who testifies by himself against his fellow about the matter of a sin. However he may reveal the matter privately to his teacher or to a man who keeps his secret, if he knows that they will believe his words like the words of two witnesses. And if there is a second witness with him, they should have the judges hear their words - in order to discipline the sinner privately, and not to whiten his face in public, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.”
And know that regarding things between a man and his fellow - such as robbery, extortion, injury, pain, embarrassment and verbal abuse - one can tell the things to people. Even a single individual who saw [it] may speak, so as to help the person who was mistreated and to be zealous for the truth. And behold the Torah stated that a single witness should testify in court for a monetary claim, to obligate the defendant [to take] an oath. However he should first reprimand the man.
The third section: One who goes talebearing. And we were warned about this in the Torah, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:16), “You shall not go talebearing among your people.” And this is also called evil speech. And he is included in the group of slanderers - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, mentioned about Doeg the Edomite that he was involved in evil speech because he told Saul, and said to him that David came to the house of Ahimelech. And there is no counting the damage of talebearing: For it increases hatred in the world and makes people stumble on that which is written in the Torah (Leviticus 19:17), “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” And behold the world stands upon peace (Avot 1:18) - so due to hatred, the world deteriorates, as we have discussed earlier. And many times, the talebearer puts a sword in the hand of his fellow to kill his companion, as it is written (Ezekiel 22:9), “Talebearing men were in your midst, intent on shedding blood.” And it is [also] stated (Jeremiah 6:28), “They are copper and iron - they are all stubbornly defiant; they go talebearing; all of them act corruptly.” And our Rabbis (Arakhin 15b) called talebearing, “Third speech, because it kills three: The one who speaks it, the one who accepts it; and the one about whom it is said” - as you know from the matter of Doeg, such that he was banished [from the world to come] on account of the talebearing; the priests were killed; and Saul was punished for accepting the talebearing.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said about the matter of talebearing (Niddah 61a) [that] even though it is forbidden to accept it and hate one’s fellow as a result, yet one should not belittle the matter. Rather he should guard himself and be concerned about the matter. They, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Peah 1:1) [that] the generation of Saul had informers like Doeg and the Ziphites. And as a result, they went to war and fell. [But] the generation of Ahab did not have informers - as you know from the matter of the prophets that hid from Jezebel, as it is written (I Kings 18:22), “I am the only prophet of the Lord left.” Yet Obadiah hid a hundred prophets, but no one revealed that there was a prophet besides Elijah. And as a result of this, they would go to war and be victorious - even though Ahab worshipped idolatry.
And one who causes disputes between brothers and friends and brings hatred between them is the most severe of all the sections of slander, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:19), “and one who incites brothers to quarrel.” And our Rabbis said (Vayikra Rabbah 17:1), “The seventh is the most severe of all” (meaning the trait of inciting, etc. - which is the seventh of what it says above (Proverbs 6:16), “Six things the Lord hates; the seventh is an abomination to Him.”) - as we have mentioned to you before in the Gates of the Fear of Sin (no longer extant).
A man is obligated to hide a secret that is revealed to him confidentially by his fellow, even though there is no matter of talebearing involved in revealing that secret. For there is damage to the holder of the secret [simply] by its being revealed, and it [can cause him] to abort his plan - as it is stated (Proverbs 15:22), “Plans are aborted without a secret.” Secondly - because revealing a secret is even an aberration of the ways of modesty, as he surely violates the will of the holder of the secret. And King Solomon said (Proverbs 20:19), “He who gives away secrets is a talebearer.” He means to say, if you see a man who does not control his spirit, to guard his tongue from revealing a secret - even though there is no issue of talebearing between a man and his friend in revealing that secret - this trait will bring him to go talebearing, which is from the four bad groups, given that his lips are not in his control to guard. He also said (Proverbs 11:13), “A talebearer will reveal secrets.” He means to say, do not confide a secret to someone who goes talebearing. For since he does not guard his lips from talebearing, do not trust him to hide your secret, even though you have given your words over to him in private and in confidentiality. And we have been warned by the Torah not to accept evil speech, as it is stated, (Exodus 23:1), “Do not accept a vain report.” And it is stated (Proverbs 29:12), “A ruler who listens to lies, all his ministers will be evildoers.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 54) that when a ruler accepts evil speech and words of talebearing, his ministers will become evildoers and talebearers to find favor in the eyes of their master. And behold it is these three groups that we mentioned that they, may their memory be blessed, had in mind when they referred to the group of slanderers.
And the fourth section: The dust of evil speech. Our Rabbis said (Bava Batra 165a), “Most of the world stumbles upon theft and a minority upon sexual prohibitions, but all of them [stumble upon] the dust of evil speech.” And they said that the content of the dust of evil speech is when a person causes people to speak evil speech due to his words. And they said (Bava Batra 164b), “A person should never speak favorably of his fellow, as out of his [praise] comes his disgrace.” And behold we need to explain this statement - for it is known that speaking the praises of the sages and the righteous is from the proper traits, as it is stated (Proverbs 25:27), “but it is honorable to peruse honor.” And it is said about a fool that he does not speak the praises of the world. Rather this is the nature of this matter, that one should only speak favorably of a man face to face. That is to say, when a man speaks to his companion - and not to the larger community and in an audience of the masses, unless he knows that there is no one in that grouping who is an enemy of that man whom he wants to praise or one who is jealous of him. And if he wants to praise a man who is already assumed by the people of his nation to be a proper man and no evil or guilt is found about him, he should be praised even in front of his enemy or one jealous - for they will not be able to disgrace him. And [even] if they do disgrace him, everyone will know that [such a man’s] mouth spoke in vain, such that his mouth will be a trap for himself.
They, may their memory be blessed, also mentioned and said about the content of the dust of evil speech (Arakhin 15b) [that] if a woman asked her neighbor to [light a fire] from the hearth, and she answers and says, “Where else is a fire of coals except at so-and-so’s home, who is always roasting meat and eating” - this and what is similar to it is the dust of evil speech. And it is stated (Proverbs 27:14), “He who greets his fellow loudly early in the morning shall have it reckoned to him as a curse.” And our Rabbis explained (Arakhin 16a) this verse about someone who praises his fellow with a praise that brings a loss, to be about a guest who goes out to the town square and calls out in a loud voice and recounts how the householder did him good - since he [prepared] meat and made it for the guest that came to him. But it would be that when they hear the words of the guests, worthless people will assemble and turn aside to the home of the householder. And a person is obligated to guard his mouth and his tongue, such that he not be suspected about his words and that they not account him to be one involved in evil speech. And if he does bring such a suspicion about himself with this, he has surely destroyed his ethical [standing], and it will be considered the dust of evil speech for him.
And contemplate this well to understand the principle of this matter: Behold we mentioned earlier that it is permissible to speak in disgrace of the sinner about the theft that is in his hands, if it is known that he has not left his path. For example, the robber and the extortionist, the damager and the harasser, the one who whitens the face [of another], the one who makes [others] fowl and shameful and the one who speaks evil speech - [if] he has not returned the theft, or payed for his damage or requested from his fellow to remove his iniquity (to forgive him). However those that see their ways must surely first speak to the sinner - perhaps they will be able to help by way of a reprimand to have him repent from his evil way. And if he surely refuses, they may then inform the public about his ways and deeds. However a person can be blamed from the deed of his fellow that was wanton against his fellow, when he recounts his deeds to people and reveals the obligations of the sinner and disgraces his acts with various claims: Behold, the recounter will be suspected about this and they will think him one engaged in evil speech. And they will surely say, “Even if the thing was true, it would have been fitting to reveal it to the ear of the sinner as a reprimand first.” And his listeners will suspect him about his not giving him a reprimand first, saying that he would not have said all of this in front of [the sinner] and he is flattering him - like the matter that is stated (Hosea 4:4), “Let no man rebuke, let no man protest!” And [they will further say that] he enjoys speaking about the guilt of the people, the iniquity of which brings him joy and the disgrace of which brings him honor when it is not front of them; and he is similar to someone involved in evil speech and is clinging to its dust. And people will also say, “The things are not true and he made them up from his heart. And, however if not, why did he not reveal his iniquity in front of him first, but rather ignore him?” Hence our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15b), “Any statement that is said in the presence of its master (i.e., the subject of the statement) is not in the way of evil speech. It means to say that if he previously gave an open reprimand to his fellow about his deed, and [the latter] did not pay attention to his words - he may afterwards inform people of that man’s guilt and the evil of his conduct. And he will not be suspected of wanting to give his fellow a defect. And likewise if the teller is assumed by the public not to seek the favor of any man and not to bend to a man; and everything he would say not in front of his fellow, he would [also] say in front of him and not be frightened by any man; and he also be assumed among his people to only speak the truth - he is not to be suspected when he speaks about the guilt of his fellow not in front of him. And so did they mention in their words, may their memory be blessed, about this matter and say, “Rabbi Yose says, ‘From [all of] my days, I have never said a word and turned around behind me.’” He meant to say, “I have never said something about a person not in front of him, but suppressed it when I was in front of him.” They also said, “Anything that is said in front of three is not in the way of evil speech.” It means to say - since there were many [people] with him at the time that he told the thing, hence the thing will be known to his fellow. And behold it is as if he said the words in front of him.
And the fifth section: Vulgar speech. Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 33a), “Anyone who speaks vulgarly - even if he was sealed for a decree of seventy years of good, it will be reversed to bad.” And Isaiah said (Isaiah 9:16), “That is why my Lord will not spare their youths, nor show compassion to their orphans and widows; for all are ungodly and wicked, and every mouth speaks vulgarity.” And on account of this, one who speaks vulgarly has a heavy iniquity and is ungodly and wicked. For he has abandoned and left shame and modesty, which are the famous traits of the holy seed (of Israel); and went to the paths of brazenness - which is the trait of the evil boors. Secondly - because he has profanced the Holy One of Israel, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 4:6), “and they will say, ‘Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.’” But this one acted like the disgusting foolish ones that are distanced from the ways of the intellect, which is completely beautiful and also pleasant. And their foulness rises and their stink goes up, so every sage and understanding person surely despises and surely abominates them. And behold, he is profaning the tool of the intellect which is more precious than any beloved tool - as it is stated (Proverbs 20:15), “but wise speech is a precious tool.” And the punishment of one who listens to vulgar speech is great, since he does not seal his ear and does not separate from the words of vulgarity. And about him is it said (Proverbs 22:14), “The mouth of a forbidden woman is a deep pit; [He who is doomed by the Lord falls into it].”
And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 3a), “A person should never put out a disgraceful matter from his mouth; as a verse was distorted by eight letters rather than have it put out a disgraceful matter, as it is stated (Genesis 7:8), ‘From the pure animals and from the animals that are not pure.’” For at that time, the impure animals were permissible to eat but not pure for a sacrifice. Hence it is considered a disgraceful expression if one disgraces things that are for human food. And see that a man must be careful not to put out a disgraceful matter from his mouth - even if by his leaving it, it will bring him to speak at length and add to his statements. And it is like a fence to be careful from vulgar speech - which is one of the weighty sins. And [it is] also a fence from speaking evil speech and the placing of defects upon the creatures - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said about the distancing of [disgraceful] speech (Bava Batra 123a), “The verse did not even speak in disgrace of impure animals.” And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 3b) that one of the priests said in front of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, “I received [for] my portion, the size of a lizard’s tail.” They investigated his background, and they found a trace of disqualification about him. And our Rabbis also said (Pesachim 3a) that a person must choose an honorable phrase [instead of using] a dishonorable phrase - even if it is not disgraceful - whether it is in words of Torah or in speaking about matters of the world. And this is so long as he does not speak at length for its sake when speaking words of Torah. For a person is obligated to teach his students in a terse fashion. And the matter of honorable phrases is the path of words and speech that was tread upon by those of clean intellect and those that speak with clarity. And they weigh and know which phrase is honorable and which is its opposite, as it is stated (Job 15:5), “And you choose the language of the crafty.” And it is stated (Job 33:3), “and that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.” And it is stated (Proverbs 1:20), “The tongue of a righteous man is choice silver.”
And the sixth section: The complainer - King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 18:8), “The words of the complainer are like mitlahamim; and they enter the innards of one’s belly.” Its explanation is that a complainer is a man whose way and whose nature is to always complain, get angry and find (movements) [pretexts] about this fellow, regarding his actions and his words - even though his fellow is innocent towards him, and did him no harm in anything. And he judges everything unfavorably, and not favorably; and anything inadvertent he makes volitional. And he surely makes himself like the oppressed and beaten, and as if the sin of his fellow is heavy upon him; whereas he is the hitter and the beater, as his words “enter the innards of one’s belly.” For the one who places complaints in front of his fellow when he did not touch him and only did good to him brings a storm to the heart. And behold he is like one who throws darts that “enter the innards of one’s belly.” The word mitlahamim is [spelled] inverted, [and is as if it were] mithalmim (they are beating); [and like the inversion of] simlah [and] salmah. And it is like the usage (in Proverbs 23:35), “they beat me (halamuni), but I was unaware.” And it is as if he was saying, “It is like the words of the complainer, they are beating me.” And his saying, “They are beating,” in the plural, is because the complainer includes [all] complainers - like (in Jeremiah 11:15), “the sacral flesh will pass away from you” (which is in singular, but refers to the many); [and] (Isaiah 45:8), “triumph sprout.” King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 16:28), “and a complainer separates his friend.” He means to say that he separates his friend and his companion from himself, as they cannot endure his friendship. And our Rabbis said (Derekh Eretz Zuta 9), “Do not proliferate complaints, so that you will not come to sin.” And many times, the complainer will be ungrateful for the good and will even consider it bad, so he will return the good with bad. And it is stated (Proverbs 17:13), “He who repays good with evil will not have evil leave his home.” And sometimes he will think about God’s kindnesses, that they are for vengeance and retribution - like that matter that is stated, (Deuteronomy 1:27), “You sulked in your tents and said, ‘It is because the Lord hates us that He brought us out, etc.’” Hence, distance yourself from the path of the complainers, for they have twisted their paths - anyone who walks in it will not know peace. Rather teach your tongue to judge favorably, and justice will be the girdle of your loins.
הַשַׁעַר הַשְׁלִישִׁי – בְּבֵיאוּר חֹמֶר הַמִּצְווֹת וְהָאַזְהָרוֹת וְחִלּוּקֵי הָעֳנָשִׁים.
מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֻזְהַר בַּעַל הַתְּשׁוּבָה לְחַפֵּשׂ דְּרָכָיו. וְכַמָּה לוֹ עֲוֹנוֹת וְחַטָּאוֹת וְאַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר תַּם חֵפֶשׂ מְחֻפָּשׂ הֻזְהַר לַחְקֹר גֹּדֶל כָּל חֵטְא מֵחֲטָאָיו כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (איכה ג':מ') נַחְפְּשָׂה דְּרָכֵינוּ וְנַחְקֹרָה. לְהִוָּדַע אֵלָיו כָּל חַטָּאתוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא. כַּמָּה הִגְדִּיל לְאַשְׁמָה בָהּ. כִּי יֵשׁ אַשְׁמָה עַד לַשָּׁמַיִם גְּדוֹלָה. וְיֵשׁ רָעָה כְּנֶגֶד כַּמָּה חֲטָאִים גְּדוֹלִים שְׁקוּלָה. וְהַתְּשׁוּבָה הַגְּדוֹלָה כְּפִי הֱיוֹת גְּדוֹלִים חִקְרֵי לֵב כָּאֵלֶּה. כִּי לְדַעְתּוֹ רֹב הֶעָוֹן וְגָדְלוֹ. נַפְשׁוֹ יָרְעָה לּוֹ. אוֹ אָז יִכָּנַע לְבָבָם הֶעָרֵל וְאָז יִרְצוּ אֶת עֲוֹנָם.
We shall explain the severity of the [positive] commandments and the warnings (negative commandments) and different punishments
For the penitent is warned to search his ways, and [gauge] how many iniquities and sins [he has done]. And after his search is done, he is warned to examine the magnitude of each sin - as it is stated (Lamentations 3:40), "Let us search and examine our ways" - in order for him to know how much he is guilty for each sin that he sinned. For there is guilt that is big [enough] to reach the skies, and there is evil that corresponds to several big sins. For repentance is great according to investigations of the heart like these. As according to his knowledge of the greatness of the iniquity and its largeness will his heart trouble him. And he will then be able to subdue his uncircumcised heart, and his iniquities will then be atoned.
וְעוֹד תּוֹעִיל חֲקִירַת עֹצֶם הֶעָוֹן לְכַסּוֹת כְּלִמָּה פָּנָיו בִּשְׁאֵלַת הַמְּחִילָה כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (עזרא ט':ו') אֱלֹהַי בֹּשְׁתִּי וְנִכְלַמְתִּי לְהָרִים אֱלֹהַי פָּנַי אֵלֶיךָ. וְלַעֲטוֹת בּוּשָׁה עַל נַפְשׁוֹ לִפְנֵי הש"י אַחֲרֵי הַבִּטָּחוֹן בִּסְלִיחָתוֹ כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יחזקאל ט"ז:ס"ג) לְמַעַן תִּזְכְּרִי וָבֹשְׁתְּ בְּכַפְּרִי לָךְ לְכָל אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂית. וְלִהְיוֹת לְנֶגֶד עֵינָיו גְּדֻלַּת חֶסֶד הַכַּפָּרָה כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים כ"ו:ג') כִּי חַסְדְּךָ לְנֶגֶד עֵינָי. וְהַמָּשָׁל בָּזֶה כִּי אִם חָטָא הָעֶבֶד לַאֲדוֹנָיו וּבָא לְהִכָּנַע לְפָנָיו. אֵין נַפְשׁוֹ אֶל הָעֶבֶד בִּלְתִּי אַחֲרֵי יְדִיעָתוֹ כֹּבֶד פִּשְׁעוֹ. וְאִם יְדַמֶּה בְּנַפְשׁוֹ כִּי הַחֵטְא נָקֵל יִגְדַּל הַקֶּצֶף עָלָיו. לָכֵן יִתְחַיֵּב הַחוֹטֵא לְהַכִּיר עֹצֶם הַחֵטְא וְעָנְשׁוֹ כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמואל א כ"ו:כ"א) הִנֵּה הִסְכַּלְתִּי וָאֶשְׁגֶּה הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד. עַל כֵּן הֻצְרַכְנוּ לְלַמֵּד לִבְנֵי יְהוּדָה. לְתוֹרָה וְלִתְעוּדָה. חֹמֶר הָעֳנָשִׁים לְכָל עָוֹן וּלְכָל חַטָּאת. עַל כֵּן עַל כָּל דִּבְרֵי הַהַקְדָּמָה הַזֹּאת. וְעוֹד לְתוֹעֶלֶת נִשְׂגָּבָה גְּדוֹלָה וּבְצוּרָה. כִּי רָאֹה רָאִיתִי רֹב הָעָם חוֹשְׁבִים עַל כַּמָּה פְּשָׁעִים כְּבֵדִים כִּי הֵם קַלִּים. וְעַל חַיָּבֵי מִיתוֹת וְכָרֵתוֹת כִּי הַזְּהִירוּת בָּהֶם יִתְרוֹן הֶכְשֵׁר אוֹ מִדַּת חֲסִידוּת. וְנִכְשָׁלִים מִבְּלִי מֵשִׂים וְאֵין תּוֹכַחַת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו מ"ח:ח') גַּם מֵאָז לֹא פִתְּחָה אָזְנֶךָ. עַל כֵּן הֻצְרַכְנוּ לְהַזְהִירָם וּלְגַלּוֹת אָזְנָם עַל חֹמֶר עֲבֵרוֹת רַבּוֹת. וְכִי יֵשׁ בַּמִּצְוֹת הַקַּלּוֹת דְּרָכִים וּצְדָדִים רַבִּים לְכִלָּיוֹן חָרוּץ וְאָבְדַן הַנֶּפֶשׁ. וְרַבִּים מִן הָרְשָׁעִים יַעַזְבוּ דַּרְכָּם כִּי יֵדְעוּ הָאָבְדָן וְהַהֶפְסֵד אֲשֶׁר בָּהּ. בְּהִגָּלוֹת לָהֶם גֹּדֶל הַחֵטְא וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר נִגְזַר עָלָיו. וְנִכְשָׁלִים אָזְרוּ חַיִל לִכְבּוֹשׁ תַּאֲוָתָם. כִּי אֵיכָכָה יוּכְלוּ וְרָאוּ בְּאָבְדַן נַפְשָׁם.
Moreover, the examination of the enormity of the iniquity will help to ‘cover the mortification of his face’ during his request for forgiveness, like the matter that is stated, (Ezra 9:6), “O my God, I am too ashamed and mortified to lift my face to You, O my God”; to wrap his soul in shame before God, may He be blessed, after the assurance of His forgiveness, like the matter that is stated, (Ezekiel 16:63), “In order that you shall remember and feel shame, and you shall be too abashed to open your mouth again when I have forgiven you for all that you did”; and that the greatness of the kindness of the atonement be in front of his eyes, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 26:3), “For Your kindness is in front of my eyes.” And the parable for this is that if a slave sinned to his master and [then] comes to humble himself in front of him, [the master’s] soul would not pay attention to him until after [the slave] knew of the weightiness of his sin. But if it appears to [the slave] like the sin is light, [the master’s] rage against him would [only] grow. Therefore the sinner is obligated to recognize the enormity of his sin and its punishment, like the matter that is stated (I Samuel 26:21), “behold I have been a fool, and I have erred so very much.” Therefore we need to teach the Children of Judah - for instruction and message - the weightiness of the punishments of each iniquity and of each sin. Hence [the need] for all these words of introduction. And another sublime, great and trenchant purpose is that I have surely seen most of the people thinking about several weighty transgressions that they are light; and about [sins that carry] the death penalty or excision, that concern about them is [just] greater refinement or a measure of piety. So they stumble without paying attention; and there is no rebuke, like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 48:8), “even from yore, your ears were not opened.” Therefore we need to warn them and to have their ears revealed about the weightiness of many sins, and that there are [also] many ways and angles to the light commandments that [lead] to decreed destruction and loss of the soul. And many of the evildoers would leave their paths if they will know the loss and damage that [comes] with it, when they hear about the greatness of the sin and the [punishment] which is decreed about it. [This is] so those that stumble will gird their power to conquer their desire. For how could they see the destruction of their souls [and not react]?
וְהַמָּשָׁל בָּזֶה לָאָדָם הֶחָפֵץ לָלֶכֶת אֶל עִיר. וַיֹּאמְרוּ לוֹ כִּי הַדֶּרֶךְ מְשֻׁבֶּשֶׁת בְּצִנִּים וּפַחִים וְאַבְנֵי נֶגֶף. וּלְצָרְכוֹ אֶל הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא לֹא יֶחְדַּל מִלֶּכֶת. וְהָיָה כִּי יֹאמְרוּ אֵלָיו כִּי שַׁחַל בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְנָמֵר שׁוֹקֵד עָלָיו אָז יְכַלֶּה רַגְלָיו מִן הַדֶּרֶךְ הַהִיא. עַל כֵּן אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי א':ב') לָדַעַת חָכְמָה וּמוּסָר לְהָבִין. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – כִּשְׁרוֹן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה וַעֲזִיבַת הָעֲבֵרוֹת יִקָּרֵא חָכְמָה כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ד':ו') כִּי הִוא חָכְמַתְכֶם וּבִינַתְכֶם. וְאַחַר שֶׁיִּלְמֹד וְיֵדַע הַמִּצְוֹת וּמָה הֵם הָעֲבֵרוֹת צָרִיךְ שֶׁיִּלְמֹד גְּנוּת הָעֲבֵרוֹת. וְהַהֶפְסֵד וְהָאָבְדָן הַנִּמְצָא בָּהֶם לְהַרְחִיק נַפְשׁוֹ מֵהֶם. וּלְהוֹכִיחַ לְעַצְמוֹ בְּזִכְרוֹן הָעֳנָשִׁים וּלְיַסֵּר זוּלָתוֹ. וְזֹאת הַיְּדִיעָה תִּקָּרֵא מוּסָר וְלַמּוֹכִיחִים יִנְעָם לִלְמֹד לָדַעַת זֹאת.
And the parable for this is about a man that wants to go to a city. And he is told that the path is confounded with thorns, snares and stumbling blocks. But because of his need for the place, he is not prevented from going. But if they would tell him that there is a lion on the path and a leopard constantly on it, he would then stop his feet from this path. Therefore King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 1:2), “For learning wisdom and reproof; for understanding.” Its explanation is [that] proper action and abandonment of sins is called wisdom, like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 4:6), “for that is your wisdom and your understanding.” But after he learns and know the commandments and what are the sins, he needs to study the disgrace of the sins, and the damage and the loss that comes with them - in order to distance his soul from them; to reprimand himself by remembering the punishments and to reprove others. And this knowledge is called reproof (mussar); and it is pleasant for those that give rebuke to study this.
עַתָּה נְבָאֵר מַעֲלוֹת חֹמֶר הַמִּצְוֹת וְהָאַזְהָרוֹת וְחִלּוּק הָעֳנָשִׁים: הַמַּדְרֵגָה הָרִאשׁוֹנָה – חֹמֶר דִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים: נִתְחַיַּבְנוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה לְקַבֵּל תַּקָּנוֹת הַנְּבִיאִים וְהַשּׁוֹפְטִים. וְלִשְׁמֹעַ דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וּלְהִזָּהֵר בְּגִדְרֵיהֶם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ז:י"א) לֹא תָסוּר מִן הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יַגִּידוּ לְךָ יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאל. וְגַם כִּי הֻזְהַרְנוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה לְקַיֵּם עָלֵינוּ לִהְיוֹת עוֹשִׂים כְּכָל אֲשֶׁר יוֹרֵנוּ. אָכֵן מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה מִן הַתּוֹרָה חֲמוּרָה מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֻזְכַּר עִקַּר הַדָּבָר בְּסֵפֶר תּוֹרַת הָאֱלֹקִים מְפֹרָשׁ וְצִוָּה הש"י עָלָיו בִּפְרָט. וְיֵשׁ דְּרָכִים וּצְדָדִים יִמָּצְאוּן שָׁם דִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים חֲמוּרִים מִדִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה. כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה חֹמֶר בְּדִבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים מִדִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה שֶׁהָאוֹמֵר אֵין תְּפִלִּין לַעֲבֹר עַל דִּבְרֵי תּוֹרָה פָּטוּר, חָמֵשׁ טוֹטָפוֹת לְהוֹסִיף עַל דִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים חַיָּב. וְכָל הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים חַיָּב מִיתָה.
Now we will explain the levels of the [positive and negative] commandments and the allotment of the punishments: The first level is the severity of the words of the Scribes: We were obligated by the Torah to accept the ordinances of the prophets and the judges, to obey the words of sages and to be careful with their fences, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 17:11), “you must not deviate from the thing that they tell you either to the right or to the left.” And even though we have also been warned by the Torah to be steadfast to do everything that they instructed us, nevertheless positive commandments [directly] from the Torah are more weighty than their words - since the essence of the thing is mentioned explicitly in the scroll of God’s Torah, and God, may He be blessed, commanded it specifically. But there are ways and angles in which words of the Scribes are more weighty than the words of the Torah - like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 88b), “(With regards to the rulings of the rebellious elder,) there is greater stringency to the words of the Scribes than to the words of the Torah. For one who states, ‘There is no commandment to don tefillin’ - to transgress the words of the Torah - is exempt. But [one who says,] ‘There are five compartments’ - to add to the words of the Scribes - is liable”; [and] (Berakhot 4b), “Anyone who transgresses the words of the Scribes is liable for the death penalty.”
וְעַתָּה הֲלֹא לְךָ לָדַעַת מִפְּנֵי מָה הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים חַיָּב יוֹתֵר מִן הָעוֹבֵר עַל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה וְעַל מִצְוַת לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. וְזֶה פֵּשֶׁר הַדָּבָר. כִּי הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים אֲשֶׁר מְלָאוֹ לִבּוֹ לַעֲשׂוֹת כֵּן. כִּי תֵּקַל מִצְוָתָם בְּעֵינָיו לֹא מֵהִתְגַּבֵּר יִצְרוֹ עָלָיו. אֲבָל כִּי תִכְהֶיןָ עֵינָיו מֵרְאוֹת אוֹר דִּבְרֵיהֶם וְלֹא יְהַלֵּךְ לְנֹגַהּ הָאֱמוּנָה. וְלֹא מָשַׁךְ בְּעֹל גְּזֵרָתָהּ. וְלֹא יִטְרַח לְקַיֵּם מַאֲמָרָם כִּי לֹא נִכְתַּב בְּסֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה. וְלֹא נָהַג כְּדֶרֶךְ הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר נַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ וְנָקוֹט בְּפָנָיו. וְיִירָא וְיֵצֶר לוֹ כִּי יַשִּׁיאֵהוּ יִצְרוֹ לַחֲטֹא. עַל כֵּן מִשְׁפַּט מָוֶת יִהְיֶה לָאִישׁ כִּי הִפִּיל דָּבָר מֵאֶחָד מִכָּל דְּבָרָיו הַטּוֹבִים. וְהוּא כְּאוֹמֵר נְנַתְּקָה אֶת מוֹסְרוֹתֵימוֹ וְדוֹמֶה לְמַה שֶׁכָּתוּב בְּעִנְיַן זָקֵן הַמַּמְרֶה אֶת פִּי חֲכָמִים (דברים י"ז:י"ב) וְהָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה בְזָדוֹן לְבִלְתִּי שְׁמֹעַ אֶל הַכֹּהֵן וְגוֹ'.
And now, should you not know for what [reason] one who transgresses against the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty, more than one who transgresses [most of the Torah’s] positive and negative commandments? And this is the understanding of the thing: [It is] because one who transgresses against the words of the Sages has had the temerity to do so since their commandments are light in his eyes; and not from his impulse overpowering him. Rather [it is] since his eyes have been dimmed from seeing the light of their words, so he does not follow the light of faith and does not pull the yoke of its decree [upon himself]. So he does not toil to keep their statement, since it was not written in the Torah scroll. And he did not act like the one who transgresses the words of the Torah, about which his soul is bitter and taken away in front of him, such that he is afraid and frightened that his impulse moved him to sin. Therefore there is a sentence of death for a person who knocked down something from all of (His good words) [their good words]. And it is like he is saying, “Let us remove their ropes.” And it is similar to that which is written concerning the matter of the elder who rebels against the words of the Sages (Deuteronomy 17:12), “Should a man act presumptuously and disregard the priest, etc.”
וְהַשֵּׁנִית כִּי הָאִישׁ הַהוּא רָחוֹק מִן הַתְּשׁוּבָה. אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר אֵין הַדָּבָר חָמוּר עָלָיו כִּי יִשְׁנֶה בְּאִוַּלְתּוֹ תָּמִיד. וְהַחֵטְא הַקַּל עָנְשׁוֹ יוֹתֵר מִן הֶחָמוּר בְּהִכָּשֵׁל בּוֹ הַחוֹטֵא פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת.
And the second [reason] is because this person is far from repentance. Since the thing is not weighty to him, he will constantly repeat it in his stupidity. And in the sinner’s stumbling upon it many times, this light sin will have a greater punishment than that which is heavy.
עוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי טוֹבִים דֹּדֶיךָ מִיָּיִן חֲבִיבִים דִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים יוֹתֵר מִיֵּינָהּ שֶׁל תּוֹרָה. וַאֲנַחְנוּ צְרִיכִים לְפָרֵשׁ גַּם אֶת זֶה. יָדֹעַ תֵּדַע כִּי יִרְאַת ה' יְסוֹד הַמִּצְוֹת שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ב:ט"ו) וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ. וּבָזֶה יִרְצֶה ה' אֶת בְּרוּאָיו כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים קמ"ז:י'-י"א) רוֹצֶה ה' אֶת יְרֵאָיו. וְתַקָּנוֹת חֲכָמִים וְגִדְרֵיהֶם יְסוֹד לְדֶרֶךְ הַיִּרְאָה. כִּי יַעֲשֶׂה גָּדֵר וְהַרְחָקָה פֶּן תִּגַּע יַד אָדָם בְּאִסּוּר הַתּוֹרָה. כְּבַעַל הַשָּׂדֶה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה גָּדֵר לְשָׂדֵהוּ מֵאֲשֶׁר יָקָר בְּעֵינָיו כִּי יָרֵא פֶּן יִכָּנְסוּ בּוֹ בְּנֵי אָדָם וְהָיָה לְמִשְׁלַח שׁוֹר וּלְמִרְמַס שֶׂה. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ח:ל') וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת מִשְׁמַרְתִּי. עֲשׂוּ מִשְׁמֶרֶת לְמִשְׁמַרְתִּי. וְרֹב הַזְּהִירוּת וְהַגָּדֵר וְהַרְחָקָה מִן הָאִסּוּר הֲלֹא זֶה מֵעִקְּרֵי הַמּוֹרָא. וְהַמַּרְבֶּה לְהִזָּהֵר יַגִּיעַ אֶל הַשָּׂכָר הַגָּדוֹל כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים י"ט:י"ב) גַּם עַבְדְּךָ נִזְהָר בָּהֶם בְּשָׁמְרָם עֵקֶב רָב. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ חֲבִיבִין דִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים יוֹתֵר מִיֵּינָהּ שֶׁל תּוֹרָה. כִּי גִּדְרֵיהֶם וּגְזֵרוֹתָם מֵעִקְּרֵי הַיִּרְאָה. וּמִצְוַת הַיִּרְאָה שָׂכָר הַרְבֵּה כְּנֶגֶד מִצְוֹת רַבּוֹת כִּי הִיא הַיְּסוֹד לָהֶם. וְהַדֻּגְמָא לַדָּבָר כִּי הַנִּזְהָר מֵהִתְיַחֵד עִם אִשָּׁה מִפַּחְדּוֹ פֶּן יִכָּשֵׁל בְּעָוֹן וְכַאֲשֶׁר גָּזְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה. הֲלֹא זֶה מֵאֲשֶׁר זָרָח עַל נַפְשׁוֹ אוֹר יִרְאַת אֱלֹקִים ית'.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Avodah Zarah 35a) that [the understanding of the verse] (Song of Songs 1:2), “For your love (dodekha) is better than wine” is [that] the statements of the Scribes are more beloved than the wine of the Torah. And we need to explain this also: You should surely know that the fear of God is the foundation of the commandments, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:12), “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord, your God, ask of you, other than to fear the Lord, your God.” And through this, God desires His creatures, as it is stated (Psalms 147:11), “The Lord desires those who fear Him.” And the ordinances of the Sages, and their decrees are the foundation of fear [of God]. For it makes a fence and a separation, lest the hand of a man [even] touch a Torah prohibition. [This is] like the owner of a field that makes a fence for his field since it is precious in his eyes. For he is afraid lest people enter it and it become a place to send oxen and for sheep to trample, like the matter that is stated (Leviticus 18:30), “You shall keep My guarding” - make a guarding for my guarding (Yevamot 21a). And is much carefulness, the fence and the separation from the prohibition not from the essence of fear? And one who augments his carefulness will reach great reward, like the matter that is stated, (Psalms 19:12), “Also Your servant pays them heed; in obeying them, there is much reward.” Therefore they said [that] the statements of the Scribes are more beloved than the wine of the Torah. For their fences and decrees are from the foundations of fear [of God]. And the reward for the commandment of fear is great in comparison to many [Torah] commandments, as it is the foundation for them. And the example for this thing is that one who is careful not to isolate himself with a woman, from his fear lest he stumble into iniquity - and like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, decreed - is this not because the light of the fear of God, may He be blessed, shone upon his soul?
וְהִנֵּה הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ בְּשַׁעַר הַיִּרְאָה. כִּי נִתְחַיֵּב אָדָם לִרְאוֹת בַּבָּנִים וּלְהָבִין בָּהֶם וּלְהַבְדִּיל בֵּין עִקֵּשׁ וּפְתַלְתֹּל וּבֵין הַיָּשָׁר הוֹלֵךְ. לְתוֹעֶלֶת נִשְׂגָּבָה אֲשֶׁר הוֹדַעְנוּךָ. וְהִנֵּה כִּי תִרְאֶה אֲנָשִׁים זוֹלְלִים מְזַלְזְלִים בִּנְטִילַת יָדַיִם וְיֵשְׁבוּ לֶאֱכָל לֶחֶם וְאֵינָם מְבָרְכִים לִפְנֵי אָכְלָם וְאַחַר אָכְלָם. וְכָהֵנָּה רַבּוֹת דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְתַקָּנוֹתָם אֲשֶׁר פּוֹרְצִים גְּדֵרָם. בְּזֹאת יִבָּחֵנוּ. בְּזֹאת תֵּדַע וּבָחַנְתָּ אֶת דַּרְכָּם כִּי הֵם רָעִים וְחַטָּאִים לַה' מְאֹד וְאַחֲרִיתָם עֲדֵי אוֹבֵד. וַעֲלֵיהֶם אָמְרוּ כִּי הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים חַיָּב. כִּי הַמַּעֲלָלִים הָאֵלֶּה לֹא יַכְרִיחֵם הַיֵּצֶר עֲלֵיהֶם. וְלֹא תִּתְקְפֵם תּוֹלֶדֶת הַחֹמֶר וְהַתַּאֲוָה הַגַּשְׁמִית לַחֲטוֹא בָּהֶם. אֵין זֶה כִּי אִם רֹעַ לֵב וּפֵרוּק עֹל שָׁמַיִם מֵעַל צַוָּארָם. וְהִנֵּה הֵם כְּכָל הֲמוֹן כַּת הַזֵּדִים הָאֹמְרִים לָאֵל סוּר מִמֶּנּוּ וְדַעַת דְּרָכֶיךָ לֹא חָפָצְנוּ. גַּם הֵם רְחוֹקִים מִדֶּרֶךְ הָאֱמֶת. גַּם הַכַּת אֲשֶׁר אֵינָם נִזְהָרִים מִגְּבִינָה שֶׁל גּוֹיִים וּבִשּׁוּלֵי גּוֹיִים כִּי יֵקַלּוּ דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים בְּעֵינָם. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁחוֹטְאִים לְמַלֵּא בִּטְנָם הִנֵּה בָּזוּ לְדִבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְשָׁבְרוּ עוֹל הַתּוֹרָה וְהַמּוֹרָא. גַּם עֲלֵיהֶם אָמְרוּ הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים חַיָּב מִיתָה כַּאֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ. וְהַשֵּׁנִית כִּי אַחֲרֵי שֶׁיֵּדְעוּ כִּי עַם הַקֹּדֶשׁ נִשְׁמָרִים בְּכָל אֵלֶּה. הַבְדֵּל הִבְדִּילוּ עַצְמָם מֵעַל עַמֵּנוּ וּפָרְשׁוּ מִדַּרְכֵי צִבּוּר. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי הַפּוֹרְשִׁים מִדַּרְכֵי צִבּוּר יוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנָּם וְנִדּוֹנִין שָׁם לְדוֹרֵי דּוֹרוֹת. וְדַע כִּי הָעוֹבֵר עַל דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים. עָנְשׁוֹ בְּיַד בֵּית דִּין לְהַכּוֹתוֹ מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת. כְּפִי אֲשֶׁר עֵינֵי בֵּית דִּין הָיוּ רוֹאוֹת לְיַסֵּר וְלַעֲנֹשׁ בָּעֵת הַהִיא. אִם לִפְחוֹת מֵאַרְבָּעִים אוֹ לְהוֹסִיף לְהַכּוֹתוֹ עַל אֵלֶּה.
And behold we already introduced to you in the Chapter on Fear (commonly known as the Sefer HaYirah) that a person is obligated to examine children and understand them and differentiate between the stubborn and crooked and those that walk straight, for a sublime purpose that we have mentioned to you. And behold when you see gluttonous people belittling netilat yadayim (washing of the hands), when they come to eat bread, and they do not recite a blessing before they eat and after they eat, and [disregard] many like these of the words of the Sages and their ordinances, the fence of whom they breach - through this, you can distinguish; and through this, you can know and determine their ways; that they are evil and sinning greatly to God, and their end is to be permanently destroyed. And about them, they said (Eruvin 21b) that “One who transgresses the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty.” For the impulse did not coerce these plotters to sin; nor did material forces and the desire for the physical coerce them to sin towards them. Rather this is nothing but a bad heart and the removal of the yoke of the Heavens from upon their necks. And behold they are like the masses from the group of criminals that say to God, “Go away from us,” and “We don’t want to know Your ways.” Both these and the group that is not careful about gentile cheese and gentile cooking - since the words of the Sages are light in their eyes - are far from the true path. Even though they are [also] sinning to fill their bellies, behold they have disparaged the words of the Sages and broken the yoke of the Torah (and the teacher) [and the fear]. Also about them is it said, “One who transgress the words of the Sages is liable for the death penalty.” And the second [reason for this] is that since they know the holy people guards itself from all of these, they have separated themselves from our people and withdrawn from the ways of the community. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that those that separate from the ways of the community go down to Gehinnom and are judged there for many generations. And know that the punishment of one who transgresses the words of the Sages was in the hands of the court to strike them with lashes of rebellion according to how the court saw fit to discipline them and punish them at that time - whether to have less than forty or to add to strike him more than that.
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַשְּׁנִיָּה – חֹמֶר מִצְווֹת עֲשֵׂה: יְסוֹד הַשָּׂכָר וְשֹׁרֶשׁ הַגְּמוּל חֵלֶף הָעֲבוֹדָה בְּקִיּוּם מִצְווֹת עֲשֵׂה. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י"ג:י"ג) וִירֵא מִצְוָה הוּא יְשֻׁלָּם. וְנֶאֱמַר (מלאכי ג':י"ח) וְשַׁבְתֶּם וּרְאִיתֶם בֵּין עֹבֵד אֱלֹהִים לַאֲשֶׁר לֹא עֲבָדוֹ. וְהָעֲבוֹדָה הִיא בַּמִּצְוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בְּמַעֲשֶׂה. בֵּין שֶׁאֵין בָּהֶם זוּלָתִי מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה בֵּין יֵשׁ עִמָּהֶן לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. כְּגוֹן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ט"ו:ז') לֹא תְאַמֵּץ אֶת לְבָבְךָ וְגוֹ'. וּמִצְוַת הָעֲבוֹדָה תִּתְבָּאֵר בְּשַׁעַר הָעֲבוֹדָה בעז"ה. אוּלָם יִמָּצֵא דֶּרֶךְ בִּשְׂכַר הַנִּזְהָר מֵעֲבוֹר עַל מִצְוַת לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. אֲשֶׁר הַשֵּׂג יַשִּׂיג לִשְׂכַר עוֹשֶׂה מִצְוָה כְּגוֹן אִם הִזְדַּמֵּן דְּבַר עֲבֵרָה לְיַד הָאִישׁ. וְהִתְאַוָּה תַּאֲוָה לִדְבַר עֶרְוָה וְכָבַשׁ יִצְרוֹ כִּי זֶה מֵעִקְּרֵי יִרְאַת הש"י. וְכֵן מִי שֶׁהִזְדַּמֵּן לְיָדוֹ לְהִתְעַשֵּׁר בְּאוֹנָאָה וְתַרְמִית וְאֵין רֹאֶה וְאֵין יוֹדֵעַ. וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ בְּתֻמּוֹ וּבֹר כַּפָּיו. שְׂכָרוֹ עַל זֶה כְּזוֹרֵעַ לִצְדָקָה וְטוֹרֵחַ בַּמִּצְוָה. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (תהלים קי"ט:ג') אַף לֹא פָעֲלוּ עַוְלָה בִּדְרָכָיו הָלָכוּ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כֵּיוָן שֶׁלֹּא פָעֲלוּ עַוְלָה בִּדְרָכָיו הָלָכוּ. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ פֵּרוּשׁ הַמִּקְרָא הַזֶּה. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה יָשַׁב וְלָא עָבַר עֲבֵרָה נוֹתְנִין לוֹ שָׂכָר כְּעוֹשֶׂה מִצְוָה כְּגוֹן שֶׁבָּא דְּבַר עֲבֵרָה לְיָדוֹ וְנִצּוֹל מִמֶּנּוּ. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ (מלאכי ג':ט"ז) לְיִרְאֵי ה' וּלְחֹשְׁבֵי שְׁמוֹ זֶה הַבָּא דְּבַר עֲבֵרָה לְיָדוֹ וְנִצּוֹל מִמֶּנּוּ. גַּם הַשָּׂכָר הַזֶּה עִקָּרוֹ וִיסוֹדוֹ מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁכָּבַשׁ יִצְרוֹ בְּיִרְאַת אֱלֹקִים כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י':כ') אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּירָא. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל הֱוֵי זָהִיר בְּמִצְוָה קַלָּה כִּבְמִצְוָה חֲמוּרָה שֶׁאֵין אַתָּה יוֹדֵעַ מַתַּן שְׂכָרָן שֶׁל מִצְוֹת. וְהִנֵּה בַּתּוֹרָה פֹּרַשׁ מָה יֵעָשֶׂה לְכָל הָעוֹבֵר עַל מִצְוַת לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה וְיֵחָלֵק עֲלֵיהֶם עֳנָשִׁים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים וְדָת מַה לַּעֲשׂוֹת בָּהֶם. וְהָעֳנָשִׁים מַלְקוּת אַרְבָּעִים מִיתָה וְכָרֵת בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם וְאַרְבַּע מִיתוֹת בֵּין דִּין. וּמַתַּן שְׂכָרָן עַל כָּל מִצְוָה לֹא נִתְפָּרֵשׁ בַּתּוֹרָה כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יַחְדְּלוּ לְקַיֵּם הַמִּצְוֹת הַקַּלּוֹת וְיִתְעַסְּקוּ בַּחֲמוּרוֹת לְבַדָּנָה.
The second level is the severity of positive commandments: The foundation of the reward and the root of the recompense resulting from the service is [found] in the performance of positive commandments, as it is stated (Proverbs 13:13), “He who respects a commandment will be rewarded.” And it is [also] stated (Malachi 3:18), “And you shall come to see the difference [...] between him who has served God and him who has not served Him.” And the service [to God] is with commandments that depend upon (involve) actions - whether there is nothing besides the positive commandment or whether there is [also] a negative commandment with them, such as (Deuteronomy 15:7), “do not harden your heart, etc.” (which accompanies the positive commandment of charity). And the commandment of the service will be explained in the Gate of the Service (no longer extant), with God’s help. Nevertheless, there is a manner of reward for the one who is careful not to transgress a negative commandment that reaches [that] of one who does a commandment - such as if the opportunity for a sin comes to a man and he had a desire for a sexual prohibition, but he overcame his impulse - for this is from the essence of the fear of God, may He be blessed. And likewise someone who had the opportunity to get rich by cheating and [charging] interest and there is no one to see and to know; yet he went with innocence and clean hands - his reward for this will be like one who plants righteousness and toils [to do a positive] commandment. And so it is written (Psalms 119:3) “They have done no wrong, but have followed His ways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Kiddushin 1:9), “Since they did not do wickedness, they have ‘followed His ways.’” And we have already discussed the explanation of this verse for you. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, likewise said (Kiddushin 39b), “[If] one sits and does not transgress, he receives a reward as one who performs a commandment, [...] in a case where an opportunity to commit a sinful act presents itself to him and he is saved from it.” And they also said (Berakhot 6a), “‘Those who revere the Lord and esteem His name.’ - this is [a case] where an opportunity to commit a sinful act presents itself to him and he is saved from it.” Even [with] this reward [however], its essence and foundation is [based in] a positive commandment, since he suppressed his impulse with the fear of God, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “You must fear the Lord, your God.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 2:1), “Be careful with a light commandment as with a weighty one, for you do not know the reward for the fulfillment of the commandments.” Yet behold [that] what will be done to anyone who transgresses a negative commandment is explicit in the Torah; and it allocates punishments and statutes and a code for what to do to them. And the punishments are forty lashes, death and expiation at the hands of the Heavens and the four death penalties of the court. But the reward for the fulfillment of the commandments is not explicit in the Torah, so that [people] not prevent themselves from fulfilling the light commandments and involve themselves only in the weighty ones.
וּמָשְׁלוּ עַל זֶה מֵעִנְיַן הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲשֶׁר אָמַר לַעֲבָדָיו לִנְטֹעַ בְּפַרְדֵּסוֹ כָּל עֵץ נֶחְמָד. וְשָׂכָר אָמַר לָתֵת לָהֶם וְלֹא הוֹדִיעָם שְׂכַר מַטַּע כָּל אִילָן. כִּי חָפֵץ הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יֶחְסַר כֹּל בְּפַרְדֵּסוֹ. עַל כֵּן יִטָּעֵהוּ רֹב מִינִים נִטְעֵי נַעֲמָנִים. וְאִלּוּ יָדְעוּ עֲבָדָיו שְׂכַר נְטִיעַת כָּל עֵץ מֵעֲצֵי הַפַּרְדֵּס אָז יִתְּנוּ אֶת כָּל עֲמָלָם בְּנִצְרֵי מַטָּעָיו אֲשֶׁר שְׂכָרָם רַב מִן הַשְּׁאָר לְהַרְבּוֹת הַשָּׂכָר. כֵּן עִנְיַן הַמִּצְוֹת. כִּי הוֹאִיל הַשֵּׁם לְזַכּוֹת אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּקִיּוּם כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת. לְהַנְחִילָם חַיֵּי עוֹלָם וְלִהְיוֹת כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת יַחְדָּו לִוְיַת חֵן לְרֹאשָׁם. כִּי בְּהַשְׁלִים חֹק מְלַאכְתָּם תְּהִי מַשְׂכֻּרְתָּם שְׁלֵמָה מֵעִמּוֹ. הֲלֹא יָדַעְתָּ כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה בִּלְבַד דּוֹמֶה כְּמִי שֶׁאֵין לוֹ אֱלוֹהַּ. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאָמְרוּ תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה כְּנֶגֶד כֻּלָּם. וְהַמִּצְוָה הַקַּלָּה שְׂכָרָהּ גָּדוֹל וְהַפְלֵא אֲשֶׁר לֹא יִמַּד וְלֹא יִסָּפֵר. הֲלֹא תִּרְאֶה בְּמִצְוַת שִׁלּוּחַ הַקֵּן שֶׁאֵין בָּהּ טֹרַח וְלֹא פִּזּוּר מָמוֹן נֶאֱמַר עָלֶיהָ (דברים כ"ב:ז') לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ וְהַאֲרַכְתָּ יָמִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה רַבִּי יַעֲקֹב אוֹמֵר אֵין לְךָ מִצְוָה קַלָּה בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁאֵין תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים תְּלוּיָה בָּהּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בְּשִׁלּוּחַ הַקֵּן לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ וְגוֹ' לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ לְעוֹלָם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ טוֹב וְהַאֲרַכְתָּ יָמִים לְעוֹלָם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ אָרֹךְ. וּמָה אִם מִצְוָה קַלָּה שֶׁהִיא בִּכְאִסָּר אָמְרָה תּוֹרָה כָּךְ. מִצְוֹת חֲמוּרוֹת עַל אַחַת כַּמָּה וְכַמָּה.
And they gave a parable about this matter of a king that said to his servants to plant every fine tree in his garden. And he said that he would give them payment; but he did inform them of the payment for each [type] of tree, because the king desired that there would be nothing lacking in his orchard. Therefore they planted many species of delightful saplings. But had the servants known the payment for the planting of each [type of] tree of the trees in the orchard, they would then have given all of their effort to the stems of the plantings for which the reward is greater than the other, in order to enhance their payment. The same is [true] with the matter of commandments. For God wanted to give merit to Israel with the fulfillment of all the commandments, to bequeath them eternal life and for all of the commandments together to be a charming wreath for their heads. For when they complete the measure of their work, their payment will be complete from Him. Did you not know that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 17b), “Anyone who is only involved with Torah is similar to someone who has no God” - even though they said (Peah 1:1), “the [reward for the] study of Torah corresponds to all [the commandments].” And the reward of the light commandment is great and wondrous, such that it cannot be counted or measured. Do you not see with the commandment of sending away the [mother bird] - that has no toil and no large expenditure of money - it is stated about it (Deuteronomy 22:7), “that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 39b), “Rabbi Ya’akov says, ‘There is not a single [light] commandment written in the Torah that the [reward of] the resurrection of the dead is not dependent upon. [...] With the sending [of the mother bird from] the nest, it is [stated], ‘That it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days’ [...] ‘that it may be well with you’ for the world where all is well,’ and ‘that your days may be long’ for the world that is entirely long.” And if that is what the Torah stated with a light commandment that [requires an expenditure of] like an issar (a small coin), all the more so with weighty commandments.
עַתָּה נְדַבֵּר בְּעִנְיַן עֹנֶשׁ בִּטּוּל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אִם הִזְהִירוּ אֶת הָאִישׁ לַעֲשׂוֹת סֻכָּה אוֹ לוּלָב וְאֵינוֹ עוֹשֶׂה מַכִּין אוֹתוֹ עַד שֶׁתֵּצֵא נַפְשׁוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ כִּי הָאֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר לֹא הִנִּיחוּ עַל רֹאשָׁם תְּפִלִּין מֵעוֹלָם הֵם נִקְרָאִים פּוֹשְׁעֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּגוּפָן. וְעָנְשָׁם חָמוּר מִן הָעוֹבֵר פַּעַם אַחַת עַל חַיָּבֵי כָּרֵתוֹת. וְאָמְרוּ כָּל שֶׁעֲוֹנֹתָיו מְרֻבִּין מִזְּכֻיּוֹתָיו וּבִכְלָלָן עֲוֹן פּוֹשְׁעֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּגוּפָן כְּגוֹן שֶׁלֹּא הִנִּיחַ תְּפִלִּין מֵעוֹלָם אוֹ עוֹבְרֵי עֲבֵרָה כְּגוֹן עֲרָיוֹת. לְיוֹם הַדִּין יוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנֹּם וְנִדּוֹנִין שָׁם י"ב חֹדֶשׁ. לְאַחַר י"ב חֹדֶשׁ גּוּפָן כָּלֶה וְנִשְׁמָתָן נִשְׂרֶפֶת וְרוּחַ מְפַזַּרְתָּן תַּחַת כַּפּוֹת רַגְלֵי הַצַּדִּיקִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלאכי ג':כ"א) וְעַסּוֹתֶם רְשָׁעִים כִּי יִהְיוּ אֵפֶר וְגוֹ'. וְאָמְרוּ מִי שֶׁמֵּקֵל בְּעֵינָיו מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה כְּמוֹ הַמְבַזֶּה חֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"ג:ט"ו) אֶת חַג הַמַּצּוֹת תִּשְׁמֹר. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ תּוֹרָה וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְיֵשׁ עַל כָּל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה אַזְהָרַת לָאו כּוֹלֶלֶת שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ג:א') לֹא תֹסֵף עָלָיו וְלֹא תִגְרַע מִמֶּנּוּ.
And now we will speak about the matter of punishment for the nullification of positive commandments: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 86b) [that] if [the court warned] someone to perform [the commandment of the] sukkah or [of the] palm branch (lulav) “and he does not do so, we strike, etc.” And they said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that men who have never placed tefillin on their heads are called “rebellious Jews with their bodies,” and their punishment is more severe than one who transgresses once against a sin for which he is liable for excision. And they said [that] all whose sins are greater than his merits and among [his sins] is the sin of rebellious Jews with their bodies - for example, one who has never worn tefillin or one who was involved in transgressions such as forbidden sexual relations - descend and are judged in Gehinnom for twelve months. After twelve months, their body is finished; and their soul is burnt; and the wind spreads it under the soles of the feet of the righteous ones, as it is stated (Malachi 3:21), “And you shall trample the wicked to a pulp, for they shall be dust, etc.” And they said (Sanhedrin 99a), [that] one who is permissive (in his eyes) [regarding] positive commandments, such as one who belittles the intermediate days of the festival - which is from a positive commandment, as it is stated (Exodus 23:15), “You shall observe the Feast of Matsot” - has no portion in the world to come, even if possesses Torah and good deeds. And there is a general warning of a negative commandment, for all the positive commandments - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 13:1), “neither add to it nor take away from it.”
וְקִיּוּם מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה נִקְרָא יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם כְּמוֹ הַזְּהִירוּת בְּמִצְוַת לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:ל"ב) מִפְּנֵי שֵׂיבָה תָּקוּם וְהָדַרְתָּ פְּנֵי זָקֵן וְיָרֵאתָ מֵּאֱלֹקֶיךָ אֲנִי ה'. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ד:ט"ו) יִרְאַת ה' אֲלַמֶּדְכֶם. וְנֶאֱמַר אַחֲרָיו סוּר מֵרָע וַעֲשֵׂה טוֹב בַּקֵּשׁ שָׁלוֹם וְרָדְפֵהוּ. לָמַדְנוּ מִזֶּה כִּי מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ עוֹסֵק בַּעֲשִׂיַּת הַטּוֹב וּבַקָּשַׁת שָׁלוֹם הֵפֵר יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם. וְהוּא מִן הָרְשָׁעִים. כִּי לֹא יָרֵא אֱלֹקִים, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (קהלת ח':י"ג) וְטוֹב לֹא יִהְיֶה לָרָשָׁע וְלֹא יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים כַּצֵּל אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ יָרֵא מִלִּפְנֵי אֱלֹקִים.
And the fulfillment of positive commandments is called, fear of Heaven; [just] like carefulness is [understood as] the negative commandments. For it is stated (Leviticus 19:32), “You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old; you shall fear your God; I am the Lord.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 34:12), “I will teach you fear of the Lord”; and after it is stated (Psalms 34:15), “Shun evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” We learn from this, that one who is not occupied with doing good and seeking peace annuls fear of Heaven. And he is from the evildoers, since he has no fear of God, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 8:13), “And it will not be well with the evildoer, and he will not live long, because he does not fear God.”
וְיֵשׁ בְּמִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה מִן הַחֲמוּרוֹת שֶׁאֵין הֲמוֹן הָעָם נִזְהָרִים בָּהֶם כְּגוֹן הַזְכָּרַת שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם לְבַטָּלָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י':כ') אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ תִּירָא וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהַזְכִּיר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם לְבַטָּלָה. וְכֵן גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים שֶׁהִיא מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות י"ח:כ') וְהוֹדַעְתָּ לָהֶם אֶת הַדֶּרֶךְ יֵלְכוּ בָהּ זוֹ גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים. וְאָמְרוּ גְּדוֹלָה גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים יוֹתֵר מִן הַצְּדָקָה שֶׁהַצְּדָקָה לָעֲנִיִּים וּגְמִילוּת חֲסָדִים בֵּין לָעֲנִיִּים בֵּין לָעֲשִׁירִים. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ עַל שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים הָעוֹלָם עוֹמֵד עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים. וְהִנֵּה הַצְּדָקָה בְּמָמוֹנוֹ. וּגְמִילוּת חֲסָדִים בֵּין בְּגוּפוֹ בֵּין בְּמָמוֹנוֹ. כִּי חַיָּב אָדָם לִטְרֹחַ בִּדְרִישַׁת טוֹב לְעַמּוֹ וְלִשְׁקֹד בַּעֲמַל נַפְשׁוֹ עַל תַּקָּנַת חֲבֵרוֹ אִם דַּל וְאִם עָשִׁיר. וְזֹאת מִן הַחֲמוּרוֹת וּמִן הָעִקָּרִים הַנִּדְרָשִׁים מִן הָאָדָם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מיכה ו':ח') הִגִּיד לְךָ אָדָם מַה טּוֹב וּמָה ה' דּוֹרֵשׁ מִמְּךָ כִּי אִם עֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט וְאַהֲבַת חֶסֶד. וְכֵן מִצְוָה לְהִכָּנֵס לִפְנִים מִשּׁוּרַת הַדִּין שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות י"ח:כ') וְאֶת הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה זֶה לִפְנִים מִשּׁוּרַת הַדִּין. וְיֵשׁ בְּעִנְיָן זֶה דְּרָכִים רַבִּים אֲשֶׁר תִּהְיֶה בָּהֶן הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת מִן הַחֲמוּרוֹת הַכֹּל לְפִי עִנְיַן הַדִּין. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לֹא חָרְבָה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם אֶלָּא עַל שֶׁהֶעֱמִידוּ דִּבְרֵיהֶם עַל דִּין תּוֹרָה וְלָא נִכְנְסוּ לִפְנִים מִשּׁוּרַת הַדִּין.
Among the positive commandments in the Torah are some of the weighty ones that the masses are not careful about - for example the mention of [God’s] name in vain, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “You shall fear the Lord, your God.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Temurah 4:1), “We have been warned with this not to mention [God’s] name in vain.” And likewise acts of kindness, which is a positive commandment, as it is stated (Exodus 18:20), “and make known to them the way they are to go” - that is acts of kindness (Bava Metzia 30b). And they said (Sukkah 49b), “Acts of kindness are superior to charity, [since] charity is given to the poor, while acts of kindness are performed both for the poor and for the rich.” Therefore they said (Avot 1:2), “The world stands upon three things: On the Torah; on the service; and on acts of kindness.” And (Sukkah 49b) “charity can be performed only with one’s money, while acts of kindness can be performed both with his person and with his money.” For a person is obligated to exert himself in seeking good for his people and to dedicate himself to the betterment of his fellow - whether poor or rich. And this is one of the main weighty commandments required of a person, as it is stated (Micah 6:8), “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you - only to do justice, and to love kindness.” And likewise to go beyond the law, as it is stated (Exodus 18:20), “and the practices they are to follow.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 30b), “This is going beyond the letter of the law.” And there are many ways in this matter, such that this commandment would be from the weighty ones. It is all according to the contents of the case - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 30b), “Jerusalem was destroyed only because they established their rulings on the basis of Torah law and did not go beyond the letter of the law.”
וְיֵשׁ אֲנָשִׁים רַבִּים בַּהֲמוֹן הָעָם חוֹשְׁבִים כִּי אֵין עִקַּר הָאֲבַדּוֹן וְהֶפְסֵד הַנֶּפֶשׁ זוּלָתִי בַּעֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶם מַעֲשֶׂה. וְכִי אֵין אָבְדַן נֶפֶשׁ אֶל הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר הוּא טָהוֹר מֵחֲטוֹא בְּמַעֲשֶׂה וּבְדֶרֶךְ הָעֲבֵרוֹת לֹא הָלַךְ וְחָדַל מֵעֲשׂוֹת מִצְוֹת וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים. עַל כֵּן אָנוּ חַיָּבִין לְהוֹדִיעַ תּוֹעֵי רוּחַ בִּינָה כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה וִתֵּר הַקב"ה עַל ע"ז וְגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת וּשְׁפִיכוּת דָּמִים וְלֹא וִתֵּר עַל עֲוֹן בִּטּוּל תּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ כְּשֵׁם שֶׁשְּׂכַר תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה גָּדוֹל מִכָּל הַמִּצְוֹת כָּךְ עֹנֶשׁ הַמְבַטְּלָהּ גָּדוֹל מִכָּל הָעֲבֵרוֹת. וְאָמְרוּ (במדבר ט"ו:ל"א) כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה וְאֶת מִצְוָתוֹ הֵפַר נֶאֱמַר עַל מִי שֶׁאֶפְשָׁר לוֹ לַעֲסֹק בַּתּוֹרָה וְאֵינוֹ עוֹסֵק. וּכְבָר זָכַרְנוּ לְךָ כָּל אֵלֶּה בְּשַׁעַר הַתּוֹרָה.
And there are many people among the masses who think that the main loss and damage to the soul is only from sins that [involve] an action; and that there is no losing of the soul for a man that is pure from sinning actively and who did not walk in the way of transgressions, but rather [only] prevented himself from doing [positive] commandments and good deeds. Therefore, we are obligated to make discernment known to the ones of a mistaken spirit. For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Chagigah 1:7), “The Holy One, blessed be He, forewent idolatry, etc., but He did not forego the sin of wasting [time available for] Torah [study].” And they said, (Sifre Devarim, Ekev), “Just like the reward for Torah study is greater than [that for] all of the commandments in the Torah, so too is the punishment for wasting [time for] it greater than [that for] all of the sins.” And they said (Sanhedrin 99a), “‘Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has breached His commandment’ (Numbers 15:31) - is stated about anyone for whom it is possible to engage in Torah [study] and does not engage [in it].” And we have already mentioned all of these to you in the Gate of the Torah (no longer extant).
וּמָצָאנוּ בְּעִנְיַן אַנְשֵׁי סְדוֹם שֶׁהָיוּ רָעִים לַה' מְאֹד בְּכַמָּה עֲלִילוֹת נִשְׁחָתוֹת כְּמוֹ הַגָּזֵל וְהֶחָמָס וְעִוּוּת הַדִּין וְגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת. עִם כָּל זֶה הִזְכִּיר הַכָּתוּב כִּי אָבְדוּ וְנִשְׁמְדוּ בַּעֲוֹן בִּטּוּל הַצְּדָקוֹת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יחזקאל ט"ז:מ"ט) הִנֵּה זֶה הָיָה עֲוֹן סְדֹם אֲחוֹתֵךְ גָּאוֹן שִׂבְעַת לֶחֶם וְגוֹ' וְיַד עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן לֹא הֶחֱזִיקָה. וְנֶאֱמַר עַל הָאֲנָשִׁים שֶׁאֵינָם עוֹרְכִים מַחֲשָׁבוֹת לְהִתְבּוֹנֵן תָּמִיד בְּיִרְאַת ה' (ישעיה כ"ט:י"ג-י"ד) וַתְּהִי יִרְאָתָם אֹתִי מִצְוַת אֲנָשִׁים מְלֻמָּדָה לָכֵן הִנְנִי יוֹסִף לְהַפְלִיא אֶת הָעָם הַזֶּה הַפְלֵא וָפֶלֶא. וְנֶאֱמַר (ירמיה י"ב:ב') מַדּוּעַ דֶּרֶךְ רְשָׁעִים צָלֵחָה וְגוֹ' קָרוֹב אַתָּה בְּפִיהֶם וְרָחוֹק מִכִּלְיוֹתֵיהֶם. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים ע"ג:כ"ז) כִּי הִנֵּה רְחֵקֶיךָ יֹאבֵדוּ.
And we find with the people of Sodom that they were very bad to God on several [plains] of corruption, such as theft, extortion, perversion of justice and forbidden sexual relations. Nevertheless, Scripture mentions that their souls were lost and destroyed by the sin of nullifying charity, as it is stated (Ezekiel 16:49), “Only this was the sin of your sister Sodom; arrogance - plenty of bread, etc.; yet she did not support the poor and the needy.” And it is stated about the people that do not arrange their thoughts to constantly reflect on the fear of God (Isaiah 29:13-14), “And its worship of Me has been a commandment of men, learned by rote. Truly, I shall further baffle that people with bafflement upon bafflement.” And it is stated (Jeremiah 12:1-2), “Why does the way of the wicked prosper, etc. [...] You are present in their mouths, but far from their thoughts.” And it is stated (Psalms 23:27), “Those who keep far from You perish.”
וְדַע כִּי לְפִי גֹּדֶל הַמִּצְוָה. יִגְדַּל עֹנֶשׁ מִי שֶׁיֶּחְדַּל לַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ עוֹשֶׂה מַעֲשֶׂה בַּהֲפָרָתָהּ. כְּמוֹ שֶׁמָּצִינוּ בְּמִצְוַת הַפֶּסַח וּבְמִצְוַת הַמִּילָה שֶׁהֵם מִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה וְיֵשׁ בָּהֶן כָּרֵת.
And know that depending on the greatness of the commandment will the punishment be great for the one who prevents himself from doing it, even though he does not do an act in breaching it - as we find with the commandment of the Passover offering and the commandment of circumcision, which are positive commandments but have excision [as their punishment].
וְדַע כִּי הַמַּעֲלוֹת הָעֶלְיוֹנוֹת נִמְסְרוּ בְּמִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה. כְּמוֹ מַעֲלוֹת הַבְּחִירָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ל':י"ט) וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים. וּמַעֲלוֹת תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ו':ז') וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם. וּמַעֲלוֹת לֶכֶת בְּדַרְכֵי ה' שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ח:ט') וְהָלַכְתָּ בִּדְרָכָיו. וּמַעֲלוֹת הִתְבּוֹנֵן בִּגְדֻלַּת ה' שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ד':ל"ט) וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל לְבָבֶךָ כִּי ה' הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים, וְדָוִד אָמַר (תהילים י"ד:ב') ה' מִשָּׁמַיִם הִשְׁקִיף עַל בְּנֵי אָדָם לִרְאוֹת הֲיֵשׁ מַשְׂכִּיל דֹּרֵשׁ אֶת אֱלֹהִים, וּמַעֲלוֹת זִכְרוֹן חֲסָדָיו וְהִתְבּוֹנֵן בָּהֶם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ח':ב') וְזָכַרְתָּ אֶת כָּל הַדֶּרֶךְ וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים ח':ה') וְיָדַעְתָּ עִם לְבָבֶךָ כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר יְיַסֵּר אִישׁ אֶת בְּנוֹ יְיָ אֱלֹהֶיךָ מְיַסְּרֶךָּ. וְדָוִד אָמַר (תהילים ק"ז:מ"ג) וְיִתְבּוֹנְנוּ חַסְדֵי ה', וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים כ"ו:ג') כִּי חַסְדְּךָ לְנֶגֶד עֵינָי. וּמַעֲלוֹת הַקְּדֻשָּׁה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"א:מ"ד) וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם וִהְיִיתֶם קְדוֹשִׁים. וּמַעֲלוֹת הָעֲבוֹדָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י':כ') אוֹתוֹ תַעֲבֹד. וּמַעֲלוֹת הַיִּרְאָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שם) אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ תִּירָא. וּמַעֲלוֹת הָאַהֲבָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ו':ה') וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ וּמַעֲלוֹת הַדְּבֵקוּת שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י':כ') וּבוֹ תִדְבָּק. לְכָל אַחַת מֵהֵנָּה כַּמָּה מַדְרֵגוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר בעז"ה. וּבַעֲבוּר מַעֲלוֹת הָאֵלֶּה נִבְרָא הָאָדָם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה מ"ג:ז') כֹּל הַנִּקְרָא בִשְׁמִי וְלִכְבוֹדִי בְּרָאתִיו. וּמַה תִּקְוַת הַנִּבְרָא אִם לֹא יָשִׂים עֲמַל נַפְשׁוֹ וְעִקַּר עִסְקוֹ בַּדְּבָרִים שֶׁנִּבְרָא בַּעֲבוּרָם.
And know that there are sublime virtues given over in the positive commandments such as: The virtues of free choice, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 30:19), “and choose life”; and the virtues of Torah study, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:7), “and you shall speak about them;” and the virtues of walking in the ways of the Lord, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 28:9), “and you shall walk in His ways;” and the virtues of contemplation of the greatness of the Lord, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 4:39), “Know therefore this day and keep in mind that the Lord alone is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other,” and David said (Psalms 14:2), “The Lord looks down from heaven on mankind to find a man of understanding, a man who seeks God”; and the virtues of remembrance of His kindnesses,” as it is stated (Deuteronomy 8:2), “Remember the whole way,” and it is [also] stated (Deuteronomy 8:6), “And you shall know that the Lord your God disciplines you just as a man disciplines his son,” and David said (Psalms 107:43), “he will contemplate the kindnesses of the Lord,” and said (Psalms 26:3), “For Your kindness is across from my eyes”; and the virtues of holiness, as it is stated (Leviticus 11:44), “and you shall sanctify yourselves and you shall be holy”; and the virtues of worship, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “and He shall you worship;” and the virtues of fear, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), “And you shall fear the Lord”; and the virtues of love, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 6:5), “And you shall love the Lord, your God;” and the virtues of clinging, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:20), ”to Him shall you cling.” There are several levels to each of these, as will be explained, with God’s help. And man was created for the sake of these virtues, as it is stated (Isaiah 43:7), “All who are linked to My name, whom I have created for My glory.” And what is the hope of a creation if it does not make the things for which it was created, the toil of his soul and his main occupation?
וְהִנֵּה נִתְבָּאֵר בַּתּוֹרָה עֹנֶשׁ בִּטּוּל הַמִּצְוָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ז:כ"ו) אָרוּר אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָקִים אֶת דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם. אָמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם יוֹרֶה כִּי זֶה נֶאֱמַר עַל בִּטּוּל מַעֲשֵׂה הַמִּצְוָה.
And behold the punishment for the nullification of a commandment is explained in the Torah, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 27:26), “Cursed is the one who does not fulfill the words of this Torah, to do them.” It states, “to do them” - teaching that this is stated about the nullification of a commanded act.
וְדַע כִּי נִתְחַיֵּב הַנִּבְרָא לִהְיוֹת צִיר נֶאֱמָן וְעֶבֶד מַשְׂכִּיל בְּכָל מְלֶאכֶת עֲבוֹדַת אֲדוֹנָיו. וְהַפּוֹעֵל הָאֻמָּן יִהְיֶה מָהִיר בִּמְלַאכְתּוֹ וְיַשְׁגִּיחַ עַל מְלֶאכֶת הַפּוֹעֲלִים חֲבֵרָיו. וְעֵינָיו עַל דַּרְכֵיהֶם לִרְאוֹת אִם בֶּאֱמוּנָה הֵם עוֹשִׂים וְיַזְהִירֵם וְיוֹדִיעֵם אֶת הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן. כִּי חֶפְצוֹ וּרְצוֹנוֹ אֲשֶׁר תֵּעָשֶׂה מְלֶאכֶת אֲדוֹנָיו בְּלֹא רְמִיָּה עַל כֵּן יַחֲזִיק יְדֵי עוֹשֵׂי הַמְּלָאכָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּסִפְרֵי אָרוּר אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָקִים. אָדָם שֶׁלָּמַד וְשָׁנָה וְלִמֵּד לַאֲחֵרִים וְקִיֵּם אֶת הַתּוֹרָה וְיֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ כֹּחַ לְהַחֲזִיק יְדֵי הָעוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה וּבַמִּצְוֹת וְלֹא הֶחֱזִיק הֲרֵי הוּא בִּכְלַל אָרוּר אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָקִים.
And know that a creature is obligated to be a faithful agent and understanding servant in all of the craftful work of his Master. And a faithful worker will be quick at this craft and supervise the craft of his fellow workers. His eyes will be upon their ways, to see if they are faithful; and he will warn them and inform about the work they should do. For his desire and want is that the work of his Master be done without deceit. Therefore, he strengthens those doing the work [to do it right]. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said in the Sifrei (Yerushalmi Sotah 4:4), “‘Cursed is the one who does not fulfill’ (Deuteronomy 27:26), - a man who has studied, reviewed, taught others and fulfilled the Torah and the commandments, but has not strengthened [others to do so] is included in ‘who does not fulfill.’”
וּמִן הַמִּצְוֹת הַחֲמוּרוֹת. שֶׁלֹּא לָדוּן בְּעַרְכָּאוֹת שֶׁל גּוֹיִם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"א:א') וְאֵלֶּה הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר תָּשִׂים "לִפְנֵיהֶם" וְלֹא לִפְנֵי גּוֹיִם, וּפוֹשְׁעִים יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָּהּ. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְדַבֵּר בַּעֲבֵרָה הַזֹּאת.
And among the weighty [positive] commandments is not to have a trial in the courts of the idolaters (gentiles), as it is stated (Exodus 21:1), “And these are the judgments that you shall place in front of them” - “in front of them,” and not in front of the Canaanites. But rebels stumble in them. And we have already spoken about this transgression before.
וְעַל בִּטּוּל מוֹרָא אָב וָאֵם שֶׁהִיא מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ז:ט"ז) אָרוּר מַקְלֶה אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ. עִנְיַן מַקְלֶה, שֶׁמְּזַלְזֵל בִּכְבוֹדָם וּמֵפֵר מוֹרְאָתָם כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (קידושין לב:) אִישׁ אִמּוֹ וְאָבִיו תִּירָאוּ, אֵיזֶהוּ מוֹרָא אָב לֹא יֵשֵׁב בִּמְקוֹמוֹ וְלֹא סוֹתֵר אֶת דְּבָרָיו וְלֹא מַכְרִיעוֹ.
And [there is also a curse] about the nullification of the fear of the father and the mother, which is a positive commandment - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 27:16), “Cursed be he who belittles his father or mother.” The content of belittling is to disparage their honor and abrogate fearing them. As our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 31b), ‘A man must fear his mother and father’ (Leviticus 19:3) - what is fear of the father? Not to sit in his place, not to contradict his words or determine [an argument] for him.
וּמִצְוַת תְּפִלִּין וּמִצְוַת מְזוּזָה מִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה הֵם. וְהִנָּם בִּכְלַל קַבָּלַת מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם כִּי עַל כֵּן נִכְתְּבוּ בְּפָרָשַׁת שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְתוּכַל לְהִתְבּוֹנֵן מִזֶּה עַל עֹנֶשׁ הַמְבַטֵּל הַמִּצְוֹת הָאֵלֶּה כִּי הוּא שׁוֹבֵר עֹל מְנַתֵּק מוֹסֵרוֹת. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְדַבֵּר עַל הַמִּצְוֹת הָאֵלֶּה. וְעַל מִצְוַת צִיצִית אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּסִפְרֵי שֶׁהַצִּיצִית מוֹסֶפֶת קְדֻשָּׁה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר ט"ו:מ') לְמַעַן תִּזְכְּרוּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֶת כָּל מִצְוֹתָי וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים לֵאלֹהֵיכֶם. וְגַם (פי' כמו אף על פי) כִּי אֵין מִצְוַת צִיצִית זוּלָתִי עַל מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ בֶּגֶד אֲשֶׁר לוֹ אַרְבַּע כְּנָפוֹת, וְאִם אֵין לוֹ בֶּגֶד כָּזֶה אֵינוֹ חַיָּב לִקְנוֹתוֹ. אַף גַּם זֹאת (פי' כמו מכל מקום) אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי עָנוֹשׁ יֵעָנֵשׁ לְעִתּוֹת בַּצָּרָה עַל דְּבַר אֲשֶׁר לֹא חָמַד בִּלְבָבוֹ יֹפִי הַמִּצְוָה וּשְׂכָרָהּ, לְבַעֲבוּר סַבֵּב פְּנֵי דְּבַר חִיּוּבָהּ עָלָיו. וְלָקַחַת לוֹ בֶּגֶד שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ אַרְבַּע כְּנָפוֹת לַעֲשׂוֹת לוֹ צִיצִית עַל כְּנָפָיו.
And the commandment of tefillin and the commandment of mezuzah are positive commandments - but behold they are included in accepting the kingdom of the Heavens. For thus were they written in the section of Shema Yisrael. And from this, you can contemplate the punishment of one who nullifies these commandments, as he is breaking the yoke and removing the cords [of God’s authority]. And we have already discussed these commandments. And about the commandment of fringes (tsitsit), our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said in the Sifrei (Sifrei Bemidbar, Shelach) that fringes adds to holiness, as it is stated (Numbers 15:40), “In order that you shall be reminded to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God.” And even though the commandment of fringes is only for a garment that has four corners - and if one does not have a garment like this, he is not obligated to acquire one - nevertheless, our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Menachot 41a) that he will surely be punished in times of trouble about the matter: That in his heart he did not desire the beauty of the commandment and its reward [enough], to cause the matter of the obligation to apply to him and to get himself a garment that has four corners to make fringes on its corners.
וְדַע כִּי הַיָּרֵא אֶת דְּבַר ה' יַחְמִיר וִידַקְדֵּק וְיָשִׂים נַפְשׁוֹ בְּכַפּוֹ עַל מִצְוָה קַלָּה כְּמוֹ עַל הַחֲמוּרוֹת. כִּי לֹא יָבִינוּ (פי' יבינו ישימו לב) לַאֲשֶׁר הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת קַלָּה לְעֻמַּת הַחֲמוּרוֹת. אַךְ יָבִינוּ לִגְדֻלַּת הַמַּזְהִיר עָלֶיהָ יִתְבָּרַךְ. וּפְקַח עֵינֶיךָ הֵיטֵב לִרְאוֹת כִּי הָעִקָּר הַנִּכְבָּד הַזֶּה נִתְבָּאֵר בַּתּוֹרָה. כִּי נִכְתַּב עַל מִצְוַת הַקִּימָה מִפְּנֵי שֵׂיבָה כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּכְתַּב עַל מִצְוַת מוֹרָא אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ וּשְׁמִירַת הַשַּׁבָּת. אֲנִי ה'. וְרַבּוֹת מִן הַמִּצְוֹת אֲשֶׁר הַרְבֵּה מִן הָעָם הַנִּמְצָאִים בַּדּוֹר קִצְרֵי יָד מֵעֲשׂוֹתָם הֲבֵאנוּם אֶל מָקוֹם זֶה נוֹסָד לְכָל אֶחָד בַּסֵּפֶר הַזֶּה. קָחֵם נָא אֵלֶיךָ וְעַל לוּחַ לִבֶּךָ.
And know that one who fears the word of God will be stringent and exacting and take himself in hand for light commandments, as he will for weighty commandments. For they will not focus on that which a certain commandment is light compared to the weighty ones. Rather they will focus on the One who warns about it, may He be blessed. And open your eyes well to see that this principle has been explained in the Torah. For about rising in front of an elder - [just] like the commandment of fearing one’s father and one’s mother and the observance of Shabbat - it is written, “I am the Lord.” And we have brought to this place many of the commandments about which the people found in this generation are short-handed in doing - the principle of each one is in this book, please take it to yourself and place it upon the tablet of your heart.
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַשְּׁלִישִׁית – לָאו שֶׁנִּתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה: אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לָאו שֶׁנִּתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה אֵין לוֹקִין עָלָיו. כְּגוֹן (דברים כ"ב:ו') לֹא תִקַּח הָאֵם עַל הַבָּנִים. שֶׁנִּתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ב:ז') שַׁלֵּחַ תְּשַׁלַּח. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין לוֹקִין בִּידֵי בֵּית דִּין, יֵשׁ בָּהֶם שֶׁעָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר וְנָגַע עַד שָׁמַיִם מִשְׁפָּטָן נִשָּׂא עַד שְׁחָקִים. כְּגוֹן הַגָּזֵל, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ג) לֹא תִגְזֹל, וְנִתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה (ויקרא ה':כ"ג) וְהֵשִׁיב אֶת הַגְּזֵלָה. וְאָמְרוּ לֹא נֶחְתַּם גְּזַר דִּינָם שֶׁל דּוֹר הַמַּבּוּל אֶלָּא עַל הַגָּזֵל שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית ו':י"ג) קֵץ כָּל בָּשָׂר בָּא לְפָנַי כִּי מָלְאָה הָאָרֶץ חָמָס. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁעֶרְוָה חֲמוּרָה מִן הַגָּזֵל, מִדַּת עֹנֶשׁ גָּזֵל לְהַקְרִיב יוֹם אֵידוֹ וּלְהָחִישׁ עֲתִידוֹת לוֹ. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ סְאָה מְלֵאָה עֲוֹנוֹת אֵין מְקַטְרֵג בְּכֻלָּן כְּמוֹ הַגָּזֵל. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם עַל אוֹצְרוֹת הַמִּרְמָה וְהָאוֹנָאָה (משלי כ"א:ו') פֹּעַל אוֹצָרוֹת בִּלְשׁוֹן שָׁקֶר הֶבֶל נִדָּף מְבַקְשֵׁי מָוֶת. פֵּרוּשׁ אוֹצְרוֹת הַמִּרְמָה וְהָאוֹנָאָה הֶבֶל נִדָּף הֵם כִּי אַחֲרִיתָם לְכִלָּיוֹן. וְעוֹדָם בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ צוֹרְרִים הֵם לוֹ וּמְבַקְּשִׁים נֶפֶשׁ בַּעֲלֵיהֶם וּמְסַבְּבִים לְמוֹתוֹ. וְכָעִנְיָן שֶׁאָמַר חֲבַקּוּק עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (חבקוק ב':ט') הוֹי בֹּצֵעַ בֶּצַע רָע לְבֵיתוֹ וְגוֹ' כִּי אֶבֶן מִקִּיר תִּזְעָק וְגוֹ'. וְגֶזֶל הֶעָנִי חַיָּבִין עָלָיו מִיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:כ"ב-כ"ג) אַל תִּגְזָל דָּל כִּי דַל הוּא וְאַל תְּדַכֵּא עָנִי בַשָּׁעַר כִּי ה' יָרִיב רִיבָם וְקָבַע אֶת קֹבְעֵיהֶם נָפֶשׁ. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אַל תִּגְזֹל דַּל בַּעֲבוּר שֶׁהוּא דַּל וְאֵין עוֹזֵר לוֹ, וְאַל תְּדַכֵּא עָנִי בַשָּׁעַר בְּהַכְלָמָה וּבְבִזָּיוֹן. וּבַשַּׁעַר, כְּלוֹמַר בָּרַבִּים, וְכָעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו ג':ט"ו) מַּה לָּכֶם תְּדַכְּאוּ עַמִּי וּפְנֵי עֲנִיִּים תִּטְחָנוּ. כִּי ה' יָרִיב רִיבָם אַחַר שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם סוֹמֵךְ וּמִי שֶׁיִּטְעֹן וְיָרִיב רִיבָם. וְקָבַע אֶת קֹבְעֵיהֶם נָפֶשׁ אַחֲרֵי שֶׁהֻבָאת אֵלָיו צַעֲקַת הַדַּל לֹא יִקַּח מִמְּךָ מָמוֹן תַּחַת הַגְּזֵלָה אֲשֶׁר גָּזַלְתָּ אֲבָל יֵשֶׁל אֱלוֹהַּ נַפְשֶׁךָ. וְנֶאֱמַר (איוב כ"ז:ח') כִּי מַה תִּקְוַת חָנֵף כִּי יִבְצָע כִּי יֵשֶׁל אֱלוֹהַּ נַפְשׁוֹ, וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי א':י"ט) כֵּן אָרְחוֹת כָּל בֹּצֵעַ בָּצַע אֶת נֶפֶשׁ בְּעָלָיו יִקָּח. וּמִי שֶׁיַּצְעִיק וִיצַעֵר אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם בֵּין בְּגָזֵל בֵּין בְּעֹשֶׁק בֵּין הַכְלָמָה וְכָל מִינֵי הַצַּעַר חַיָּב מִיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם. וְכֵן הַדַּיָּנִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדָם לְהַצִּיל גָּזוּל מִיָּד עוֹשֵׁק וְיָתוֹם לֹא יִשְׁפֹּטוּ. מִשְׁפַּט מָוֶת לָהֶם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"ב:כ"א-כ"ב) כָּל אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם לֹא תְעַנּוּן. אִם עַנֵּה תְעַנֶּה אֹתוֹ כִּי אִם צָעֹק יִצְעַק אֵלַי שָׁמֹעַ אֶשְׁמַע צַעֲקָתוֹ וְחָרָה אַפִּי וְהָרַגְתִּי אֶתְכֶם בֶּחָרֶב וְהָיוּ נְשֵׁיכֶם אַלְמָנוֹת וּבְנֵיכֶם יְתֹמִים. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – וְהָיוּ נְשֵׁיכֶם אַלְמָנוֹת כְּנֶגֶד עִנּוּי הָאַלְמָנָה וּבְנֵיכֶם יְתוֹמִים כְּנֶגֶד עִנּוּי הַיָּתוֹם מִדָּה כְּנֶגֶד מִדָּה. וְהַמְּצַעֵר כָּל אִישׁ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא נִכְתַּב בּוֹ הָעֳנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה עוֹבֵר בְּלֹא תַעֲשֶׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז) לֹא תוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ, וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּאוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים הַכָּתוּב מְדַבֵּר. וְהוּא מֵעִנְיַן הַצַּעַר וְהַמָּצוֹק מִלְּשׁוֹן (ישעיהו מ"ט:כ"ו) וְהַאֲכַלְתִּי אֶת מוֹנַיִךְ אֶת בְּשָׂרָם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַשְּׁעָרִים נִנְעֲלוּ חוּץ מִשַּׁעֲרֵי אוֹנָאָה. וּבְמָקוֹם שֶׁדִּבֵּר הַכָּתוּב מֵאוֹנָאַת מָמוֹן הִזְכִּיר שָׁם מִקָּח וּמִמְכָּר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ד) וְכִי תִמְכְּרוּ מִמְכָּר לַעֲמִיתֶךָ. וְאָמְרוּ גְּדוֹלָה אוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים מֵאוֹנָאַת מָמוֹן שֶׁזֶּה בְּגוּפוֹ וְזֶה בְּמָמוֹנוֹ. וְזוֹ נֶאֱמַר בָּהּ (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז) וְיָרֵאתָ מֵאֱלֹקֶיךָ וְזוֹ לֹא נֶאֱמַר בָּהּ וְיָרֵאתָ.
The third level is the negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 141a) [that] we do not give lashes for a negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment - for example (Deuteronomy 22:6), “you shall not take the mother from over the young,” is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 22:7), “You shall surely send away.” But even though they would not give lashes through the court [in such a case], there were some with weighty punishments, such that it would reach the heavens and their judgement would be raised to the clouds. For example theft - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:13), “you shall not rob” (Leviticus 5:23) - is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated “and returned what he robbed.” Yet they said (Sanhedrin 108a), “The final judgement of the generation of the Flood was sealed only because of robbery, as it is stated (Genesis 6:13), ‘The end of all flesh has come in front of Me, for the earth is filled with extortion.’” And even though sexual immorality is weightier than robbery, it is the characteristic of the punishment of robbery to bring close its day and to quicken the future [consequences] to it. And they [also] said (Vayikra Rabbah 33:2), “[If you have] a seah full of iniquities, there is no prosecutor among all of them like robbery.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said about treasures [acquired] from dishonesty and fraud (Proverbs 21:6), “Treasures acquired by a lying tongue are like driven vapor, heading for death.” The explanation is [that] treasuries [acquired from] dishonesty and fraud are vanishing vapor, for their end is destruction. And while they are still in his possession, they are his enemies and seek the life of their master and cause his death - like the matter that is stated, (Habakkuk 2:9-11) “Ah, you who have acquired gains to the detriment of your own house, etc. For a stone shall cry out from the wall.” And in [the case of] robbing the poor, one is liable for death at the hands of the Heavens on account of it, as it is stated (Proverbs 22:22-23), “Do not rob the indigent for he is indigent; and do not crush the poor man in the gate. For the Lord will take up their cause and despoil those who despoil them of life.” Its explanation is, “do not rob from the indigent” because “he is indigent” and has no one to help him; “and do not crush the poor man in the gate,” with shame and disgrace. And “in the gate,” is to say, in public. And it is like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 3:15), “How dare you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” “For the Lord will take up their cause,” since they have no support, or someone to argue and take up their cause. “And despoil those who despoil them of life” - since the cry of the indigent has been brought to Him, He will not take money from you in place of the loot that you robbed, but rather God will remove your soul. And it is stated (Job 27:8), “For what hope has the impious man when he is cut down, when God takes away his life?” And it is also stated (Proverbs 1:19), “Such is the fate of all who pursue unjust gain; It takes the life of its possessor.” And one who torments and pains a widow or an orphan - whether with robbery, or fraud or shame or any type of pain - is liable for death at the hands of the Heavens. And likewise the judges who are able to rescue someone robbed from him who defrauded him, and do not judge [the case of an] orphan, have a death sentence upon them - as it is stated (Exodus 22:21-23), “You shall not ill-treat any widow or orphan. If you do oppress them, I will heed their outcry as soon as they cry out to Me. And My anger shall blaze forth and I will put you to the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.” Its explanation is, “and your wives shall become widows,” corresponding to the oppression of the widow; “and your children orphans,” corresponding to the oppression of the orphan - measure for measure. And even though these punishments are not written [about the following], one who pains any Israelite transgresses a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 25:17), “A man shall not oppress (tonu) his kinsman.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 58b) the verse is speaking about verbal oppression. And that is from the contents of pain and torment, like the usage “(Isaiah 49:26), “I will make your oppressors (monayich) eat their own flesh.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, [also] said (Bava Metzia 59a), “All the gates [of prayer] have been closed, except for the gates of [one who is praying as a result of his] oppression.” And where Scripture was speaking about financial oppression, it mentioned buying and selling, as it is stated (Leviticus 25:14), “When you sell property to your kinsman.” And they said (Bava Metzia 58b) [that] verbal oppression is greater than financial oppression, for this is upon his body and that is upon his money - and about [the former] it stated (Leviticus 25:17), “but you shall fear your God,” but about [the latter (25:14)], “but you shall fear,” is not stated.
וְהַנֶּשֶׁךְ וְהָרִבִּית יֵשׁ בָּהֶן לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה:ל"ו) אַל תִּקַּח מֵאִתּוֹ נֶשֶׁךְ וְתַרְבִּית. וְנִתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שם) וְחֵי אָחִיךָ עִמָּךְ. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אִם לָקַחְתָּ מֵאִתּוֹ נֶשֶׁךְ וְתַרְבִּית הָשֵׁב תְּשִׁיבֵם לְאָחִיךָ לְמַעַן יִחְיֶה עִמְּךָ. וְעָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר מְאוֹד, כָּל זְמַן שֶׁלֹּא תִּקֵּן הַמְעֻוָּת שֶׁאֵינוֹ בָּא לִתְחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יחזקאל י"ח:י"ג) בַּנֶּשֶׁךְ נָתַן וְתַרְבִּית לָקַח וָחָי לֹא יִחְיֶה, וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עַל עִנְיַן תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ עָוֹן הָרִבִּית אֵין מַלְאָךְ מֵלִיץ [מלמד] עָלָיו זְכוּת. וְזֶהוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְחֵי בִּלְשׁוֹן שְׁאֵלָה וּתְמִיהָה. הֲיֵשׁ מֵלִיץ שֶׁיֹּאמַר כִּי דָּתוֹ לִחְיוֹת. כֻּלָּם יַעֲנוּ וְיֹאמְרוּ לֹא יִחְיֶה.
And with interest and usury, there is a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 25:36), “Do not exact from him usury or accrued interest, but fear your God” - and it is rectified by a positive commandment, as it is stated, (Leviticus 25:36) “let him live by your side as your kinsman.” Its explanation is, if you have taken interest or usury from him, surely return it to your brother, in order that he may live with you. And his punishment is very weighty - so long as he does not fix that which is crooked, he does not come to the resurrection of the dead, as it is stated (Ezekiel 18:13), “He has lent with usury, or exacted accrued interest - shall he live; he shall not live!” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Pirkei De’Rabbi Natan 33), it [to be] about the matter of the resurrection of the dead. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Exodus Rabbah 31:6), “Anyone who has the iniquity of interest in his hands will not have an angel intervene (teach) merit on his behalf.” And this is [the understanding] of that which, “shall he live,” is stated as an expression of question and wonder - is there an intervener that will say that his case is to live? All of them will answer, “He shall not live.”
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הָרְבִיעִית – לָאו שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה: אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לָאו שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה אֵין לוֹקִין עָלָיו. וּמְפֹרָשׁ בְּדִבְרֵיהֶם זַ"ל כִּי לָאו שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה חָמוּר מִן הַלָּאו שֶׁנִּתַּק לַעֲשֵׂה. וְיֵשׁ בְּאַזְהָרוֹת לָאו שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה אַזְהָרוֹת תְּלוּיוֹת בַּלֵּב. מֵהֶן בַּלָּשׁוֹן וּמֵהֶן בִּקְפִיצַת יָד וְהִמָּנַע מִן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. וְכֵן יֵשׁ עֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁאֵין בָּהֶם מַעֲשֶׂה וּתְלוּיוֹת בְּחוּשׁ הַשֵּׁמַע וּבְחוּשׁ הָרְאוּת. וְרָאִינוּ רַבִּים מִבְּנֵי אָדָם שָׁכְחוּ רַבּוֹת מֵהֶם. וְיֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר יָדְעוּ וְאֵינָם נִזְהָרִים בָּהֶם מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאֵינָן תְּלוּיוֹת בְּמַעֲשֶׂה. כִּי הָעֲבֵרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בְּמַעֲשֶׂה כְּמוֹ אֲכִילַת הַחֵלֶב וְהַדָּם וְהַנְּבֵלָה וְהַטְּרֵפָה אֵין הַדָּבָר קָרוֹב לְהִכָּשֵׁל בָּהֶן כְּמוֹ הָעֲבֵרוֹת הַנַּעֲשׂוֹת בַּמַּחְשָׁבָה וּבַלָּשׁוֹן וּבְשֶׁבֶת מִן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. עַל כֵּן רָאִינוּ לִזְכֹּר מִקְצָתָם לְהַזְכִּיר וּלְהַזְהִיר אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָדַע לְהִזָּהֵר. וְלֹא בָּאנוּ לְהַאֲרִיךְ בָּהֶם זוּלָתִי לִרְמֹז עֲלֵיהֶן לִהְיוֹת לְזִכָּרוֹן לְשָׁבֵי פֶּשַׁע.
The fourth level is a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 63a) that we do not give lashes for [violating] a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action. But it is explained in their words (Yoma 85b), may their memory be blessed, that a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action is more weighty than a negative commandment that is rectified by a positive commandment. And among the [negative commandments] that do not [involve] an action, some of [them] are dependent upon the heart, some on the tongue, some on the closing of the hand (not giving of one’s money or possessions) and some on not doing an action. And there are likewise some transgressions that do not [involve] an action, but are dependent upon the sense of hearing or the sense of sight. And we have seen many people that have forgotten many of them. And there are some that know but are not careful about them, because they do not depend upon (involve) an action. For the transgressions that depend upon an action, such as the eating of forbidden fat, blood, a carcass or a torn animal (tereifah) are not as accessible to violate as the ones done with thought or the tongue, or by rest from an action. Therefore we have seen fit to mention some of them - to remind some of [the people], to remember; and those that do not know, to be forewarned. But we have not come to write about them at length, but rather only to hint to them, that they be a reminder for those repenting from rebellion.
מִן הָאַזְהָרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בַּלֵּב. הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ (דברים ח':י"א) וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל מָקוֹם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר הִשָּׁמֶר, פֶּן, וְאַל, הֲרֵי זֶה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לִזְכֹּר אֶת הש"י בְּכָל עֵת. וְחַיָּב הָאָדָם לְהִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִקְנוֹת לְנַפְשׁוֹ תָּמִיד הַהַנְהָגוֹת הַמְּחֻיָּבוֹת מִן הַזְּכִירָה. כְּמוֹ הַיִּרְאָה וְהַצְּנִיעוּת וְקִשּׁוּט הַמַּחֲשָׁבוֹת וְטַכְסִיס הַמִּדּוֹת. כִּי זֶרַע הַקֹּדֶשׁ יַשִּׂיגוּ כָּל הַנְהָגָה נָאוָה וְהַמַּעֲטִירָה בְּעָלֶיהָ מִזְּכִירַת הַשֵּׁם ית' כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו מ"ה:כ"ה) בַּה' יִצְדְּקוּ וְיִתְהַלְלוּ כָּל זֶרַע יִשְׂרָאֵל.
Among the [negative commandments] that are dependent on the heart are: “Take care lest you forget the Lord, your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 5a), “Wherever it is stated in a verse, ‘beware,’ ‘lest’ or ‘not,’ this is [surely] a negative commandment.” We are warned [then] with this to remember God, may He be blessed every instant. And a person is obligated to make efforts to always acquire for himself behaviors that are mandated by remembrance - such as fear, modesty, refinement of one’s thoughts and strategies [to acquire] good traits - so that the holy seed will attain every fine behavior and be crowned through it from the remembrance of God, may He be blessed, just as it is stated (Isaiah 45:25), “It is through the Lord that all the offspring of Israel Have vindication and glory.”
הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ וּשְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ מְאֹד פֶּן תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ (דברים ד':ט') וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַשּׁוֹכֵחַ דָּבָר אֶחָד מִתַּלְמוּדוֹ עוֹבֵר בִּשְׁנֵי לָאוִין. יָכוֹל אֲפִלּוּ תָּקְפָה עָלָיו מִשְׁנָתוֹ? ת"ל (שם) וּפֶן יָסוּרוּ מִלְּבָבְךָ. לֹא דִּבֵּר הַכָּתוּב אֶלָּא בְּמִי שֶׁיְּסִירֵם מִלִּבּוֹ עַל יְדֵי שֶׁהוּא בָּטֵל מִן הַתּוֹרָה וְאֵינוֹ הוֹגֶה בָּהּ תָּמִיד.
“Only observe for yourself, and guard your soul diligently, lest you forget the matters that your eyes saw” (Deuteronomy 4:9). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Menachot 99b) [that] anyone who forgets [even] one matter from his studies violates two negative commandments. Is it possible even if his studies were too hard for him? Hence we are taught to say, “And lest they depart from your heart” (Deuteronomy 4:9). The verse is only speaking of one who causes them to depart from his heart, by being idle from Torah study and not constantly poring over it.
אַל תֹּאמַר בִּלְבָבְךָ בַּהֲדֹף ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ אֹתָם מִלְּפָנֶיךָ לֵאמֹר בְּצִדְקָתִי הֱבִיאַנִי ה' לָרֶשֶׁת אֶת הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת [וגו'] לֹא בְצִדְקָתְךָ וּבְיֹשֶׁר לְבָבְךָ וְגוֹ' (דברים ט':ד'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא נְדַמֶּה בְּנַפְשֵׁנוּ הַצְלָחָתֵנוּ בְּצִדְקֵנוּ וְיֹשֶׁר לְבָבֵנוּ. אֲבָל נַאֲמִין וְנֵדַע עִם לְבָבֵנוּ, כִּי הַצְלָחָתֵנוּ מֵחֶסֶד הָעֶלְיוֹן וְרֹב טוּבוֹ, וְכָעִנְיָן שֶׁאָמַר יַעֲקֹב אָבִינוּ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (בראשית ל"ב:י"א) קָטֹנְתִּי מִכֹּל הַחֲסָדִים וּמִכָּל הָאֱמֶת.
“Say not to yourselves, when the Lord your God has thrust them from your path, saying, ‘The Lord has enabled us to possess this land because of our virtues, etc.’ It is not because of your virtues and your rectitude, etc.” (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). We are warned with this not to imagine to ourselves that our success is from our righteousness and the rectitude of our hearts, but rather that we believe and know in our hearts that our success is from the kindness of the Most High and His great goodness - and like the matter that was said by our father, Jacob (Genesis 32:11), “I am unworthy of all the kindness and all the truth.”
לֹא תְנַסּוּ אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֵיכֶם (דברים ו':ט"ז). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמַר אָדָם אֲנַסֶּה נָּא בַּעֲבוֹדַת הַצְּדָקָה יַצְלִיחַ ה' דַּרְכִּי וְאֶבְחַן בְּכִשְׁרוֹן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אִם כֶּסֶף וְזָהָב יַרְבֶּה לִי. וְהָאִישׁ הַטּוֹב לֹא נִמְצָא בּוֹ רִפְיוֹן יָדַיִם אִם עֲמָלוֹ בְּחָכְמָה וְדַעַת וְכִשְׁרוֹן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה וְלֹא צָלְחָה דַּרְכּוֹ בְּעִנְיַן קִנְיַן כַּסְפּוֹ וּבִשְׁאָר טוֹבַת חֶפְצֵי הַגּוּף. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי בְּמִצְוַת הַמַּעַשְׂרוֹת בִּלְבַד הֻתְּרָה הַבְּחִינָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלאכי ג':י') הָבִיאוּ אֶת כָּל הַמַּעֲשֵׂר אֶל בֵּית הָאוֹצָר וִיהִי טֶרֶף בְּבֵיתִי וּבְחָנוּנִי נָא בָּזֹאת. אוֹמֵר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי ג':ט'-י') כַּבֵּד אֶת ה' מֵהוֹנֶךָ וּמֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל תְּבוּאָתֶךָ וְיִמָּלְאוּ אֲסָמֶיךָ שָׂבָע [וגו'] מוּסַר ה' בְּנִי אַל תִּמְאָס וְאַל תָּקֹץ בְּתוֹכַחְתּוֹ. פֵּרוּשׁ אִם לֹא יִהְיֶה לְךָ כֵּן לְהִמָּלֵא אֲסָמֶיךָ שָׂבָע בְּתִתְּךָ מֵהוֹנֶךָ וּמֵרֵאשִׁית כָּל תְּבוּאָתֶךָ לַעֲבוֹדַת הַצְּדָקָה, אֲבָל יֹאחֲזוּךָ יְמֵי עוֹנִי, אַל תִּמְאַס מוּסַר ה' וְדַע כִּי גַּם זֶה לְטוֹבָתְךָ. כִּי אֶת אֲשֶׁר יֶאֱהַב ה' יוֹכִיחַ לְהֵטִיב בְּאַחֲרִיתוֹ, לִהְיוֹת תְּמוּרַת שְׂכַר הָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וְתַחַת כְּבוֹדוֹ. שְׂכַר אֱמֶת וְהַטּוֹב הַצָּפוּן הָעוֹמֵד לָעַד לְעוֹלָם.
“Do not try the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16). And we are warned with this that a man should not say, “I will make a trial with my service of charity [whether] the Lord will make my way successful; and I will test through the properness of my actions, whether my gold and silver will grow.” But the good man will not slacken from his toil in wisdom, knowledge and proper action when his path in the matter of his money and the rest of the goods of the body are not successful. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Taanit 9a) that only with tithes of the storehouse is testing [God] permitted, as it is stated (Malachi 3:10) “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, and let there be food in My House, and thus put Me to the test.” King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:9-10), “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first of all your produce. And your barns will be filled with grain, [etc.].” Its explanation is, if you do not have like this - to be filled with grain when you give from your wealth and from the first of all your produce - but you are rather seized by days of poverty, “Do not reject the discipline of the Lord” (Proverbs 3:11), and know that this is also for your good. “For whom the Lord loves, He rebukes” (Proverbs 3:12), to do good for him in his end; that the reward in this world and his honor be exchanged for the good that is hidden and continues forever.
כִּי תֹאמַר בִּלְבָבְךָ רַבִּים הַגּוֹיִם הָאֵלֶּה מִמֶּנִּי אֵיכָה אוּכַל לְהוֹרִישָׁם לֹא תִירָא מֵהֶם (דברים ז':י"ז-י"ח).
“Should you say to yourselves, ‘These nations are more numerous than we; how can we dispossess them?’ You need have no fear of them” (Deuteronomy 7:17-18).
כִּי תֵצֵא לַמִּלְחָמָה וְגוֹ' וְרָאִיתָ סוּס וָרֶכֶב עַם רַב מִמְּךָ לֹא תִירָא מֵהֶם (דברים כ':א') הֻזְהַרְנוּ בְּזֶה שֶׁאִם יִרְאֶה הָאָדָם כִּי צָרָה קְרוֹבָה תִּהְיֶה יְשׁוּעַת ה' בִּלְבָבוֹ. וְיִבְטַח עָלֶיהָ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ה:י') אַךְ קָרוֹב לִירֵאָיו יִשְׁעוֹ וְכֵן כָּתוּב (ישעיהו נ"א:י"ב) מִי אַתְּ וַתִּירְאִי מֵאֱנוֹשׁ יָמוּת.
“When you go out to war, etc., and see horses and chariots - forces larger than yours - have no fear of them” (Deuteronomy 20:1). We were warned with this that if a person sees trouble nearby, the salvation of the Lord should be in his heart and he should trust in it - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 85:10), “His salvation is near those who fear Him”; and likewise is it written (Isaiah 51:12), “What ails you that you fear man who must die.”
לֹא תָגוּרוּ מִפְּנֵי אִישׁ כִּי הַמִּשְׁפָּט לֵאלֹהִים הוּא (דברים א':י"ז). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהַאֲמִין שֶׁלֹּא יִקְרֵנוּ נֶזֶק מִצַּד מִשְׁפַּט הַצֶּדֶק כַּאֲשֶׁר לֹא נַכִּיר בּוֹ פָנִים. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה שְׁלוּחֵי מִצְוָה אֵינָן נִזּוֹקִין לֹא בַּהֲלִיכָתָן וְלֹא בַּחֲזָרָתָן. וְזֶהוּ פֵּרוּשׁ כִּי הַמִּשְׁפָּט לֵאלֹהִים הוּא שֶׁלֹּא יְבוֹאֲכֶם נֶזֶק בְּסִבָּתוֹ.
“Fear no man, for judgment is God’s” (Deuteronomy 1:17). We were warned with this to believe that injury will not occur to us on account of righteous judgment, when we do not show favoritism. [It is] like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 5b), “Agents of a commandment will not be injured, not on their way [to do it] and not on their return.” And this is the explanation of, “for judgment is God’s” - that injury caused by Him will not happen to you.
לְבִלְתִּי רוּם לְבָבוֹ מֵאֶחָיו (דברים י"ז:כ'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהָסִיר מִנַּפְשֵׁנוּ מִדַּת הַגַּאֲוָה. וְשֶׁלֹּא יִתְגָּאֶה הַגָּדוֹל עַל הַקָּטָן. וַאֲפִלּוּ הַמֶּלֶךְ לֹא יָרוּם לְבָבוֹ מֵאֶחָיו וְכִי יִשְׂתָּרֵר עֲלֵיהֶם גַּם הִשְׂתָּרֵר בְּהַנְהָגוֹתָיו, אַךְ הָיֹה יִהְיֶה שְׁפַל רוּחַ. וְהַגַּאֲוָה מִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת הַחֲמוּרוֹת הַמְּאַבְּדוֹת וּמְכַלּוֹת הַנֶּפֶשׁ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט"ז:ה') תּוֹעֲבַת ה' כָּל גְּבַהּ לֵב. וּמָה יוֹעִיל קִנְיַן כַּסְפּוֹ וְרֹב עָשְׁרוֹ וְגִנְזֵי בְּרוֹמָיו וְהִנֵּה אַחֲרֵי כִּי נִתְעָב וְנֶאֱלָח גָּבְהֵי תִּפְאֶרֶת גְּדֻלָּתוֹ עֲמֻקִּים מִשְּׁאוֹל. וְאַל יִתְהַלֵּל חָכָם זוּלָתִי בַּעֲבוֹדַת הש"י וּבְיִרְאָתוֹ וְהַבִּטָּחוֹן בּוֹ וּבְאַהֲבָתוֹ וְהַדְּבֵקוּת בּוֹ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י':כ"א) הוּא תְהִלָּתְךָ וְהוּא אֱלֹקֶיךָ. וְנֶאֱמַר (ירמיהו ט':כ"ג) אַל יִתְהַלֵּל חָכָם בְּחָכְמָתוֹ וְגוֹ' כִּי אִם בְּזֹאת יִתְהַלֵּל הַמִּתְהַלֵּל הַשְׂכֵּל וְיָדֹעַ אוֹתִי.
“That he will not act haughtily toward his brothers” (Deuteronomy 17:20). We were warned with this to remove the trait of pride from our souls; and that the great not lord it over the small, but rather be of a lowly spirit. And pride is one of the weighty sins that lose and destroy the soul, as it is stated (Proverbs 16:5), “Every haughty person is an abomination to the Lord.” And of what help is the procurement of his money, his great wealth and his (lofty) treasures [in the heights]? Behold, since he is loathsome and foul, the heights of his great splendor are lower than the pit. And [even] a wise man should not glory in anything besides the service of God, may He be blessed, and fear of Him, trust in Him, love of Him and clinging to Him - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 10:21), “He is your Glory and He is your God.” And it is [also] stated (Jeremiah 9:22-23) “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, etc. But only in this should one glory: In his earnest knowledge of Me.”
נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן לוֹ וְלֹא יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ בְּתִתְּךָ לוֹ (דברים ט"ו:י'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהַרְחִיק מִנַּפְשֵׁנוּ צָרוּת הָעַיִן. וְלִהְיוֹתֵנוּ טוֹבֵי עַיִן. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:ט') טוֹב עַיִן הוּא יְבֹרָךְ. וְלֹא דַּי בְּמַתְּנַת הַיָּד עַד אֲשֶׁר אֲשֶׁר נִטַּע בְּנַפְשׁוֹתֵינוּ מִדַּת הַנְּדִיבוּת. עַל כֵּן הִזְהִיר וְאָמַר וְלֹא יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ אַחַר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן לוֹ.
“Give to him readily and have no regrets when you give to him” (Deuteronomy 15:10). We were warned with this to distance our souls from miserliness, but rather to be generous - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 22:9), “The generous man is blessed.” And it is not enough with the gifts of our hands, but we must rather plant the trait of generosity into our souls. Therefore, it warned and said, “and have no regrets,” after it is stated, “Give to him readily.”
לֹא תְאַמֵּץ אֶת לְבָבְךָ וְלֹא תִקְפֹּץ אֶת יָדְךָ (דברים ט"ו:ז'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהָסִיר מִנַּפְשֵׁנוּ מִדַּת הָאַכְזָרִיּוּת. וְלִנְטוֹעַ בָּהּ נִטְעֵי נַעֲמָנִים, הֵם הָרַחֲמִים וְהַחֲסָדִים הַנֶּאֱמָנִים. כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב (שם כה) וְהָלַכְתָּ בִּדְרָכָיו. וּבַעֲבוּר כִּי מִן הָאֶפְשָׁר שֶׁלֹּא יִקְפֹּץ אֶת יָדוֹ וְיָחֹן אֶת הֶעָנִי וְלֹא מִדֶּרֶךְ רַחְמָנוּת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י"ב:י') וְרַחֲמֵי רְשָׁעִים אַכְזָרִי. עַל כֵּן כָּתוּב לֹא תְאַמֵּץ אֶת לְבָבְךָ. וְעֹנֶשׁ הָאַכְזָרִיּוּת רַע וָמָר. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר בְּשַׁעַר הָאַכְזָרִיּוּת בְּעֶזְרַת הָאֵל. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (שבת קנא:) וְנָתַן לְךָ רַחֲמִים וְרִחַמְךָ וְהִרְבֶּךָ. כָּל הַמְרַחֵם עַל הַבְּרִיּוֹת מְרַחֲמִין עָלָיו מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם וְכָל שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְרַחֵם עַל הַבְּרִיּוֹת אֵין מְרַחֲמִין עָלָיו מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם.
“Do not harden your heart and shut your hand” (Deuteronomy 15:7). We were warned with this to remove the trait of cruelty from our souls, and to plant delightful saplings in it - [namely] reliable mercy and kindnesses, as it is written (Deuteronomy 28:9), “and you shall walk in His ways.” And because it is possible not to shut his hand and to grace the poor person, but not in the way of mercy - like the matter that is written (Proverbs 12:10), “but the mercies of the wicked are cruelty” - therefore it is written, “Do not harden your heart.” And the punishment for cruelty is bad and bitter, as will be explained in the Gate of Cruelty (no longer extant), with God’s help. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 151b), “‘And He will show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you’ (Deuteronomy 13:18) - anyone who has compassion for the creatures will receive compassion from Heaven, and anyone who does not have compassion for the creatures will not receive compassion from Heaven.”
וְלֹא תָחוֹס עֵינְךָ עָלָיו וְלֹא תַחְמֹל וְלֹא תְכַסֶּה עָלָיו (דברים י"ג:ט'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לַחְמֹל וּלְרַחֵם עַל הַמַּחְטִיאִים וְהַמַּכְשִׁילִים בְּנֵי אָדָם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַנַּעֲשֶׂה רַחְמָנִי עַל הָאַכְזָרִים לַסּוֹף נַעֲשֶׂה אַכְזָרִי עַל הָרַחְמָנִים.
“Show him no pity or compassion, and do not shield him” (Deuteronomy 13:9). We were warned with this to not have compassion nor to have mercy on those that cause people to sin and stumble. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Midrash Tanchuma, Metzora 1), “Anyone who becomes merciful upon the cruel will end up being cruel to the merciful.”
לֹא תִקֹּם וְלֹא תִטֹּר אֶת בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ (ויקרא י"ט:י"ח). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אֵי זוֹ הִיא נְקִימָה אָמַר לוֹ הַשְׁאִילֵנִי קַרְדֻּמְּךָ אָמַר לוֹ אֵינִי מַשְׁאִילְךָ כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁלֹּא הִשְׁאַלְתַּנִי אֶת שֶׁלְּךָ. אֵי זוֹ הִיא הִיא נְטִירָה. אָמַר לוֹ הֲרֵנִי מַשְׁאִילְךָ. וְאֵינִי כְּמוֹתְךָ שֶׁלֹּא הִשְׁאַלְתַּנִי. וְאֵין הָעֹנֶשׁ בָּזֶה עַל הַדִּבּוּר אֶלָּא עַל נְטִירַת הַלֵּב. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי אַזְהָרַת הַנְּטִירָה עַל דָּבָר שֶׁבְּמָמוֹן. אֲבָל עַל דִּבְרֵי גַּאֲוָה וָבוּז וּדְרִישַׁת רָעָה מֻתָּר לָשׂוּם הַדְּבָרִים עַל לִבּוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עַל זֶה כָּל תַּלְמִיד חָכָם שֶׁאֵינוֹ נוֹקֵם וְנוֹטֵר כְּנָחָשׁ אֵינוֹ תַּלְמִיד חָכָם. אֲבָל אִם יְבַקְּשׁוּ מִמֶּנּוּ מְחִילָה יַעֲבֹר עַל מִדּוֹתָיו.
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen.” (Leviticus 19:18). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 23a), “What is revenge [... If] one said to [his fellow,] ‘Lend me your ax’; he said [back] to him, ‘I will not lend to you, just as you did not lend yours to me’ - that is revenge. And what is bearing a grudge? [...] he said [back] to him, ‘Here it is, as I am not like you, who would not lend it to me.’” And the punishment for this is not for speaking, but rather for the grudge in the heart. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 23a) the [prohibition] on bearing a grudge is for monetary matters, but it is permissible to keep words of pride or disgrace or seeking evil [against him] upon his heart. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 22b), “Any Torah scholar who [when insulted] does not avenge himself and bear a grudge like a snake is not considered a Torah scholar.” But if they request forgiveness from him, he should forego his reckonings.
לֹא תִשְׂנָא אֶת אָחִיךָ בִּלְבָבֶךָ (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהָסִיר מִנַּפְשֵׁנוּ מִדַּת הַשִּׂנְאָה וְהִיא מִדָּה מְעוֹלֶלֶת פְּשָׁעִים רַבִּים. וּמְסַבֶּבֶת כַּמָּה עֲלִילוֹת נִשְׁחָתוֹת. כְּמוֹ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע שֶׁהוּא שָׁקוּל כְּנֶגֶד כַּמָּה חַיָּבֵי מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר. וּכְמוֹ דְּרִישַׁת רָעָה. וְהַשִּׂמְחָה לְאֵיד. וּגְרָמַת נְזָקִים לַחֲבֵרִים. וַהֲלִיכַת רָכִיל. וּנְקִימָה וּנְטִירָה. וּמְאַבֶּדֶת טוֹבָה הַרְבֵּה מִן הַנֶּפֶשׁ. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר בְּשַׁעַר הַשִּׂנְאָה. וּרְאֵה עַד הֵיכָן הִגִּיעַ עֹנֶשׁ הַשִּׂנְאָה. כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בַּיִת שֵׁנִי שֶׁהָיוּ עוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים מִפְּנֵי מָה חָרַב. מִפְּנֵי שִׂנְאַת חִנָּם שֶׁהָיְתָה בֵּינֵיהֶם.
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart” (Leviticus 19:17). We were warned with this to remove the trait of hatred from our souls. And it is a trait that brings many sins and causes several foul plots - such as evil speech which corresponds to several [sins which are punished with] a death penalty from the court, as will be explained; and like seeking the bad, and joy in calamity, causing injuries to one’s fellow, talebearing, revenge and bearing a grudge. And it destroys much good for the soul, as will be explained in the Gate of Hatred (no longer extant). And see how far the punishment of hatred reaches: For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 9b), “For what [reason] was the Second Temple destroyed, [even though] they were occupied with Torah [study] and good deeds? Because of the causeless hatred that was among them.”
וְנִשְׁמַרְתָּ מִכֹּל דָּבָר רָע (דברים כ"ג:י'). פֵּרְשׁוּ זַ"ל לֹא יְהַרְהֵר אָדָם בַּיּוֹם וְיָבֹא לִידֵי טֻמְאָה בַּלַּיְלָה. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְהַרְהֵר כְּדֵי לַעֲשׂוֹת. וְדָבָר הַלָּמֵד מֵעִנְיָנוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב אַחֲרָיו (דברים כ"ג:י"א) כִּי יִהְיֶה בְךָ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יִהְיֶה טָהוֹר מִקְּרֵה לָיְלָה.
“Be on your guard against anything bad” (Deuteronomy 23:10). They, may their memory be blessed, explained (Ketuvot 46a), “A person should not think [impure] thoughts by day and thereby come to impurity by night” - and even though his thought is not to [follow it up with action]. And it is something learned from its [context]. As after it, it is written (Deuteronomy 23:11), “If anyone among you has been rendered unclean by a nocturnal emission.”
וְלֹא תָתֻרוּ אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם (במדבר ט"ו:ל"ט). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לַחְשֹׁב לַעֲשׂוֹת עֲבֵרָה וְעַל כָּל דְּבַר פֶּשַׁע וְחֵטְא. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ד:ח') מְחַשֵּׁב לְהָרֵעַ. וְשֶׁלֹּא לְהַרְהֵר בְּדִבְרֵי הַמִּינִין. פֶּן יִכָּשֵׁל וְיִמָּשֵׁךְ אַחֲרֵיהֶם. וַאֲשֶׁר יָשִׁיב אֶל לִבּוֹ כִּי הש"י בּוֹחֵן לֵב וְחוֹקֵר כְּלָיוֹת. אֵיךְ יָעִיז פָּנָיו לְטַמֵּא לִבּוֹ וּדְבַר בְּלִיַּעַל יָצוּק בּוֹ. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"ד:ט') זִמַּת אִוֶּלֶת חַטָּאת. עוֹד אָמַר (משלי ו':ט"ז-י"ח) שֶׁשׁ הֵנָּה שָׂנֵא ה' וְשֶׁבַע תּוֹעֲבוֹת נַפְשׁוֹ לֵב חֹרֵשׁ מַחְשְׁבוֹת אָוֶן.
“So that you do not follow your heart and your eyes” (Numbers 15:39). We were warned with this not to think to do a transgression (or upon any) [or any] prohibition or sin - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 24:8), “He who thinks to do evil” - and not to think about words of heresy, lest one stumble and be drawn after them. And when he places upon his heart that God, may He be blessed, examines the heart and investigates the kidneys (understood as the seat of wisdom), how can he dare to defile his heart and [have] a ruffian matter lodged upon it? And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 24:9), “The schemes of folly are sin.” He also said (Proverbs 6:16-18), “Six things the Lord hates; seven are an abomination to His soul: [...] A mind that hatches evil plots.”
לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא (שמות כ"ג:א'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְקַבֵּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וּכְמוֹ שֶׁאָמַר הַתַּרְגּוּם לָא תְקַבֵּל שֵׁמַע דִּשְׁקָר.
“Do not bear a vain report” (Exodus 23:1). We were warned with this not to accept evil speech. And [it is] like the Targum (translation of Onkelos) says, “Do not accept a false report.”
לֹא תַחְמֹד בֵּית רֵעֶךָ (שמות כ':י"ד). וְלֹא תִתְאַוֶּה בֵּית רֵעֶךָ (דברים ח). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהִתְעוֹלֵל עֲלִילוֹת בְּרֶשַׁע לָקַחַת שָׂדֶה וְכֶרֶם וְכָל אֲשֶׁר לְרֵעֵנוּ. גַּם כִּי נִתֵּן מִכְרָם. וְהֻזְהַרְנוּ עַל מַחְשֶׁבֶת הַדָּבָר הָרָע הַזֶּה שֶׁלֹּא נַסְכִּים בְּמַחְשַׁבְתֵּנוּ לַעֲשׂוֹתוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר לֹא תַחְמֹד. וְאִם יִכְסֹף אָדָם שֶׁיִּמְכֹּר לוֹ חֲבֵרוֹ שָׂדֶה אוֹ כֶּרֶם אוֹ אֶחָד מֵחֲפָצָיו לֹא יִשָּׂא אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ לְמָכְרוֹ. וְאִם יִפְצַר בּוֹ בְּרוֹב דִּבְרֵי תַּחֲנוּנִים יֵבוֹשׁ לְהָשִׁיב פָּנָיו אָסוּר לִפְצֹר בּוֹ. כִּי זֶה כְּמוֹ הֶכְרֵחַ וְאֹנֶס. וְהַחוֹמֵד לָקַחַת כָּל חֵפֶץ וְהוּא אִישׁ נִכְבָּד, שֶׁאִם יִשְׁאַל שְׁאֵלָה אוֹר פָּנָיו לֹא יַפִּילוּן. אָסוּר לִשְׁאוֹל מֵעִם רֵעֵהוּ מִקָּח אוֹ מַתַּת, בִּלְתִּי אִם יֵדַע כִּי נָתֹן יִתֵּן לוֹ בְּנֶפֶשׁ חֲפֵצָה. וְלֹא יֵרַע לְבָבוֹ בְּתִתּוֹ לוֹ.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house” (Exodus 20:17); “and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house” (Deuteronomy 5:18). We were warned with this not to make evil plots to take the field or vineyard or anything of (your) [our] fellow, even if one gives their price. And we were warned about the thought of this evil thing, that we should not resolve in our thoughts to do it, as it is stated, “You shall not covet.” And if a person longs for his fellow to sell him a field or a vineyard or [any] of his possessions and [the owner] does not want to sell it - but if he pleads with him with many supplications, he will be embarrassed to answer him - it is forbidden to plead with him, as it is like coercion or duress. And one who covets to take any object and is a respected person - such that if he asked the question, they would not let his eminence down - it is forbidden to ask for [any] purchase or grant, unless he knows that [the owner] would give it to him with [full agreement], and not regret giving it to him in his heart.
מִן הָאַזְהָרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת (בלב) [בַּלָּשׁוֹן]. כִּי ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ מִתְהַלֵּךְ בְּקֶרֶב מַחֲנֶךָ לְהַצִּילְךָ וְלָתֵת אֹיְבֶיךָ לְפָנֶיךָ וְהָיָה מַחֲנֶיךָ קָדוֹשׁ וְלֹא יִרְאֶה בְךָ עֶרְוַת דָּבָר (דברים כ"ג:ט"ו). אָמְרוּ זַ"ל כִּי בִּכְלַל הָאַזְהָרָה הַזֹּאת. כִּי בַּהֲגוֹתֵנוּ בְּתוֹרַת הש"י. וּבְדַבְּרֵנוּ בַּתְּפִלָּה לְפָנָיו. יִהְיֶה מַחֲנֵנוּ קָדוֹשׁ וְלֹא יִרְאֶה בָּנוּ עֶרְוַת דָּבָר. לָכֵן נִצְטַוִּינוּ בָּזֶה לְהַזְכִּיר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם בִּקְדֻשָּׁה. וְלַעֲסֹק בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה וּתְפִלָּה בִּקְדֻשָּׁה. וְשֶׁלֹּא לְהַזְכִּיר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם וְדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה אִם הוּא עָרֹם. אוֹ אִם יֵשׁ שָׁם אָדָם עָרֹם כְּנֶגְדּוֹ. וְכֵן הֻזְהַרְנוּ שֶׁיִּהְיֶה הַמָּקוֹם נָקִי. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ג:י"ד) וְחָפַרְתָּ בָהּ וְשַׁבְתָּ וְכִסִּיתָ אֶת צֵאָתֶךָ. וכ"ש כִּי הוּא מֻזְהָר שֶׁלֹּא לְהַזְכִּיר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם אִם אֵין יָדָיו נְקִיּוֹת. וְאִם נָגְעוּ יָדָיו בְּדָבָר הַנִּמְאָס עָלָיו יִרְחָצֵם. וּכְעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים כ"ו:ו') אֶרְחַץ בְּנִקָּיוֹן כַּפַּי. וּבְלֶכְתּוֹ בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְהוּא מִסְתַּפֵּק אִם הַדֶּרֶךְ נָקִי אַל יִזְכֹּר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם. וְאַל יְדַבֵּר בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה. וְאִם יֵשׁ דָּבָר שֶׁאֵינוֹ נָקִי לְאַחֲרָיו כְּגוֹן צוֹאָה אוֹ נְבֵלָה אוֹ מֵי מִשְׁרָה. צָרִיךְ שֶׁיַּרְחִיק ד' אַמּוֹת מִמָּקוֹם שֶׁכָּלָה הָרֵיחַ וּלְפָנָיו כִּמְלֹא עֵינָיו. וְהַזְּהִירוּת בָּזֶה מִדַּרְכֵי יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלאכי ג':ט"ז) לְיִרְאֵי ה' וּלְחֹשְׁבֵי שְׁמוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (במדבר ט"ו:ל"א) כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה זֶה הַמְדַבֵּר דִבְרֵי תוֹרָה בַּמְּבוֹאוֹת הַמְטֻנָּפוֹת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (קהלת רבה א׳:ז׳) יָהֵיב חָכְמְתָא לְחַכִּימִין מִפְּנֵי כִּי הַחֲכָמִים מְכַבְּדִים אֶת הַתּוֹרָה וְעוֹסְקִים בָּהּ בִּקְדֻשָּׁה. וְאִלּוּ נִתְּנָה לַטִּפְּשִׁים הָיוּ מְדַבְּרִים בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה בַּמְּבוֹאוֹת הַמְטֻנָּפוֹת.
Among the [negative commandments] that are dependent on the (heart) [tongue] are: “Since the Lord, your God, moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you, let your camp be holy; let not anything unseemly be seen among you” (Deuteronomy 23:15). They, may their memory be blessed, said (Berakhot 25b) that included in this [prohibition] is that when we speak words of the Torah of God, may He be blessed - and in our speaking in prayer in front of Him - our camp should be holy, and let not anything unseemly be seen among us. Therefore we were commanded about this, to mention [God’s] name in holiness and to engage in words of Torah and prayer in holiness; and not to mention [God’s] name or words of Torah if he is naked or if there is a naked man across from him. And likewise were we warned that the place be clean, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 23:14), “you shall dig a hole with it and cover up your excrement.” And all the more so is he warned not to mention [God’s] name if his hands are not clean. And if his hands touched something disgusting to him, he should wash them - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 26:6), “I wash my palms in cleanliness.” And when one is walking on the path and he is in doubt if the path is clean, he should not mention [God’s] name, and he should not say words of Torah. And if there is something that is not clean behind him - such as excrement or a carcass or water [used for] soaking [flax] - one must move a distance of four ells away from where the odor ends; but in front of him, [the distance] is [as far as] his eye can see. And carefulness about this is one of the ways of fearing God, as it is stated (Malachi 3:16), “concerning those who revere the Lord and esteem His name.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Berakhot 24b), “‘For he has shown contempt for the word of the Lord’ (Numbers 15:31) - this is [referring to] one who says words of Torah in filthy alleyways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kohelet Rabbah 1:17), “‘He gives wisdom to the wise’ (Daniel 2:21) because the wise honor the Torah and occupy themselves with it in holiness.” But if He had given it to the silly, they would have said words of Torah in filthy alleyways.
וְיֵשׁ בָּאַזְהָרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בַּלָּשׁוֹן [שֶׁלּוֹקִין] עֲלֵיהֶן. כִּי כֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הָאַזְהָרוֹת שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה לָאו שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה אֵין לוֹקִין עָלָיו חוּץ מִנִּשְׁבָּע וּמְקַלֵּל אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ בַּשֵּׁם. וְהַשְּׁבוּעָה לַשָּׁוְא אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בָּהּ מִיתַת בֵּית דִּין. עָנְשָׁהּ חָמוּר בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם יוֹתֵר מֵהַרְבֵּה עֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶן מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין, כִּי הַנִּשְׁבָּע לַשֶּׁקֶר מְחַלֵּל אֶת הַשֵּׁם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ב) וְלֹא תִשָּׁבְעוּ בִשְׁמִי לַשָּׁקֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ אֶת שֵׁם ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ. וְחִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם עָנְשׁוֹ לְמַעְלָה מִכָּל הָעֲבֵרוֹת. וְלֹא נִכְתַּב כֵּן עַל אַחַת מִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת אֶלָּא עַל הַשְּׁבוּעָה לַשֶּׁקֶר וְעַל ע"ז שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ':ג') כִּי מִזַּרְעוֹ נָתַן לַמֹּלֶךְ לְמַעַן טַמֵּא אֶת מִקְדָּשִׁי וּלְחַלֵּל אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי. וְנֶאֱמַר בְּאַזְהָרוֹת ע"ז (שמות כ':ה') לֹא תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לָהֶם וְלֹא תָעָבְדֵם כִּי אָנֹכִי ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵל קַנָּא. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי לֹא יִסְלַח עֲוֹן ע"ז עַל דֶּרֶךְ סְלִיחָתוֹ לִשְׁאָר עֲבֵרוֹת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁכָּתוּב (ירמיהו ה':ז') אֵי לָזֹאת אֶסְלַח לָךְ בָּנַיִךְ עֲזָבוּנִי וַיִּשָּׁבְעוּ בְּלֹא אֱלֹהִים. וְכֵן כָּתוּב בְּאַזְהָרוֹת הַשְּׁבוּעָה לַשֶּׁקֶר (שמות כ':ז') כִּי לֹא יְנַקֶּה ה' אֵת אֲשֶׁר יִשָּׂא אֶת שְׁמוֹ לַשָּׁוְא. וְנִכְתְּבָה אַזְהָרַת הַשְּׁבוּעָה לַשֶּׁקֶר אַחַר אַזְהָרַת עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. יַעַן וּבְיַעַן כִּי הַשְּׁבוּעָה לַשֶּׁקֶר נִמְצָא בִּכְנָפֶיהָ עֲוֹן חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּעִנְיָן מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב (משלי ל':ח') רֵאשׁ (כן כתיב מלא באל"ף וענינו העניות) וָעֹשֶׁר אַל תִּתֶּן לִי וְגוֹ' פֶּן אֶשְׂבַּע וְכִחַשְׁתִּי וְאָמַרְתִּי מִי ה' וּפֶן אִוָּרֵשׁ וְגָנַבְתִּי וְתָפַשְׂתִּי שֵׁם אֱלֹהָי. הַשְּׁנִיָּה קָשָׁה מִן הָרִאשׁוֹנָה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (יחזקאל כ':ל"ט) וְאַתֶּם בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וְגוֹ' אִישׁ גִּלּוּלָיו לְכוּ עֲבֹדוּ וְאַחַר אִם אֵינְכֶם שֹׁמְעִים אֵלָי וְאֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי לֹא תְחַלְּלוּ עוֹד. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי עֲוֹן הַנִּשְׁבָּע לַשֶּׁקֶר בב"ד חָמוּר מֵעֹנֶשׁ הָעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה בַּסֵּתֶר מִפְּנֵי חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם. וְאָמְרוּ זַ"ל עַל כָּל עֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה נִפְרָעִין מִמֶּנּוּ וּמִמִּשְׁפַּחְתּוֹ וְכָאן מִמֶּנּוּ וּמִכָּל הָעוֹלָם. וְאִם חִיְּבוּ בֵּית דִּין אֶת הָאָדָם לְהִשָּׁבַע שְׁבוּעָה וְהוּא יוֹדֵעַ אֲשֶׁר פִּיו דִּבֵּר שָׁוְא. אָסוּר לְקַבֵּל עָלָיו הַשְּׁבוּעָה לֵאמֹר אָנֹכִי אִשָּׁבֵעַ לְמַעַן הַפְחִיד אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בִּלְבָבוֹ לְהִשָּׁבַע שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ':ז') לֹא תִשָּׂא. וְיֵשׁ בִּכְלַל מִשְׁמָעוֹ לֹא תְּקַבֵּל לְהִשָּׁבַע לַשָּׁוְא. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ זַ"ל בִּמְכִילְתִּין. וְתַרְגּוּם (שמות כ"ג:א') לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא לָא תְקַבֵּל. וְאָסוּר לְהִשָּׁבַע חִנָּם אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא נִשְׁבָּע עַל הָאֱמֶת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ':ז') לֹא תִשָּׂא אֶת שֵׁם ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַשָּׁוְא וְתַרְגּוּמוֹ לְמַגָּנָא. וְכֵן הַמְּסַבֵּב לְהַשְׁבִּיעַ אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ חִנָּם גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנוֹ. כְּגוֹן שֶׁהָיָה חֲבֵרוֹ חַיָּב לוֹ מָנֶה וְיַכְפִּיל עַל תְּבִיעָתוֹ לְמַעַן יֵצֵא קַו הַדִּין עַל הוֹדָאָתוֹ לְמִקְצָת לְהִשָּׁבַע שְׁבוּעַת הַתּוֹרָה. אוֹ שֶׁתּוֹבֵעַ אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ עַל חִנָּם אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָדַע יִשְׁאָלֵהוּ וּמַשְׁבִּיעוֹ שְׁבוּעַת הֶסֵּת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי זֶה הָאִישׁ נִקְרָא גַּנָּב שֶׁגּוֹנֵב דַּעַת הַבְּרִיּוֹת. וְעָלָיו נֶאֱמַר (זכריה ה':ד') הוֹצֵאתִיהָ נְאֻם ה' צְבָאוֹת וּבָאָה אֶל בֵּית הַגַּנָּב וְאֶל בֵּית הַנִּשְׁבָּע בִּשְׁמִי לַשָּׁקֶר וְלָנֶה בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ וְכִלַּתּוּ וְאֶת עֵצָיו וְאֶת אֲבָנָיו. וּמִי שֶׁהוּא יוֹדֵעַ שֶׁאִם יִשָּׁבַע יַחְשְׁדוּהוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם עַל שְׁבוּעָתוֹ. יֵשׁ לוֹ לְהִמָּנַע וְלַחְשֹׂךְ נַפְשׁוֹ מִן הַשְּׁבוּעָה לִכְבוֹד שָׁמַיִם. גַּם כִּי הָאֱמֶת אִתּוֹ.
There are some [negative commandments] that are dependent upon the tongue, for which we give lashes. For so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Makkot 16a), “All the warnings in the Torah - we do not give lashes for a negative commandment that does not [involve] an action, except for one who makes an oath or curses his fellow with [God’s] name.” And even though there is no death penalty from the court with a vain oath, its punishment at the hands of the Heavens is more weighty than many sins that do have a death penalty from the court. For making an oath in vain profanes [God’s] name - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:12), “You shall not swear falsely by My name, profaning the name of your God” - and the punishment for profaning the name is more elevated than [that of] all of the sins. And it is not written like this about any of the sins besides a false oath and idolatry, as it is stated (Leviticus 20:3), “because he gave of his offspring to Molech and so defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name.” And it is stated in the warning about idolatry (Exodus 20:5), “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord, your God, am a jealous God.” [This] means to say, that He will not forgive the iniquity of idolatry in the way of forgiveness for other sins - like the matter that is written (Jeremiah 5:7), “Why should I forgive you; your children have forsaken Me and sworn by no-gods!” And likewise is it written in the warning for a false oath (Exodus 20:7), “for the Lord will not clear one who swears falsely by His name.” And the warning for a false oath is written (immediately) after the warning of idolatry, most certainly because the iniquity of profaning God, may He be blessed, is found under the wings of a false oath. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said regarding the matter of the verse (Proverbs 30:8-9), “Give me neither poverty nor riches, etc. Lest, being sated, I renounce, saying, ‘Who is the Lord,’ or, being impoverished (it is written fully with an aleph, but its meaning is, poor), I take to theft, and profane the name of my God,” that the latter is harsher than the former - as it is stated (Ezekiel 20:39), “As for you, O House of Israel, etc., go, every one of you, and worship his idols and continue, if you will not obey Me; but do not profane My holy name any more.” It is meaning to say that the iniquity of the one who swears falsely in a court is more weighty than the punishment of one who worships idolatry in private, due to the profaning of the name [involved in the former]. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shevuot 39a), “For all of the other transgressions in the Torah, punishment is exacted only from the transgressor and his family; whereas here, punishment is exacted from him and from the entire world,” And if the court obligates a man to make an oath but he knows that his mouth speaks falsely (it would be a false oath), it is forbidden to [even] take the oath upon himself, saying, “I will swear” - in order to frighten his fellow - even though he does not plan to swear. For it is stated, (Exodus 20:7), “You shall not bear” - and included in its meaning is not to accept (agree) to swear falsely. And likewise did they, may their memory be blessed, say in our Mekhilta (Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael, Yitro). And the Targum (translation of Onkelos) of, “Do not bear a vain report“ (Exodus 23:1), is “do not accept.” And it is forbidden to make a needless oath, even if he is swearing about the truth, as it is stated (Exodus 20:7), “Do not bear the name of God in vain” - and its Targum is, “for nothing.” And likewise is the iniquity of one who causes his fellow to swear for nothing, great - for example when his fellow owed him a hundred and he doubled it in his claim, in order that the law would come out that one who admits partially is obligated to make a Torah-based oath; or when he claims against his fellow for nothing and asks him for what he knows nothing about and makes him take a [rabbinic] oath of inducement. And our Rabbis said (Shevuot 39a) that this man is called a thief, as he is stealing his mind (deceiving him); and about him is it stated (Zechariah 5:4), “[But] I have sent it forth - declares the Lord of Hosts - and [the curse] shall enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name, and it shall lodge inside their houses and shall consume them to the last timber and stone.” And one who knows that if he takes an oath, people will suspect him about [the truth of] the oath, should restrain himself from [taking] the oath for the honor of the Heavens - even though the truth is with him.
אֱלֹהִים לֹא תְקַלֵּל וְנָשִׂיא בְעַמְּךָ לֹא תָאֹר (שמות כ"ב:כ"ז). לֹא תְקַלֵּל חֵרֵשׁ (ויקרא י"ט:י"ד). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא יְקַלֵּל אִישׁ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל בַּשֵּׁם וְלֹא בְּאֶחָד מִכָּל הַכִּנּוּיִים. וּמָה שֶׁהֻזְכַּר בַּתּוֹרָה אֱלֹהִים לֹא תְקַלֵּל וְנָשִׂיא וְחֵרֵשׁ. כִּי בָּא לְהַזְהִיר שֶׁלֹּא לְקַלֵּל הַשּׁוֹפֵט כַּאֲשֶׁר יַרְשִׁיעֵהוּ בַּדִּין. וְלֹא אֶת הַנָּשִׂיא כַּאֲשֶׁר יַעֲנֹשׁ אֹתוֹ לְשַׁלְּחוֹ בְּיַד פִּשְׁעוֹ. וְהֻצְרַךְ לְהַזְכִּיר הַחֵרֵשׁ. פֶּן תֹּאמַר אֵין עֹנֶשׁ בְּקִלְלָתוֹ. אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ שׁוֹמֵעַ וְלֹא יַשִּׂיגֵהוּ צַעַר עַל קִלְלָתוֹ. וּבְסוֹף פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים נִכְתַּב אֱלֹהִים לֹא תְקַלֵּל. לֵאמֹר שֶׁלֹּא תְּקַלֵּל הַשּׁוֹפֵט אֶת הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים הָאֵלֶּה. אֲבָל הַשּׁוֹפֵט אֲשֶׁר לֹא כַּדָּת אוֹתוֹ תְּקַלֵּל. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַמְּקַלֵּל אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ אֶת עַצְמוֹ בַּשֵּׁם לוֹקֶה וְעָנְשׁוֹ בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם רַב מְאוֹד. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ח:נ"ח-נ"ט) אִם לֹא תִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת כָּל דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת [וגו'] לְיִרְאָה אֶת הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא הַזֶּה אֵת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ. וְהִפְלָא ה' אֶת מַכֹּתְךָ. וְגוֹ'. וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עִנְיַן הַפָּסוּק הַזֶּה עַל מִי שֶׁמְּקַלֵּל אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ אוֹ אֶת עַצְמוֹ בַּשֵּׁם.
“You shall not curse powers, nor revile a chieftain among your people” (Exodus 22:27); “You shall not curse a deaf man” (Leviticus 19:14). And we were warned with this not to curse [any] man of Israel with [God’s] name or one of all of [His] appellations. And [the reason] the Torah mentions not to curse powers; a chieftain; and a deaf man, is to come to warn one not to curse a judge (the power mentioned here) when he finds him guilty in the trial, nor a chieftain when he punishes him, to dispatch him for his transgression. And it was necessary to mention a deaf man, lest you say, “There is no punishment for cursing him - since he does not hear, no pain will reach him from his curse.” And “You shall not curse powers” is written at the end of Parshat Mishpatim (Statutes) to say that you should not curse a judge that judges with these statutes. But you may curse a judge that is not proper. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shevuot 36a), “One who curses his fellow or himself with [God’s] name is lashed.” And his punishment at the hand of the Heavens is very great, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 28:58-59), “If you fail to observe all the words of this Torah in the book, etc., to reverence this honored and awesome name, the Lord, your God; The Lord will inflict extraordinary plagues upon you, etc.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Temurah 3:2) the topic of this verse as one who curses his fellow or himself with [God’s] name.
וְאָסוּר לְאָדָם שֶׁיֹּאמַר, כֵּן יוֹשִׁיעֵהוּ הַשֵּׁם כַּאֲשֶׁר הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה דְּבַר אֱמֶת, וְהִנֵּה הוּא כָּזָב. כִּי הִנֵּה קִלֵּל אֶת עַצְמוֹ בַּשֵּׁם שֶׁמִּכְּלַל הֵן אַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ לָאו.
And it is forbidden for a person to say that God should save him if the matter is true, when the thing is actually untrue. For he cursed himself with [God’s] name [by doing so] - as the negative can be inferred from the positive.
יַיִן וְשֵׁכָר אַל תֵּשְׁתְּ וְגוֹ' וּלְהוֹרֹת אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (ויקרא י':ט') וּלֲהַבְדִּיל בֵּין הַקֹּדֶשׁ וּבֵין הַחֹל. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַשּׁוֹתֶה רְבִיעִית יַיִן שֶׁאֵינוֹ מָזוּג בְּמַיִם אַל יוֹרֶה. וְאִם שָׁתָה יוֹתֵר מֵרְבִיעִית אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמְּזָגוֹ אַל יוֹרֶה.
“Drink no wine or other intoxicant, etc. And to distinguish between the holy and the profane, etc. And you must teach the Israelites” (Leviticus 10:9-11). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Eruvin 64a), “If one drank a quarter [log] of wine that was not mixed with water, he may not issue a ruling, but if he drink more than a quarter, he may not issue a ruling even though he mixed it [with water].
וְלֹא תוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז). בְּאוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים הַכָּתוּב מְדַבֵּר כַּאֲשֶׁר שֶׁהִקְדַּמְנוּ לְמַעְלָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ הָיָה בַּעַל תְּשׁוּבָה לֹא יֹאמַר לוֹ זְכֹר מַעֲשֶׂיךָ הָרִאשׁוֹנִים, הָיָה בֶּן גֵּרִים לֹא יֹאמַר לוֹ זְכֹר מַעֲשֵׂי אֲבוֹתֶיךָ. וְזֶהוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"ב:כ') וְגֵר לֹא תוֹנֶה וְלֹא תִלְחָצֶנּוּ. לֹא תוֹנֶה בִּדְבָרִים. וְלֹא תִלְחָצֶנּוּ בְּמָמוֹן. וּבְכַמָּה מְקוֹמוֹת הִזְהִירָה הַתּוֹרָה עַל אוֹנָאַת הַגֵּר מִפְּנֵי אֲשֶׁר שָׁכַח עַמּוֹ וּבֵית אָבִיו וּבָא לַחֲסוֹת תַּחַת כַּנְפֵי הַשְּׁכִינָה. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (רות ב':י"א) וַתַּעַזְבִי אָבִיךְ וְאִמֵּךְ וְאֶרֶץ מוֹלַדְתֵּךְ וַתֵּלְכִי אֶל עַם אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָדַעַתְּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (רות ב':י"ב) וּתְהִי מַשְׂכֻּרְתֵּךְ שְׁלֵמָה מֵעִם ה' אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר בָּאת לַחֲסוֹת תַּחַת כְּנָפָיו. מָשָׁל לִצְבִי שֶׁבָּא לָעֵדֶר וְשָׁם יִרְבַּץ עִם הַצֹּאן יִרְעֶה. וְחָמַל עָלָיו בַּעַל הָעֵדֶר. כִּי עָזַב כַּר נִרְחָב וַיַּעֲמֹד בְּמָקוֹם צָר.
“A man shall not oppress his countryman” (Leviticus 25:17) - the verse is speaking about verbal oppression, like we discussed above. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 58b), “[If] one is a penitent, [another] may not say to him, ‘Remember your earlier deeds.’ [If] one is the child of converts, [another] may not say to him, ‘Remember the deeds of your ancestors.’” And that which is stated (Exodus 22:20), “You shall not oppress a stranger or press him,” [is understood as] “You shall not oppress” him verbally; “or press him” with money. And the Torah warned in several places about oppression of the convert, for he forgot his [own] people and the house of his father, and came to seek refuge under the wings of the Divine Presence - like the matter that is stated (Ruth 2:11), “how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and came to a people you had not known before”; and it is stated (Ruth 2:12), “May the Lord reward your deeds; may you have a full recompense from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have sought refuge!” And there is a [relevant] parable about a gazelle that comes to a flock, and crouches with the sheep there. So the owner of the flock had compassion on it - since it left a broad pasture to stand in a narrow place.
לֹא תִהְיֶה אַחֲרֵי רַבִּים לְרָעֹת (שמות כ"ג:ב') הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְחַזֵּק יְדֵי עוֹבְרֵי עֲבֵרָה בִּדְבָרִים. וְשֶׁלֹּא לְהִתְחַבֵּר אֶל הַמַּסְכִּימִים אֶל הָעָוֶל. וְכָעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו ח':י"ב) לֹא תֹאמְרוּן קֶשֶׁר לְכֹל אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר הָעָם הַזֶּה קָשֶׁר.
“You shall not follow the many to do bad.” (Exodus 23:2). We were warned with this not to verbally strengthen the hands of sinners, and not join with those that conspire to do injustice - like the matter that is stated (Isaiah 8:12) “You must not call conspiracy, all that people call conspiracy.”
וְאָסוּר לְהִתְחַבֵּר אֶל הָרָשָׁע בְּעִסְקֵי הָעוֹלָם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברי הימים ב כ':ל"ז) בְּהִתְחַבֶּרְךָ עִם אֲחַזְיָהוּ פָּרַץ ה' אֶת מַעֲשֶׂיךָ. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ג':ל"א) אַל תְּקַנֵּא בְּאִישׁ חָמָס וְאַל תִּבְחַר בְּכָל דְּרָכָיו וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּאָבוֹת שֶׁל רַבִּי נָתָן אַל תְּהִי חָבֵר לְרָשָׁע אֲפִלּוּ לִדְבַר מִצְוָה. וְרַבּוּ דַּרְכֵי מָוֶת הַנִּמְצָאִים בְּחֶבְרַת הָרְשָׁעִים. וּכְבָר גִּלִּינוּ עַל הֶעָוֹן הַזֶּה וְכֹבֶד עָנְשׁוֹ.
And it is forbidden to make an association with an evildoer for matters of the world, as it is stated (II Chronicles 20:37), “As you have made an association with Ahaziah, the Lord will break up your work.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 3:31), “Do not envy a lawless man, or associate with any of his ways.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said in Avot DeRabbi Natan (Avot DeRabbi Natan 9:4), “Do not befriend an evildoer even for the matter of a commandment.” And there are many paths of death found in the association with evildoers; and we have already spoken about this iniquity and the severity of its punishment.
וְלִפְנֵי עִוֵּר לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשֹׁל (ויקרא י"ט:י"ד). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהוֹרוֹת אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר לֹא כַּדָּת וְשֶׁלֹּא כַּהֲלָכָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הֱווּ מְתוּנִים בַּדִּין. וְנִמְהֲרֵי לֵב לְהָבִין וּלְהוֹרוֹת לֹא יַצִּילוּ אֶת נַפְשָׁם מִתֵּת מִכְשׁוֹל לִפְנֵי עִוֵּר וְחַטָּאתָם כָּבְדָה מְאוֹד. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ב:ה') לֹא יָדְעוּ וְלֹא יָבִינוּ בַּחֲשֵׁכָה יִתְהַלָּכוּ יִמּוֹטוּ כָּל מוֹסְדֵי אָרֶץ. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ הֱוֵי זָהִיר בַּתַּלְמוּד שֶׁשִּׁגְגַת תַּלְמוּד עוֹלָה זָדוֹן. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (סוטה כב.) כִּי רַבִּים חֲלָלִים הִפִּילָה זֶה תַּלְמִיד שֶׁלֹּא הִגִּיעַ לְהוֹרָאָה וּמוֹרֶה. וַעֲצוּמִים כָּל הֲרוּגֶיהָ זֶה תַּלְמִיד שֶׁהִגִּיעַ לְהוֹרָאָה וְאֵינוֹ מוֹרֶה.
“You shall not place a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). And we were warned with this not to give a ruling to the Israelites which is not like the doctrine and not like the law (halakha). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 1:1), “Be deliberate in judgement.” And the ones who are impatient to understand and give a ruling will not save their souls from putting a stumbling block before the blind; and their sin is very heavy, as it is written (Psalms 82:5), “They neither know nor understand, they go about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth totter.” And they also said (Avot 4:13), “Be careful in study, for an error in study counts as deliberate sin.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 22a), “‘For she has cast down many wounded’ (Proverbs 7:26); this is [referring to] a Torah scholar who has not yet attained the ability to issue rulings, and yet issues rulings. ‘And a mighty host are all her slain’; this is referring to a Torah scholar who has attained the ability to issue rulings, but does not issue rulings.”
עוֹד הֻזְהַרְנוּ מִן הַמִּקְרָא הַזֶּה. לְהַשִּׂיא עֵצָה הוֹגֶנֶת לַאֲשֶׁר יִוָּעֵץ עִמָּנוּ. וְלֹא לְהַכְשִׁילוֹ בְּעֵצָה נִבְעָרָה. וְלֹא יְיַעֵץ אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ לְפִי דַּרְכּוֹ.
We are also warned by this verse to give proper advice when we advise one of our people, and not to make him stumble with boorish advice; and not to advise one’s fellow for one’s [own advantage].
וְחַיָּב אָדָם לַחְשֹׁב מַחֲשָׁבוֹת לְהַעֲלוֹת עֵצוֹת הֲגוּנוֹת וּמְתֻקָּנוֹת לַחֲבֵרוֹ. וְזֶה אֶחָד מֵעִקְּרֵי דַּרְכֵי גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ז:ט') שֶׁמֶן וּקְטֹרֶת יְשַׂמַּח לֵב וּמֶתֶק רֵעֵהוּ מֵעֲצַת נָפֶשׁ.
And a man is obligated to think thoughts that will bring up proper and coherent advice for this fellow. And this is one of the main types of acts of lovingkindness, as it is stated (Proverbs 27:9), “Oil and incense gladden the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than one’s own counsel.”
לֹא תֵלֵךְ רָכִיל בְּעַמֶּךָ (ויקרא י"ט:ט"ז). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי בִּכְלַל הָאַזְהָרָה הַזֹּאת שֶׁלֹּא לְהוֹצִיא שֵׁם רַע עַל אִישׁ מִבְּנֵי עַמֵּנוּ. וְעָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר בְּמַדְרֵגַת חַיָּבֵי מִיתָה. עוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לֹא תֵלֵךְ רָכִיל בְּעַמֶּךָ אַזְהָרָה לַדַּיָּן שֶׁלֹּא יְהֵא רַךְ לָזֶה וְקָשֶׁה לָזֶה.
“Do not go talebearing among your people“ (Leviticus 19:16). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 46a) that included in this [negative commandment] is not to put out a bad name for any of our people. And the punishment [for doing this] is very stringent, as will be explained in the level of those liable for the death penalty. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Ketuvot 46a) [that] “Do not go talebearing (rakhil)” is a [prohibition] to the judge, that he should not be soft to (rakh la) this one and harsh to that one.
וְשֵׁם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים לֹא תַזְכִּירוּ (שמות כ"ג:י"ג). לֹא יֹאמַר אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ שְׁמֹר לִי אֵצֶל עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה פְּלוֹנִית.
“Make no mention of the names of other gods” (Exodus 23:13) - a person should not say to his fellow, “Wait for me by idol x.”
לֹא תְחָנֵּם (דברים ז':ב'). פֵּרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל לֹא תִּתֵּן לָהֶם חֵן, שֶׁאָסוּר לְאָדָם שֶׁיֹּאמַר: כַּמָּה נָאֶה גּוֹי זֶה. עוֹד פֵּרְשׁוּ, שֶׁלֹּא לָתֵת לָהֶם מַתְּנַת חִנָּם.
“You shall not grant them grace” (Deuteronomy 7:2). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained [it] as do not give grace to the seven (Canaanite) nations.
וְלֹא יִהְיֶה כְקֹרַח וְכַעֲדָתוֹ (במדבר י"ז:ה'). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (סנהדרין קי.) כָּל הַמַּחְזִיק בְּמַחְלֹקֶת עוֹבֵר בְּלָאו שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְלֹא יִהְיֶה כְקֹרַח וְכַעֲדָתוֹ. וּמֻתָּר לְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע עַל בַּעֲלֵי הַמַּחְלֹקֶת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלכים א א':כ"ו) וְלִי אֲנִי עַבְדֶּךָ וּלְצָדֹק הַכֹּהֵן וְגוֹ' לֹא קָרָא.
“And not be like Korach and like his community” (Numbers 17:5). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 110a), “Anyone who perpetuates a dispute violates a negative commandment, as it is stated ‘and not be like Korach and like his community.’” But it is permissible to say evil speech about disputatious people, as it is stated (I Kings 1:26), “But he did not invite me your servant, or the priest Zadok, etc.”
מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ מַחֲזִיק בְּמַחְלֹקֶת עַל הַמִּתְיַצְּבִים עַל דֶּרֶךְ לֹא טוֹב וּמוֹשְׁכֵי הֶעָוֹן. הֲרֵי הוּא נֶעֱנָשׁ מִפִּשְׁעֵיהֶם לְכָל חַטֹּאתָם. וְעוֹבֵר בְּלָאו שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז) וְלֹא תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא. וְנֶאֱמַר (הושע י':ט') מִימֵי הַגִּבְעָה חָטָאתָ יִשְׂרָאֵל שָׁם עָמָדוּ לֹא תַשִּׂיגֵם בַּגִּבְעָה מִלְחָמָה עַל בְּנֵי עַוְלָה. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אִם שָׁם עָמְדוּ הַדּוֹר הַזֶּה לֹא הִשִּׂיגָה אוֹתָם בַּגִּבְעָה מִלְחָמָה לְבַעֵר הָרָע כַּאֲשֶׁר הִשִּׂיגָה מִלְחָמָה לִבְנֵי הַדּוֹר הַהוּא. שָׁם עָמְדוּ כְּמוֹ אִם שָׁם עָמְדוּ. וְכֵן וְעָזַב אֶת אָבִיו וְאִם עָזַב. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – מִמִּין חֵטְא גִּבְעָה הָיָה חַטָּאתָם. אָכֵן הֵם הָיוּ טוֹבִים מֵאֵלֶּה כִּי נִקְהֲלוּ וְעָמֹד עַל נַפְשָׁם לְבַעֵר הָרַע. וְנֶאֱמַר (שופטים ה':כ"ג) אוֹרוּ מֵרוֹז אָמַר מַלְאַךְ ה' אֹרוּ אָרוֹר יֹשְׁבֶיהָ כִּי לֹא בָאוּ לְעֶזְרַת ה' בַּגִּבּוֹרִים. וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים א':י"ז) לֹא תָגוּרוּ מִפְּנֵי אִישׁ. וְכָל מִי שֶׁהוּא לשי"ת יִמְסֹר נַפְשׁוֹ עַל קְדֻשַּׁת ה'. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות ל"ב:כ"ו) מִי לַה' אֵלָי וַיֵּאָסְפוּ אֵלָיו כָּל בְּנֵי לֵוִי. וְנֶאֱמַר (במדבר כ"ה:ז') וַיַּרְא פִּינְחָס וְגוֹ' וַיִּקַּח רֹמַח בְּיָדוֹ. וְחוֹבָה עַל כָּל יָרֵא. אַף כִּי אוֹהֵב טְהָר לֵב, לְהָעִיר קִנְאָה כִּי יִרְאֶה וְהִנֵּה יַד שָׂרִים וּסְגָנִים בַּמַּעַל. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ: כָּל פִּרְצָה שֶׁאֵינָהּ מִן הַגְּדוֹלִים אֵינָהּ פִּרְצָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (עזרא ט':ב') וְיַד הַשָּׂרִים וְהַסְּגָנִים הָיְתָה בַּמַּעַל הַזֶּה רִאשׁוֹנָה.
One who does not perpetuate a dispute against those who stand on a path that is not good, and those that haul in iniquity, is surely punished for their transgressions in all their sins (of the actual sinners); and [also] transgresses a negative commandment - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “and not bear sin because of him..” And it is stated (Hosea 10:9) “You have sinned more, O Israel, than in the days of Gibeah; there they stand; shall they not be overtaken [as] at Gibeah by a war upon scoundrels?” Its explanation is [that] if that generation (of Hosea) was standing there, they would not have overtaken those in Gibeah in war, to destroy the evil, as that generation had overcome [the evildoers of that time] in war. The understanding of “there they stand” is, if they stood there. And likewise “and leave his father” (Genesis 44:22) is, if he left. [This is] meaning to say, that their sin was of the type of sin of Gibeah. However [the earlier generation] was better than these, since they gathered and stood with their lives to destroy the evil. And it is stated (Judges 5:23), “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord; ‘Bitterly curse its inhabitants, because they came not to the aid of the Lord, to the aid of the Lord among the warriors.” And it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:17), “do not fear in front of a man.” And anyone who is for God, may He be blessed, should give over his life for the sanctification of God, as it is stated (Exodus 32:26), “‘Whoever is for the Lord, come to me’; and all the Levites gathered to him.” And it is [also] stated (Numbers 25:7), “And Phinheas saw, etc. and he took a spear in his hand.” And it is an obligation on all that fear [God] - even if he is one that loves pureness of heart - to arouse zealotry when he sees that behold, the officers and the prefects are in trespass, as it is stated (Ezra 9:2), “and it was the hand of the officers and prefects who were in this trespass first.”
וּבְאַחֵיכֶם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אִישׁ בְּאָחִיו לֹא תִרְדֶּה בוֹ בְּפָרֶךְ (ויקרא כ"ה:מ"ו). לֹא יִשְׁתַּעְבֵּד אָדָם בַּחֲבֵרָיו. וְאִם אֵימָתוֹ עֲלֵיהֶם אוֹ שֶׁהֵם בּוֹשִׁים לְהָחֵל דְּבָרוֹ. לֹא יְצַוֶּה אוֹתָם לַעֲשׂוֹת קְטַנָּה אוֹ גְדוֹלָה. אֶלָּא לִרְצוֹנָם וְתוֹעַלְתָּם. וַאֲפִלּוּ לְהָחֵם צַפַּחַת מַיִם אוֹ לָצֵאת בִּשְׁלִיחוּת אֶל רְחוֹב הָעִיר לִקְנוֹת עַד כִּכַּר לֶחֶם. אֲבָל אָדָם שֶׁאֵינוֹ נוֹהֵג כַּשּׁוּרָה מֻתָּר לְצַוּוֹתוֹ לְכָל אֲשֶׁר יַחְפֹּץ.
“But as for your brothers of the Children of Israel, no one shall rule ruthlessly over the other” (Leviticus 25:46). A man may not subjugate his fellow. And if his fear is upon them or they are embarrassed to violate his word, he should not command them to do [anything at all], except from their [own] will and for their benefit - even to heat up a jug of water or to go on an errand to the town square to buy as much as a loaf of bread. But it is permitted to command anything he wants to a man who does not behave properly.
לֹא תְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי (ויקרא כ"ב:ל"ב). זֶה מֵחַיָּבֵי כָּרֵתוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר. וְדַע כִּי הַהֶפְסֵד וְהָאֲבַדּוֹן הַמָּצוּי בְּנַפְשׁוֹת הֲמוֹן הָעָם. הֲלֹא הוּא עַל שְׂפַת לָשׁוֹן. כִּי הֵם מַזְכִּירִים שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם לְבַטָּלָה. וְגַם מַזְכִּירִים מִבְּלִי מוֹרָא. וְעַל עִנְיָן זֶה פֵּרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב (ישעיה א':ג') יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא יָדָע. גַּם אֵינָם מְדַקְדְּקִים בִּנְקִיּוּת הַמָּקוֹם וְנִקְיוֹן כַּפַּיִם. וְחַכְמֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיוּ מְנַדִּים וּמְשַׁמְּתִים הַמּוֹצִיא שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם לְבַטָּלָה, וְהָיוּ חוֹשְׁדִים אוֹתוֹ עַל הַשְּׁבוּעָה, וְאָמְרוּ הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ מֵחֲבֵרוֹ שֶׁמַּזְכִּיר שֵׁם שָׁמַיִם לְבַטָּלָה, צָרִיךְ לְנַדּוֹתוֹ. וְאִם לֹא נִדָּהוּ, הוּא עַצְמוֹ יְהֵא בְּנִדּוּי.
“You shall not profane My holy name” (Leviticus 22:32). This is among [the sins for which] one is liable for excision, as will be explained. And know that, is not the (greatest) damage and destruction found among the souls of the masses on the lips of the tongue? For they mention [God’s] name for nothing, and they also mention it without reverence. And about this matter did our Rabbis explain (Leviticus Rabbah 27) that which it is written (Isaiah 1:3), “Israel did not know.” And they are also not exacting about the cleanliness of the place and cleanliness of [their] palms.
וְעַל דִּבְרַת בְּנֵי הָאָדָם שֶׁאֵינָם נִזְהָרִים בִּלְשׁוֹנָם בִּכְבוֹד ת"ח בֵּין בִּפְנֵיהֶם בֵּין שֶׁלֹּא בִּפְנֵיהֶם. נַעֲשִׂים אֶפִּיקוֹרְסִים שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְכֵן אֲבַדּוֹן אַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת הֲלֹא הוּא בְּחַטַּאת פִּימוֹ דְּבַר שְׂפָתֵימוֹ. הַכֹּל כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּתְבָּאֵר בַּשַּׁעַר הַזֶּה. עַל כֵּן כָּתוּב (משלי י"ח:כ"א) מָוֶת וְחַיִּים בְּיַד לָשׁוֹן.
And when people are not careful with their tongues about the honor of Torah scholars - whether in front of them or not in front of them - they turn into [those categorized as] heretics (apikorsim), who do not have a share in the world to come. And likewise, is not the destruction of the four groups (see Sota 42a) from the sin of their mouth and the word of their lips? It is all like it will be explained in this chapter. Therefore it is written (Proverbs 18:21), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
וְהִתְבּוֹנֵן וּרְאֵה עֲוֹן הַלָּשׁוֹן וְכֹבֶד פִּשְׁעוֹ. כִּי הַמְּקַלֵּל אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ עָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר מִן הַמַּכֶּה. כִּי מִשְׁפַּט הַמְקַלֵּל בִּסְקִילָה שֶׁהִיא הַחֲמוּרָה בְּמִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין. וְהַמַּכֶּה מִשְׁפָּטוֹ בְּחֶנֶק.
Observe and see the iniquity of the tongue and the severity of its transgression: For the punishment of one who curses his father and mother is more severe than one who strikes [them]. As the sentence of the one that curses is stoning - which is the most stringent of the court’s death penalties - whereas the sentence of the one who strikes [them] is strangulation.
וְגַם רַבִּים נוֹקָשִׁים וְנִלְכָּדִים. בְּחַלְּלָם הַחוּשִׁים הַנִּכְבָּדִים. חוּשׁ הָרְאוּת. וְחוּשׁ הַשֵּׁמַע. וְנֶאֱמַר עַל חוּשׁ הָרְאוּת (במדבר ט"ו:ל"ט) וְלֹא תָתֻרוּ אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם. הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא יִסְתַּכֵּל אָדָם בְּאֵשֶׁת אִישׁ וּבִשְׁאָר עֲרָיוֹת פֶּן יִוָּקֵשׁ בָּם.
And many are also ensnared and trapped in profaning their glorious senses - the sense of seeing and the sense of hearing. And it is stated about the sense of seeing (Numbers 15:39), “so that you do not follow your heart and eyes.” We were commanded with this that a man should not stare at a married woman or at other sexual prohibitions, lest he be ensnared by them.
וּמִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בְּחוּשׁ הָרְאוּת. רוּם עֵינַיִם. כִּי הוּא מְעוֹלָל (פי' לשון עילה וסיבה ור"ל שהגאוה היא סיבה לרום העינים) מִן הַגַּאֲוָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ק"א:ה') גְּבַהּ עֵינַיִם וּרְחַב לֵבָב אֹתוֹ לֹא אוּכָל.
And among the sins that are dependent on the sight of seeing is [that of] raised eyes. For it is caused by pride, as it is stated (Psalms 101:5), “I cannot endure one of raised eyes and a thick heart.”
וּמִדִּבְרֵי רַבּוֹתֵינוּ עַל חוּשׁ הַשֵּׁמַע. אַל יַשְׁמִיעַ אָדָם לְאָזְנָיו דְּבָרִים בְּטֵלִים שֶׁהֵם נִכְוִים תְּחִלָּה לָאֵיבָרִים. וְעַל הַמַּאֲזִין לְכָל פֶּה דּוֹבֵר נְבָלָה נֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:י"ד) שׁוּחָה עֲמֻקָּה פִּי זָרוֹת. יָשִׁיתוּ לֵב לְכָל אֵלֶּה יִרְאֵי אֱלֹהִים וּבַעֲלֵי תְּשׁוּבָה. לְהַצִּיל אֶת נַפְשָׁם מִיַּד לֶהָבָה. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ דְּבָרִים נִכְבָּדִים בְּעִנְיָן זֶה בְּשַׁעֲרֵי גִּדְרֵי הַזְּהִירוּת.
And among the words of our Rabbis about the sense of hearing is, “A person should not allow his ears to hear idle matters, because they are the first of the limbs burned” (Ketuvot 5b). And about the one that audits a mouth that speaks vulgarity, it is stated (Proverbs 22:14), “The mouth of strange women is a deep pit.” One who is of the fearers of God and of the penitents should pay attention to all of this, in order to save his soul from the flame. And we have already written fine words about this matter in the Gates of Precautions of Caution (no longer extant).
מִן הָאַזְהָרוֹת הַתְּלוּיוֹת בִּקְפִיצַת יָד וְהַמּוֹנֵעַ מִן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה: לֹא תִקְפֹּץ אֶת יָדְךָ מֵאָחִיךָ הָאֶבְיוֹן וְגוֹ' הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ פֶּן יִהְיֶה דָבָר עִם לְבָבְךָ בְלִיַּעַל לֵאמֹר קָרְבָה שְׁנַת הַשֶּׁבַע שְׁנַת הַשְּׁמִטָּה וְרָעָה עֵינְךָ בְּאָחִיךָ הָאֶבְיוֹן וְלֹא תִתֵּן לוֹ (דברים ט"ו:ז'-ט'). לָמַדְנוּ מִזֶּה כִּי הַנִּמְנָע מֵהַלְווֹת לֶעָנִי עוֹבֵר בִּשְׁנֵי לָאוִין שֶׁהֵם הִשָּׁמֶר פֶּן. וְאִם לְעֵת אֲשֶׁר קָרְבָה שְׁנַת הַשֶּׁבַע הֻזְהַרְנוּ שֶׁלֹּא נֶחְדַּל מִלְּהַלְווֹת מִיִּרְאַת דְּבַר הַשְּׁמִטָּה. אַף כִּי בִּזְמַן שֶׁלֹּא יַפְסִיד חוֹבוֹ. כִּי יִגְדַּל חֵטְא הַקּוֹפֵץ יָדוֹ מִלְּהַלְווֹת. וְעַל גֹּדֶל הֶעָוֹן קָרָא הַכָּתוּב מַחְשֶׁבֶת צַר הָעַיִן מִלְּהַלְווֹת דְּבַר בְּלִיַּעַל. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַמַּעֲלִים עֵינָיו מִן הַצְּדָקָה כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. כְּתִיב כָּאן פֶּן יִהְיֶה דָבָר עִם לְבָבְךָ בְלִיַּעַל. וְשָׁם כָּתוּב (שם י"ג:י"ד) יָצְאוּ אֲנָשִׁים בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל מִקִּרְבֶּךָ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי נִקְרָא צַר הָעַיִן בְּלִיַּעַל. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (שמואל א כ"ה:כ"ה) אֶל אִישׁ הַבְּלִיַּעַל הַזֶּה עַל נָבָל עַל שֶׁהָיָה צַר עַיִן שֶׁאָמַר לְעַבְדֵי דָּוִד (שמואל א כ"ה:י"א) וְלָקַחְתִּי אֶת לַחְמִי וְאֶת מֵימַי וְאֵת טִבְחָתִי וְגוֹ'. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (שבת סג.) גָּדוֹל הַמַּלְוֶה לֶעָנִי יוֹתֵר מִן הָעוֹשֶׂה צְדָקָה.
Among the [negative commandments] dependent upon the shutting of the hand and the one who prevents himself from an act is “do not [...] shut your hand against your needy kinsman, [etc.] Beware lest you harbor the base thought, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is approaching,’ so that you are mean to your needy kinsman and give him nothing” Deuteronomy 15:7-9). We have learned from this that one who refrains from lending to a poor person violates two negative commandments. And they are “Beware,” and “lest.” So if at the time that the seventh year is approaching, we are warned not to prevent ourselves from loaning because of the fear of the matter of the year of remission, certainly [is it so at] a time when he will not lose [the loaner’s] debt - for the sin of one who shuts his hand from lending will become greater. And from the greatness of this iniquity, the verse called the thought of stinginess from lending, “base thought (devar belia’al).” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 68a), “[Regarding] anyone who averts his eyes from the obligation to give charity, it is as if he engages in idol worship. It is written here, ‘Beware lest you harbor the base thought in your heart…and you will not give him’ (Deuteronomy 15:9), and it is written there, ‘Certain base fellows from among you have gone out’ (Deuteronomy 13:14).” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yalkut Shmuel 28:134) that a miser is called base. And so is it written (I Samuel 25:25), “to that wretched fellow, Nabal” - because he was stingy, since he said to David’s servants (I Samuel 25:11), “Should I then take my bread and my water and the meat that I slaughtered, etc.?” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 63a), “Greater is one who lends to a poor person than one who [gives] charity.”
לֹא תַעֲשֹׁק אֶת רֵעֲךָ (ויקרא י"ט:י"ג) וְאָמַר דָּוִד עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהלים ל"ז:כ"א) לֹוֶה רָשָׁע וְלֹא יְשַׁלֵּם. (ויקרא י"ט:י"ג) לֹא תָלִין פְּעֻלַּת שָׂכִיר אִתְּךָ עַד בֹּקֶר. (דברים כ"ד:ט"ו) בְּיוֹמוֹ תִתֵּן שְׂכָרוֹ וְלֹא תָבוֹא עָלָיו הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (ב"מ קי:), שְׂכִיר יוֹם גּוֹבֶה כָּל הַיּוֹם וְכָל הַלַּיְלָה, שְׂכִיר לַיְלָה גּוֹבֶה כָּל הַלַּיְלָה וְכָל הַיּוֹם, אֶחָד שְׂכַר הַבְּהֵמָה וְאֶחָד שְׂכַר הָאָדָם וְאֶחָד שְׂכַר הַכֵּלִים עוֹבֵר עֲלֵיהֶן עַל בַּל תָּלִין. קַבְּלָנוּת עוֹבֵר עָלָיו עַל בַּל תָּלִין.
“You shall not abuse your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:13). (And the explanation is that this is also from the [negative commandments] that are dependent upon the shutting of the hand. For the verse is speaking about abusing the wage of a wage-worker, such that [the employer] prevents himself from paying him his wage. And likewise, that which [Rabbenu Yonah] brings the verse, “The wicked man,” after this is because it is from this type in which one prevents himself from paying the debt.) And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 37:21), “The wicked man borrows and does not repay.” “You shall not leave over the wages of a laborer with you until morning” (Leviticus 19:13). “You must pay him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets” (Deuteronomy 24:15). It is the same for the rent of an animal, [the wage] of a person or of vessels - one transgresses, “You shall not leave over.” [Even with] contracting, one transgresses, “You shall not leave over” (Bava Metzia 101b).
לֹא תָלִין נִבְלָתוֹ עַל הָעֵץ (דברים כ"א:כ"ג). הַמֵּלִין אֶת מֵתוֹ עוֹבֵר בְּלָאו. זוּלָתִי אִם הֱלִינוֹ לִכְבוֹדוֹ.
“You must not leave over his corpse on the stake overnight” (Deuteronomy 21:23). One who leaves over his dead [relative] overnight transgresses a negative commandment, unless he leaves him over for [the sake of] his honor.”
לֹא תוּכַל לְהִתְעַלֵּם (שם כב). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהִתְרַשֵּׁל מֵהַצָּלַת מָמוֹן חֲבֵרֵינוּ בֵּין מִטַּלְטְלִין בֵּין קַרְקָעוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (שם) וְכֵן תַּעֲשֶׂה לְכָל אֲבֵדַת אָחִיךָ לְרַבּוֹת אֲבֵדַת קַרְקָעוֹת. כְּגוֹן אִם הָיוּ מַיִם שׁוֹטְפִים וּבָאִים שָׁם חַיָּב לִגְדֹּר בִּפְנֵיהֶם. אַף כִּי הֻזְהַרְנוּ לְהִשְׁתַּדֵּל בְּהַצָּלַת חֲבֵרֵנוּ וְלָשִׁית עֵצוֹת לְעֶזְרָתָם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (ויקרא י"ט:ט"ז) לֹא תַעֲמֹד עַל דַּם רֵעֶךָ. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה (משלי כ"ד:י') הִתְרַפִּיתָ בְּיוֹם צָרָה צַר כֹּחֶךָ. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אִם יֵשׁ לְךָ כֹּחַ לְהַצִּיל בְּעֵצָה אוֹ בְּהִשְׁתַּדְּלוּת וְאַתָּה מַרְאֶה אֶת נַפְשְׁךָ שֶׁאֵין בְּךָ יְכֹלֶת. יִקְצַר כֹּחֲךָ. מִדָּה כְּנֶגֶד מִדָּה. וְנֶאֱמַר אַחֲרָיו (משלי כ"ד:י"ב) כִּי תֹאמַר הֵן לֹא יָדַעְנוּ זֶה הֲלֹא תֹכֵן לִבּוֹת הוּא יָבִין וְנֹצֵר נַפְשְׁךָ הוּא יֵדָע וְהֵשִׁיב לְאָדָם כְּפָעֳלוֹ. הִנֵּה הַמְּנִיעָה מִן הַהַצָּלָה וְשִׁית עֵצוֹת עַל הָעֵזֶר הקב"ה יַחְשְׁבֶהָ לוֹ כְּפָעֳלוֹ.
“You may not be indifferent” (Deuteronomy 22:3). We were warned with this not to be negligent from saving the wealth of our fellows - whether movable property or lands - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 31a), “‘And so too shall you do with anything that your brother loses’ - to include the loss of land.” For example, if there was water streaming and coming there, he is obligated to block it. And also were we warned [with this verse] to make efforts to rescue our neighbors, and to save our fellows at the time of their troubles. And it is likewise written (Leviticus 19:16), “you may not stand over your neighbor’s blood.” And Solomon said (Proverbs 24:10), “If you showed yourself slack in time of trouble; and wanting in strength.” Its explanation is [that] if you have the ability to save with counsel or with effort, but you show yourself [as if] you do not have the strength, your strength will be reduced - measure for measure. And it is stated afterwards (Proverbs 24:12), “If you say, ‘We knew nothing of it,’ surely He who fathoms hearts will discern [the truth], He who watches over your life will know it, and He will pay each man as he deserves.” Behold one who prevents himself from the salvation [of others] and from giving counsel to help, the Holy One, blessed be He, will consider it like his act. (It appears to me that his intention in explaining the verse is that even though the iniquity of preventing himself is passive, nevertheless it will be counted for him as if he had actively done evil to his fellow. For that evil that came to his fellow in a place where he could have been saved through [the sinner], is considered for the one that prevented himself from saving [the other] as if he was active and did [it]. And this is [the understanding of] its being considered like his act.)
וְטוֹב וְנָכוֹן מְאוֹד לִהְיוֹת בְּכָל עִיר וָעִיר מִתְנַדְּבִים בָּעָם מִן הַמַּשְׂכִּילִים לִהְיוֹת נְכוֹנִים וּמְזֻמָּנִים לְכָל דְּבַר הַצָּלָה. בִּהְיוֹת אִישׁ אוֹ אִשָּׁה מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל שְׁרוּיִם בְּצַעַר. וְהִנֵּה נִתְחַיַּבְנוּ לִטְרֹחַ בְּשׁוֹר אַחֵינוּ אוֹ שֵׂיוֹ הַנִּדָּחִים. לִהְיוֹת עִמָּנוּ עַד דְּרוֹשׁ אָחִינוּ אוֹתוֹ. עַתָּה מָה לַעֲשׂוֹת יְקָר וּגְדוֹלָה לְבַעֲלֵיהֶם. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (ישעיהו נ"ח:ז') וַעֲנִיִּים מְרוּדִים תָּבִיא בָיִת.
And it is good and very correct that there be volunteers from the people in each and every city, to be ready and prepared for any matter of rescue, when an Israelite man or woman is found in trouble. And behold we became obligated to exert ourselves for his missing ox or sheep, to be with us - now what fineness and greatness to do for its owners - until our brother requests it; and it is written (Isaiah 58:7), “and take the wretched poor into your home.”
הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת עֲמִיתֶךָ וְלֹא תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא נִשָּׂא חֵטְא בְּחֵטְא חֲבֵרֵנוּ בְּהִמָנְעֵנוּ מֵהוֹכִיחַ אוֹתָם. וְאִם אִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא. בְּהִגָּלוֹת נִגְלוֹת חֶטְאוֹ. כָּל הָעֵדָה יֵעָנְשׁוּ עָלָיו אִם לֹא יוֹכִיחוּהוּ בְּשֵׁבֶט מוּסָרָם. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (יהושע כ"ב:כ') הֲלֹא עָכָן בֶּן זֶרַח מָעַל מַעַל בַּחֵרֶם וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיָה קָצֶף וְהוּא אִישׁ אֶחָד לֹא גָוַע בַּעֲוֹנוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים כ"ט:כ"ח) וְהַנִּגְלֹת לָנוּ וּלְבָנֵינוּ עַד עוֹלָם. וַאֲפִילּוּ אֻמּוֹת הָעוֹלָם אָמְרוּ (יונה א':ז') וְנֵדְעָה בְּשֶׁלְּמִי הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת. אַף כִּי יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁהֵם עֲרֵבִים זֶה בָּזֶה.
“You shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.” (Leviticus 19:17). We were warned with this not to incur sin from the sin of our fellow, in our preventing ourselves from rebuking them. And if one man sins when his sin is completely revealed and they did not rebuke him with a rod of reprimands, the whole congregation is punished. And it is accordingly written (Joshua 22:20), “When Achan son of Zerah violated the proscription, anger struck the whole community of Israel; he was not the only one who perished for that sin.” And it is stated (Deuteronomy 29:28), “but with overt [acts], it is for us and our children forever.“ And even the nations of the world said, (Jonah 1:7) “Let us cast lots and find out on whose account this misfortune has come upon us” - and certainly with Israel, who are responsible for one another.
וּלְהִנָּצֵל מִן הָעֹנֶשׁ הַזֶּה. נָכוֹן הַדָּבָר לִבְחֹר אַנְשֵׁי אֱמֶת וְלַחֲזוֹת מִכָּל הָעָם אַנְשֵׁי חַיִל. לְתִתָּם רָאשֵׁי הַשְׁגָּחָה עַל כָּל שׁוּק וּמִגְרַשׁ מִשְׁכְּנֹתָם, לְהַשְׁגִּיחַ עַל שְׁכֵנֵיהֶם וּלְהוֹכִיחָם עַל כָּל דְּבַר פֶּשַׁע וּלְבַעֵר הָרַע.
And in order to be saved from this punishment, it is a proper thing to choose men of truth and to identify men of valor from all of the people; and to place them as the heads of supervision over every marketplace and lot of their dwelling places - in order to supervise their neighbors and to reprimand them for any matter of rebellion and destroy the evil [that they find].
כִּי תִדֹּר נֶדֶר לַה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ לֹא תְאַחֵר לְשַׁלְּמוֹ (דברים כ"ג:כ"ב). הִנֵּה יֵשׁ עֹנֶשׁ בְּאִחוּר הַנְּדָרִים וְהַצְּדָקוֹת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמְּשַׁלֵּם אוֹתָם אַחֲרֵי כֵן. וְאִם נָדַר אָדָם לָתֵת צְדָקָה לַעֲנִיִּים חַיָּב לְשַׁלֵּם אוֹתוֹ מִיָּד. וְאִם מִדֶּרֶךְ הַשִּׁכְחָה יֶאֱרַע לוֹ אִחוּר הַנְּדָרִים. אַף גַּם זֹאת עָנוֹשׁ יֵעָנֵשׁ. כִּי אַחֲרֵי שֶׁהוּא יוֹדֵעַ שֶׁהַשִּׁכְחָה מְצוּיָה בָּאָדָם. הָיָה לוֹ לִזְכֹּר נְדָרָיו וּלְהַעֲלוֹתָם עַל לִבּוֹ תָּמִיד לְבִלְתִּי יִשְׁכָּחֵם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ':כ"ה) מוֹקֵשׁ אָדָם יָלַע קֹדֶשׁ וְאַחַר נְדָרִים לְבַקֵּר. עַל כֵּן עָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר עַל פְּשִׁיעָתוֹ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (קהלת ה':ה') אַל תִּתֵּן אֶת פִּיךָ לַחֲטִיא אֶת בְּשָׂרֶךָ וְאַל תֹּאמַר לִפְנֵי הַמַּלְאָךְ כִּי שְׁגָגָה הִיא לָמָּה יִקְצֹף הָאֱלֹקִים עַל קוֹלֶךָ וְחִבֵּל אֶת מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶיךָ. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אַל תִּתֵּן אֶת פִּיךָ לַחֲטִיא וְגוֹ' לָמָּה תִּדּוֹר אִם אֵינְךָ זָהִיר בְּנִדְרְךָ וְתָבִיא עָלֶיךָ אָשָׁם. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְבָאֵר הַמִּקְרָא הַזֶּה בְּשַׁעֲרֵי גִּדְרֵי הַזְּהִירוּת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בַּעֲוֹן נְדָרִים בָּנִים מֵתִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְחִבֵּל אֶת מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֶיךָ. עוֹד יִתְפָּרֵשׁ הַמִּקְרָא עַל עִנְיַן לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כִּי יֵעָנֵשׁ עַל הַפְּשִׁיעָה בּוֹ. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא נִתְכַּוֵּן לְבַזּוֹת לַחֲבֵרוֹ. וְהִנֵּה נִצְטַוִּינוּ שֶׁלֹּא לִנְדֹּר נְדָרִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ג:כ"ג) וְכִי תֶחְדַּל לִנְדֹּר לֹא יִהְיֶה בְךָ חֵטְא. וְרַבּוֹתֵינוּ דָּרְשׁוּ מִזֶּה שֶׁאִם תִּדֹּר יִהְיֶה בְּךָ חֵטְא. כִּי הַנֶּדֶר מִכְשׁוֹל לִפְנֵי הַנּוֹדֵר פֶּן יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ אוֹ יְאַחֵר לְשַׁלֵּם. אֲבָל צַדִּיק חוֹנֵן וְנוֹתֵן מִבִּלְתִּי שֶׁיִּדֹּר. זוּלָתִי כַּאֲשֶׁר יִקְרָא מִן הַמֵּצַר כִּי אָז יִדֹּר נֶדֶר. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁכָּתוּב (בראשית כ"ח:כ') וַיִּדַּר יַעֲקֹב נֶדֶר לֵאמֹר וְגוֹ'. וְכֵן בְּהִתְאַסֵּף רָאשֵׁי עָם יַחַד שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל יִדְּרוּ נְדָרִים לְחַזֵּק יָדַיִם רָפוֹת.
“When you make a vow to the Lord, your God, do not delay fulfilling it” (Deuteronomy 23:22). Behold there is a punishment for the delay of vows and charity, even though one pays them later. And if someone vows to give charity to the poor, he is obligated to pay it immediately. And if by way of forgetfulness, a delay of the vow happens to him, this too will surely be punished. For since he knows that forgetfulness is found with people, he should have remembered his vows and constantly put them into his heart, so that he would not forget them - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 20:25), “It is a snare for a man to pledge a sacred gift rashly, and to give thought to his vows only after they have been made.” Therefore, his punishment for his negligence is severe, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:5), “Don’t let your mouth bring your flesh to sin, and don’t plead before the messenger that it was an error, but fear God; else God may be angered by your talk and destroy the work of your hands.” Its explanation is “Don’t let your mouth bring your flesh to sin, etc.” - why do you vow, if you are not careful with your vows and bring guilt upon yourself? And we have already explained this verse in the Gates of Precautions of Caution (no longer extant). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said about the iniquity of [unfulfilled] vows (Shabbat 32b) that children die [as a result], as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:5), “and destroy the work of your hands.” The verse is also explained to be about the matter of evil speech, that one is punished for negligence with it - even if he does not intend to disgrace his fellow. (And likewise did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say in the Sifrei - and Rashi cites it in his commentary on the Torah concerning Miriam - and this is its language, “And with Miriam, she did not have in mind to to disgrace him [...]” And it concludes in the Sifrei, “But rather for praise, on account of the commandment of being fruitful and multiplying, etc.”) And behold we were commanded not to make vows, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 23:23) “Whereas you incur no guilt if you refrain from vowing.” And our Rabbis expounded from this (Nedarim 77b) that if one does vow, he incurs guilt. For a vow is a stumbling block for the one who vows, lest he profane his word or delay fulfilling it. Rather a righteous man is gracious and gives without his vowing. [It is hence forbidden to vow] except for when he calls out from distress. For then he should make a vow, like the matter that is written (Genesis 28:20), “And Jacob made a vow, saying, etc.” And likewise in the gathering together of the heads of the people - the Tribes of Israel: They should make vows to strengthen weakened hands. (It appears to me that his intention in that which he wrote, “to strengthen weakened hands,” is meaning to say that it energizes the rest of the people whose hands are weakened in the trait of volunteering, since they are not used to it. And through his vowing publicly in front of many people, their hearts are elevated to volunteer as well. And so is it written in I Chronicles 29:1-9, “King David said to the entire assemblage, etc. ‘I have prepared with all of my strength, etc. and who is going to make a freewill offering and devote himself today to the Lord?’ And the officers of the clans made freewill offerings, etc. The people rejoiced over the freewill offerings they made, for with a whole heart they made freewill offerings to the Lord; King David also rejoiced very much.”
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַחֲמִישִׁית – לָאו שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה: אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לָאו שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה לוֹקִין עָלָיו. וְהַמַּלְקוּת אַרְבָּעִים חָסֵר אַחַת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה מַלְקוּת תַּחַת מִיתָה עוֹמֶדֶת. וְאָמְרוּ מִי שֶׁלָּקָה וְשָׁנָה כּוֹנְסִין אוֹתוֹ לְכִפָּה. וְחוֹבָה עַל הַמּוֹכִיחִים לְחַפֵּשׂ דַּרְכֵי הָעָם. וְלַחְקֹר וְלָדַעַת בַּמֶּה יִכָּשְׁלוּ. וּלְהַזְהִירָם. כִּי יֵשׁ אַזְהָרוֹת רַבּוֹת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהֵם שׁוֹמְרִים מִקְצָת הָאַזְהָרָה, מְבַטְּלִים הֵם מִקְצָתָם. כְּגוֹן אִסּוּר מְלָאכָה בְּשַׁבָּת שֶׁהֵם שׁוֹמְרִים שַׁבָּת מֵחַלְּלוֹ בָּרֹב. וְיֵשׁ מְלָאכוֹת שֶׁאֵין מִקְצָת הָעָם נִזְהָרִים בָּהֶם. לְפִי שֶׁאֵינָם יְדוּעִים אֶצְלָם וְתָלִין אִתָּם מְשׁוּגָתָם, תַּחַת אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָלִינוּ בְּקֶרֶב חֲכָמִים וְתוֹרָה לֹא יְבַקְשׁוּ מִפִּיהֶם. עַל כֵּן תּוֹרוֹת עָבְרוּ וְנֶעֱנָשׁוּ. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו כ"ו:י') יֻחַן רָשָׁע בַּל לָמַד צֶדֶק. וְיֵשׁ פּוֹשְׁעִים יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָּם כִּי לֹא הֻרְגְּלוּ בִּנְעוּרֵיהֶם בֵּית אֲבִיהֶם לְהִזָּהֵר בָּהֶם וְנִחֲלוּ אָבוֹת וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ לְקוֹל מוֹרִים. וְאֵלֶּה עוֹשִׂים בְּזָדוֹן.
The fifth level is a negative commandment that [involves] an action: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Makkot 13b), “We give lashes for a negative commandment that [involves] an action.” And the [number of] lashes is forty minus one. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 10a) that lashes comes instead of the death penalty. And they said (Sanhedrin 81b), “Someone who was lashed and repeats [the sin], we put into jail (kippah). And it is an obligation upon the reprimanaders to investigate the ways of the people and to know what they are stumbling in. Since there are many [negative commandments] - even though they observe many of the [negative commandments), they [also] negate many of them. For example, they keep most of the prohibitions of work on Shabbat - but there are types of work that part of the people are not careful about, since they are not known to them. And their mistakes are attributed to themselves, since they did not lodge among the sages and seek Torah from their mouths. Hence they transgressed the practices and will be punished, as it is stated (Isaiah 26:10), “But when the evildoer is spared, he learns not righteousness.” And there are rebels that stumble in them; for they did not become accustomed to them in their youth, in the houses of their fathers, to be careful about them. And they inherited [the ways of] the fathers, and did not listen to the voice of their teachers. [Hence] these are doing [these] sins wantonly.
וְכֵן כָּל הָעָם נִזְהָרִים מִדַּם הַנֶּפֶשׁ וּמִדַּם הַתַּמְצִית. וּמִקְצָתָם אֵינָם נִזְהָרִים בְּהֶכְשֵׁר הַמְּלִיחָה לְהוֹצִיא הַבָּשָׂר מִידֵי דָּמוֹ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט. וְכָהֵנָּה רַבּוֹת מְאוֹד מִבְּלִי דַּעַת וְאֵין תּוֹכַחַת. וּכְמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ט:י"ח) בְּאֵין חָזוֹן יִפָּרַע עָם.
And likewise all of the people are careful about the blood of the soul and the blood of exudate; but some of them are not careful about the preparation of salting, to remove the blood from the meat according to the law. And there are very many like these [examples], without knowledge and without reprimand. And it is like it is stated (Proverbs 29:18), “For lack of vision a people becomes wild.”
וְיֵשׁ אַזְהָרוֹת שֶׁאֵין מִקְצָת הֶהָמוֹן שׁוֹמְרִים עִקַּר הָאַזְהָרוֹת כְּמוֹ הַחַבָּלָה וְהַהַכָּאָה. שֶׁהַמַּכֶּה אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ עוֹבֵר בִּשְׁנֵי לָאוִין. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כ"ה:ג') אַרְבָּעִים יַכֶּנּוּ לֹא יֹסִיף פֶּן יֹסִיף. וְרַבִּים עוֹבְרִים עַל הַלָּאוִין הָאֵלֶּה בְּהַכָּאַת נְשׁוֹתֵיהֶם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַמֵּרִים יָד עַל חֲבֵרוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הִכָּהוּ נִקְרָא רָשָׁע. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות ב':י"ג) וַיֹּאמֶר לָרָשָׁע לָמָּה תַכֶּה רֵעֶךָ. לָמָּה הִכִּיתָ לֹא נֶאֱמַר אֶלָּא תַכֶּה. וְאִיּוֹב אָמַר (איוב ל"א:כ"א) אִם הֲנִיפוֹתִי עַל יָתוֹם יָדִי. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה רַב הוּנָא קָצַץ יַד הַמַּכֶּה, אָמַר (איוב ל"ח:ט"ו) וּזְרוֹעַ רָמָה תִּשָּׁבֵר.
And there are some [negative commandments] that some of the masses do not keep the main [negative commandment], such as wounding and hitting. For one that hits his fellow violates two negative commandments, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 25:3), “You shall strike him forty; you shall not add, lest you add.” And many transgress these negative commandments by hitting their wives. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 58b), “Anyone who raises his hand to strike another, even if he does not strike him, is called wicked - as it is stated (Exodus 2:13), ‘and he said to the wicked one, “Why should you strike your friend?”’ ‘Why did you strike,’ is not stated, but rather, ‘should you strike.’” And Job said (Job 31:21), “If I raised my hand against the fatherless.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 58b) [that] Rav Huna would cut off the hand of the striker. He would say, “And the high arm shall be broken” (Job 38:15).
וְכֵן בְּהַשְׁחָתַת הַזָּקָן. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:כ"ז) וְלֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶךָ. וְהַחַטָּאִים מַנִּיחִים חוּט הַשֵּׂעָר. וְעִקְּרֵי פִּרְקֵי הַפֵּאוֹת לֹא נֵדַע מְקוֹמָם אַיֵּה, וְהִנָּם בָּנִים מַשְׁחִיתִים בְּעִקַּר הַפֵּאָה, וְהַקָּפַת פְּאַת הָרֹאשׁ אֲסוּרָה גַּם בְּמִסְפָּרַיִם כְּעֵין תַּעַר.
And likewise with destruction of the beard, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:27), “and you shall not destroy the side-growth of your beard.”
וְיֵשׁ אֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר לֹא נִשְׁמְרוּ בְּבֶגֶד כִּלְאַיִם שַׁעַטְנֵז. כִּי יִתְפְּרוּ בֶּגֶד צֶמֶר בְּחוּט הַפִּשְׁתִּים. אוֹ יַעֲשׂוּ מִבֶּגֶד פִּשְׁתִּים שָׂפָה לְפִי בֶּגֶד הַצֶּמֶר.
And there are people that do not refrain from [wearing] a garment that is of a forbidden mixture of fabrics. For they sew a wool garment with a linen thread or make a linen rim for the edge of a woolen garment.
אִישׁ אִישׁ אֶל כָּל שְׁאֵר בְּשָׂרוֹ לֹא תִקְרְבוּ (ויקרא י"ח:ו'). כָּל קֵרוּב בָּשָׂר אָסוּר כְּגוֹן הַנְּגִיעָה בִּידֵי אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ. וּפֵרוּשׁ – לְגַלּוֹת עֶרְוָה. כִּי הַקְּרִיבָה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי עֶרְוָה. וְכִי תֹּאמַר בִּלְבָבֶךָ אֵיפֹה נִמְצָא בַּכָּתוּב כִּי גָּדְרָה הַתּוֹרָה גָּדֵר כִּי תֹּאמַר אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה מַגַּע יָד לְיָד לִהְיוֹת גָּדֵר לַעֲבֵרָה. נְשִׁיבְךָ דָּבָר. הִנֵּה בְּמִצְוַת הַנָּזִיר אֲשֶׁר עִקַּר נְזִירוּתוֹ פֶּן יִשְׁתֶּה וְיִשְׁכַּח מְחֻקָּק אוֹ יַתְעֵהוּ רוּחַ זְנוּנִים. אוֹסַרְתּוֹ הַתּוֹרָה מִכֹּל אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה מִגֶּפֶן הַיַּיִן. וְכָל זֶה לְגֶדֶר הַרְחָקָה מִמִּשְׁתֶּה הַיַּיִן. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ זַ"ל בַּמִּדְרָשׁ.
“No man shall approach anyone of his own flesh” (Leviticus 18:6). Any approaching of the flesh is forbidden, such as touching the hands of a married woman. And its explanation [in the continuation of the verse], “to uncover nakedness,” is because approaching leads to nakedness (forbidden intercourse). And should you say in your heart, “Where is it found in Scripture that the Torah made a fence, that you should say that it forbade the touching of hands, that it should be a sin” - we will answer you [this] word: Behold the commandment of the nazirite in which one’s main separation is lest he forget the Lawmaker or be fooled by a spirit of licentiousness, [and yet] the Torah forbade him from [consuming] everything that is from the vine of wine. And all of that is as a fence to distance him from drinking wine. And likewise did our Rabbis say in the Midrash (Exodus Rabbah 16:2).
וְלִפְנֵי עִוֵּר לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשֹׁל (שם יט). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְבִלְתִּי הַכּוֹת אָדָם בְּנוֹ הַגָּדוֹל. פֶּן תִּהְיֶה לְפוּקָה וּלְמִכְשׁוֹל לַחֲטֹא בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ וּלְהַקְלוֹת אָבִיו. וְכֵן הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְזַמֵּן כָּל מִכְשׁוֹל עָוֹן לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וְגַם אֶל הַנָּכְרִי. שֶׁלֹּא יִתֵּן כּוֹס יַיִן לְנָזִיר וְאֵבֶר מִן הַחַי לִבְנֵי נֹחַ. גַּם לֹא יוֹשִׁיט אֵלָיו אֶת אֲשֶׁר אָסוּר לוֹ. וְלֹא יַכְשִׁילֵהוּ בְּאֶחָד מִן הַדְּבָרִים שֶׁהֻזְהֲרוּ בְּנֵי נֹחַ עֲלֵיהֶם.
“And do not place a stumbling block in front of the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). Our Rabbis said (Moed Katan 17a) that we were warned with this that a man should not strike his grown son, lest it be a snare and a stumbling block for [the son’s] tongue and to hit his father. And likewise were we warned with this not to bring about any stumbling block for the iniquity of an Israelite or even a gentile, such that he not give a cup of wine to a nazarite or a limb from a living animal [also] to a Noahide, and also not extend to him that which is forbidden to him, nor to cause him to stumble upon one of the things about which the Noahides were [forbidden].
לֹא תַשְׁחִית אֶת עֵצָהּ לִנְדֹּחַ עָלָיו גַּרְזֶן (דברים כ':י"ט). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לִכְרוֹת כָּל עֵץ מַאֲכָל גַּם לִבְנוֹת בּוֹ מָצוֹר, כָּל זְמַן שֶׁיִּמְצָא מֵאִילָנֵי סְרָק דֵּי סִפּוּקוֹ. וְכֵן הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְפַזֵּר מָמוֹן לָרִיק אֲפִלּוּ שָׁוֶה פְּרוּטָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ הַמְּקָרֵעַ עַל מֵתוֹ יוֹתֵר מִדַּי לוֹקֶה. וְכָל שֶׁכֵּן הַמְּשַׁבֵּר כֵּלִים בַּחֲמָתוֹ. כִּי שְׁתַּיִם רָעוֹת עָשָׂה. הִשְׁחִית מָמוֹן. וְהִשְׁלִיט אֶת כַּעֲסוֹ לְהַעֲבִירוֹ עַל דִבְרֵי תוֹרָה. כִּי מֵעַתָּה יֵשׁ עִמּוֹ מִלְחָמָה מִיֵּצֶר הַכַּעַס לְהַעֲבִירוֹ עַל דָּתוֹ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁכָּתוּב (משלי כ"ט:כ"ב) וּבַעַל חֵמָה רַב פָּשַׁע. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ מָה שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אִם רָאִיתָ אָדָם שֶׁהוּא מְשַׁבֵּר כְּלִי בַּחֲמָתוֹ יִהְיֶה בְּעֵינֶיךָ כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁכָּךְ דַּרְכּוֹ שֶׁל יֵצֶר הָרַע הַיּוֹם אוֹמֵר לוֹ עֲשֵׂה כָּךְ, וּלְמָחָר אוֹמֵר לוֹ עֲבֹד אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לֹא יִשְׁפֹּךְ אָדָם מֵי בוֹרוֹ וַאֲחֵרִים צְרִיכִין לוֹ. אַף כִּי הֻזְהַרְנוּ שֶׁלֹּא לְהַשְׁחִית הַגּוּף בִּמְסִירָתוֹ לְסַכָּנוֹת. אוֹ בְּסִגּוּף הַגּוּף לְבַלְּעוֹ חִנָּם בְּתַעֲנִיּוֹת מִתּוֹךְ צַעֲרוֹ וְכַעֲסוֹ. וְלֹא לְהִתְאַבֵּל עַל מֵתוֹ [יותר מדאי]. אֲבָל הַמִּתְאוֹנֵן וְהַמִּתְאַבֵּל עַל עֲוֹנֹתָיו עָלָיו נֶאֱמַר (ישעיהו נ"ז:י"ח) דְּרָכָיו רָאִיתִי וְאֶרְפָּאֵהוּ וְאַנְחֵהוּ וַאֲשַׁלֵּם נִחֻמִים לוֹ וְלַאֲבֵלָיו. וְנֶאֱמַר (בראשית ט':ה') וְאַךְ אֶת דִּמְכֶם לְנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם אֶדְרֹשׁ וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה מִיַּד נַפְשׁוֹתֵיכֶם אֶדְרֹשׁ אֶת דִּמְכֶם.
“You must not destroy its trees, wielding the ax against them” (Deuteronomy 20:19). For we were warned with this not to cut down any fruit tree - even to build fortifications with it, so long as one finds enough fruitless trees for his needs. And we were also warned with this not to throw money around for no reason - even the value of a perutah (a small coin). And our Rabbis said (Bava Kamma 91b), “One who rends his garments excessively over his dead [relative] is lashed.” And all the more so, one who breaks vessels in his anger, as he has done two evils - destroying his wealth; and letting his anger be in control, to make him transgress matters of the Torah. As from now on, he will have a struggle with the impulse of anger, to make him transgress his religion - like the matter that is written (Proverbs 29:22), “a hot-tempered man commits many offenses.” And we have already let you know that which our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 105b), “One who breaks his vessels in his anger [...] should be like an idol worshiper in your eyes, as that is the way of the evil impulse. Today it tells him, ‘Do this,’ and tomorrow it tells him, ‘[...] worship idols.’” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yevamot 44a), “A man should not pour out water from his well when others need it.” We were even warned not to waste the body, by giving it over to dangers or torturing the body to consume it needlessly with fasts from his distress and anger, and not to mourn [more than is necessary] for his dead [relative]. But [regarding] one who grieves and mourns over his iniquities - about him is it stated (Isaiah 57:18), “I note how they fare and will heal them; I will guide them and mete out solace to them, and to the mourners among them.” And it is stated (Genesis 9:5) “But for your souls’ blood, I will require a reckoning.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 91b), “From the hand of your souls (i.e., from yourself), will I require your blood.”
שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים יִהְיֶה לָכֶם עֲרֵלִים לֹא יֵאָכֵל (ויקרא י"ט:כ"ג). הָעָרְלָה נוֹהֶגֶת בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ וַאֲסוּרָה בַּהֲנָאָה. וְכָל אֲשֶׁר יֵאָסֵר בַּהֲנָאָה אָסוּר לְתִתּוֹ בְּמַתָּנָה לְגוֹי. וְעַל כֵּן הֻצְרַךְ הַכָּתוּב לְהַתִּיר לָתֵת נְבֵלָה לְנָכְרִי לְהוֹדִיעַ כִּי מֻתֶּרֶת הִיא בַּהֲנָאָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ד:כ"א): לֹא תֹאכְלוּ כָל נְבֵלָה, לַגֵּר אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ תִּתְּנֶנָּה וַאֲכָלָהּ. וְהַנּוֹתֵן לְגוֹי עָרְלָה אוֹ חָמֵץ בַּפֶּסַח אוֹ בָּשָׂר שֶׁנִּתְבַּשֵּׁל בְּחָלָב – לוֹקֶה. וְכֵן אִם יִתֵּן מֵהֶן לִפְנֵי כֶּלֶב שֶׁמְּזוֹנוֹתָיו עָלָיו. וּמִצְוַת עָרְלָה וְכִלְאֵי הַכֶּרֶם בֵּין בָּאָרֶץ בֵּין בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ לִשְׂרֹף אוֹתָם בָּאֵשׁ. וְאִם יֵשׁ לְגוֹי אִילַן עָרְלָה, אָסוּר לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לִלְקֹט מִמֶּנּוּ פֵּרוֹת לְצֹרֶךְ הַגּוֹי אֲפִלּוּ בְּחִנָּם, לְפִי שֶׁהוּא נֶהֱנֶה בָּזֶה שֶׁיַּחְזִיק לוֹ הַגּוֹי טוֹבָה, וְכֵן אָסוּר לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַשְׁקוֹת לַגּוֹי מִיֵּינוֹ שֶׁל גּוֹי עַצְמוֹ בֵּין בְּשָׂכָר בֵּין בְּחִנָּם. וְכֶרֶם רְבָעִי אָסוּר בַּהֲנָאָה בְּלֹא פִּדְיוֹן, וְאֵין פּוֹדִים אוֹתוֹ עַד שֶׁיָּבוֹאוּ פֵּרוֹתָיו לְעוֹנַת הַמַּעַשְׂרוֹת. וְאֵימָתַי עוֹנַת הַמַּעַשְׂרוֹת, מִשֶּׁנִּגְמְרוּ פֵּרוֹתֵיהֶן, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁשָּׁנוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה: מֵאֵימָתַי הַפֵּרוֹת חַיָּבִים בְּמַעֲשֵׂר.
“Three years it shall be forbidden (arelim) for you, not to be eaten” (Leviticus 19:23). Orlah is applicable outside of the Land [of Israel] and it is forbidden in benefit. And anything that is forbidden in benefit is forbidden to give to a [gentile]. And the fourth year vineyard is forbidden in benefit, when not redeemed. And we may not redeem it until its fruits have reached the season of the tithes. So when is the season of the tithes? From the time that the fruits have been completed, like the matter that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, learned (Maasrot 1:2), “From when are the fruits obligated in tithes?”
עַל כֵּן לֹא יֹאכְלוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה (בראשית ל"ב:ל"ג). גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה אָסוּר בַּהֲנָאָה. וְאָסוּר לְתִתּוֹ לְעַבְדּוֹ וְשִׁפְחָתוֹ הַכְּנַעֲנִי. וְאָסוּר לִשְׁלֹחַ יָרֵךְ לְגוֹי וְגִיד הַנָּשֶׁה בְּתוֹכָהּ (וכן הביא הרא"ש ר"פ גיד הנשה בשמעתא דשולח אדם ירך לכנעני בשם רבינו המחבר. ולא קי"ל כותיה בהא. אלא כדעת הרמב"ם ושאר פוסקים דג"ה מותר בהנאה ושולח ירך לכנעני וג"ה בתוכו. ומבואר בטור ש"ע י"ד סימן ס"ה).
“Therefore the Children of Israel do not eat the sciatic tendon” (Genesis 32:33). The sciatic tendon is forbidden in benefit, so it is forbidden to give it to one’s Canaanite slave or maidservant. And it is forbidden to send a thigh (as a gift) to a Canaanite with the sciatic tendon inside it. (And likewise does Rosh bring in the name of [Rabbeinu Yonah] at the beginning of the chapter [entitled] Gid HaNashei in the discussion of a man sending a thigh to a Canaanite. But we do not establish [the law to be] like him in this, but rather like the opinion of Rambam - that the sciatic tendon is permissible in benefit, so one may send a thigh to a Canaanite with the sciatic tendon inside it. And it is explained in Tur and Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh Deah 65.)
לֹא תִּגְנֹבוּ וְלֹא תְכַחֲשׁוּ וְלֹא תְשַׁקְּרוּ (ויקרא י"ט:י"א). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ לֹא תִּגְנֹבוּ עַל מְנָת לְמֵקַט. שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמַר אֶגְנֹב כְּלִי פְּלוֹנִי כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּצְטַעֵר וְנָקוֹט בְּפָנָיו (מלשון ונקוטתם בפניכם יחזקאל לו) וְיִזָּהֵר בִּשְׁמִירַת כֵּלָיו וְאַחַר כָּךְ אַחֲזִירֶנּוּ לוֹ. וְכֵן אָסוּר לִטֹּל כְּלִי מִבֵּית חֲבֵרוֹ דֶּרֶךְ גְּנֵבָה לְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בּוֹ וּלְהַחֲזִירוֹ. וְלֹא יִגְנֹב אֶת שֶׁלּוֹ מֵאַחֲרֵי הַגַּנָּב שֶׁלֹּא יֵרָאֶה כְּגַנָּב.
“You shall not steal; you shall not deal deceitfully or falsely” (Leviticus 19:11). Our Rabbis said (Bava Metzia 61b), “‘You shall not steal’ in order to aggravate” - that one should not say, “I will steal vessel x, in order that he will be pained and I will make him aggravated (nakot, [like] the usage, ‘and you shall aggravate yourselves’ [in] Ezekiel 36:31), be careful in watching his vessels and give it back to him afterwards.” And it is likewise forbidden to take vessels from the house of one’s fellow in the way of theft, to use them and [then] return them to him. And one may not steal what is his from behind the thief - so that he will not appear to be a thief (Sifra, Kedoshim, Section 2:2).
לֹא תְנַחֲשׁוּ וְלֹא תְעוֹנֵנוּ (ויקרא י"ט:כ"ו). לֹא תְנַחֲשׁוּ כְּגוֹן אֵלּוּ הַמְנַחֲשִׁים בְּחֻלְדָּה וּבְעוֹפוֹת. פִּתּוֹ נָפְלָה מִפִּיו. צְבִי הִפְסִיקוֹ בַּדֶּרֶךְ. וְאָמַר אוֹת הוּא כִּי לֹא יַצְלִיחַ דַּרְכּוֹ. וְסָר מִן הַדֶּרֶךְ בַּעֲבוּר זֶה. וְהַדּוֹמֶה לָעִנְיָנִים הָאֵלֶּה. שֶׁלֹּא יֵלֵךְ לִקְרַאת נְחָשִׁים הֵן לַעֲשׂוֹת מַעֲשֶׂה הֵן לְהִמָּנַע מִן הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. לֹא תְעוֹנֵנוּ. לְשׁוֹן עוֹנוֹת וְשָׁעוֹת שֶׁאוֹמֵר יוֹם פְּלוֹנִי יָפֶה לְהַתְחִיל מְלָאכָה. שָׁעָה פְלוֹנִית קָשָׁה לָצֵאת. וְאֵין לִשְׁמֹעַ אֶל הוֹבְרֵי שָׁמַיִם. אֲבָל יִבְטַח לִבְּךָ בַּה' אֱלֹקֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וֵאלֹקֵי הָאָרֶץ. עַל כֵּן כָּתוּב עַל הָעִנְיָן הַזֶּה (דברים י"ח:י"ג) תָּמִים תִּהְיֶה עִם ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ. לָמַדְנוּ מִזֶּה כִּי הַמְּעוֹנְנִים וְהַקּוֹסְמִים נֶעֱדָרִים בִּטָּחוֹן. וְהָעֲלִילוֹת הַנִּשְׁחָתוֹת הָהֵם מַעֲשֵׂה אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ח:י"ד) כִּי הַגּוֹיִים הָהֵם אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה יוֹרֵשׁ אוֹתָם אֶל מְעֹנְנִים וְאֶל קֹסְמִים יִשְׁמָעוּ וְאַתָּה לֹא כֵן נָתַן לְךָ ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ.
“You shall not practice divination or soothsaying” (Leviticus 19:26). “You shall not practice divination” - such as those that divine with weasels and birds. [It is if] his bread fell from his mouth or a gazelle crossed his path, and he said it is a sign that his journey will not be successful - so he leaves his journey because of this. And that which is similar to this, such that he follow the augurs, whether to do something or to refrain from the action. “You shall not practice soothsaying (teonenu)” is an expression of times (onot) and hours: That he says, “Day x is good to begin work, hour y is bad for leaving.” And one should [also] not listen to the astrologers. But rather one’s heart should trust in the Lord, the God of the heavens and the God of the earth. Therefore it is written about this matter (Deuteronomy 18:13), “You must be wholehearted with the Lord, your God.” We have learned from this that the diviners and the augurs are lacking trust. And these plots and divinings are the acts of the Land of Canaan, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 18:14), “For those nations that you are about to dispossess do indeed resort to soothsayers and augurs; to you, however, the Lord, your God has not assigned the like.”
לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ עָוֶל בַּמִּשְׁפָּט (ויקרא י"ט:ט"ו). הֲרֵי הוּא אוֹמֵר אַחֲרֵי כֵן לֹא תִשָּׂא פְנֵי דָל וְלֹא תֶהְדַּר פְּנֵי גָדוֹל בְּצֶדֶק תִּשְׁפֹּט עֲמִיתֶךָ. וּמַהוּ מִשְׁפָּט הָאָמוּר בִּתְחִלַּת הַמִּקְרָא. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הוּא הַמִּדָּה וְהַמִּשְׁקָל וְהַמְּשׂוּרָה. מְלַמֵּד שֶׁהַמּוֹדֵד נִקְרָא דַיָּן. וְשֶׁאִם שִׁקֵּר בַּמִּדָּה הֲרֵי הוּא כִּמְקַלְקֵל אֶת הַדִּין וְקָרוּי עַוָּל וּמְשֻׁקָּץ וְחֵרֶם וְתוֹעֵבָה. וְגוֹרֵם לַחֲמִשָּׁה דְּבָרִים כִּמְעַוֵּת הַדִּין. מְטַמֵּא אֶת הָאָרֶץ. וּמְחַלֵּל אֶת הַשֵּׁם. וּמְסַלֵּק הַשְּׁכִינָה. וּמַפִּיל הָעָם בַּחֶרֶב. וּמַגְלֶה אוֹתָם מֵאַרְצָם. בַּמִּדָּה. זוֹ מִדַּת הָאָרֶץ. בַּמִּשְׁקָל כְּמַשְׁמָעוֹ. וּבַמְּשׂוּרָה הִיא מִדַּת הַלַּח וְהַיָּבֵשׁ. אַבְנֵי צֶדֶק הֵם הַמַּקְלוֹת שֶׁשּׁוֹקְלִים כְּנֶגְדָּם. אֵיפָה הִיא מִדַּת הַיָּבֵשׁ. הִין זוֹ מִדַּת הַלַּח. אֲנִי ה' אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתִי וְגוֹ' אֲנִי הִבְחַנְתִּי בְּמִצְרַיִם בֵּין טִפָּה שֶׁל בְּכוֹר לְטִפָּה שֶׁאֵינָהּ שֶׁל בְּכוֹר וַאֲנִי נֶאֱמָן לִפָּרַע מִמִּי שֶׁטּוֹמֵן מִשְׁקְלוֹתָיו בַּמֶּלַח כְּדֵי לְהַטְעוֹת הַבְּרִיּוֹת שֶׁאֵין מַכִּירִין בָּהֶן.
“You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment” (Leviticus 19:15). Behold, afterward it states, “you shall not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your countryman fairly.” So what is, “judgement” stated at the beginning of the verse? Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sifra, Kedoshim, Chapter 8:5) [that] this is [referring to] length, weight and capacity: “It is to teach us that a measurer is called a judge, and if he falsifies in measurement (it is as if the perverts justice); and he is called wrong, [...], revolting, rejected and abominable, and he brings about five things (like one who perverts justice): He defiles the (Land), he profanes the Name, he drives out the Divine Presence, he causes Israel to fall by the sword, and he exiles them from their land.” (And it appears to me that there is a lacuna here - and it is accordingly found below - “You shall not falsify measures of length, weight, or capacity. You shall have an honest balance, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin; I am the Lord, your God, who freed you, etc.” [Leviticus 19:35-36]). “Measures of length” - that is measuring of land; “weight” - like its meaning; “or capacity” - that is a liquid and a dry measure; “honest weights” - masses to weigh across from them; “an ephah” is a dry measure; “a hin” is a liquid measure; “I am the Lord, your God, who freed you, etc.” - in Egypt, I distinguished between the drop of a firstborn and the drop that was not a firstborn, so I am credible to punish the one who hides his weights in salt, in order to fool the creatures who are not aware of them.
לֹא תִהְיֶה לוֹ כְּנֹשֶׁה (שמות כ"ב:כ"ד). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְצַעֵר אֶת הַלֹּוֶה. וְלֹא יַעֲבֹר הַמַּלְוֶה לְפָנָיו וְיוֹדֵעַ שֶׁאֵין לוֹ מַה לִפְרֹעַ כִּי הוּא מַצִּיק לוֹ וּמְרַפֶּה אֶת רוּחוֹ בָּזֶה וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הֲרֵי הוּא כְּאִלּוּ דָּן אוֹתוֹ בִּשְׁנֵי דִּינִין שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהלים ס"ו:י"ב) הִרְכַּבְתָּ אֱנוֹשׁ לְרֹאשֵׁנוּ בָּאנוּ בָאֵשׁ וּבַמַּיִם. וְרָאוּי לַעֲטוֹת קִנְאָה לְהוֹכִיחַ הַמִּסְתּוֹלְלִים בְּעַמֵּנוּ בְּמִקְצָת מְקוֹמוֹת לֶאֱסֹר הַלֹּוֶה בְּזִיקִים, גַּם כִּי לֹא יִזְדַּמֵּן לוֹ לִפְרֹעַ.
“You shall not act towards him as a creditor” (Exodus 22:24). We were warned with this not to distress the borrower. And the creditor may not pass in front of him when he knows that the borrower does not have with what to pay him back. For he torments him and weakens his spirit with this. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 78b), “Behold, it is as if he is judging him with two [punishments], as it is stated (Psalms 66:12), ‘You have let men ride over us; we have endured fire and water.’”
לֹא תְשִׂימוּן עָלָיו נֶשֶׁךְ (שמות כ"ב:כ"ד). אַזְהָרָה לָעֵדִים. שֶׁהַמַּלְוֶה וְהַלֹּוֶה וְהָעֵדִים עוֹבְרִין בְּלֹא תַעֲשֶׂה. עַל כֵּן אָמַר לֹא תְשִׂימוּן לְשׁוֹן רַבִּים. אַחַר שֶׁאָמַר לֹא תִהְיֶה לוֹ כְּנֹשֶׁה. לְפִי שֶׁהוּא אַזְהָרָה לָעֵדִים.
“You shall not put usury upon him” (Exodus 22:24) - [this is a negative commandment] for the witnesses - as the creditor, the borrower and the witnesses [all] transgress a negative commandment. Therefore, it states, “you shall not put (tasimun),” in plural, after it stated, “you shall not act (singular) towards him as a creditor” - since it is a warning to the witnesses.
כָּל מוּם לֹא יִהְיֶה בּוֹ (ויקרא כ"ב:כ"א). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהַטִּיל מוּם בִּבְכוֹר אֲפִלּוּ בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
“There must be no blemish in it” (Leviticus 22:21). We were warned with this not to introduce a blemish into a firstborn - even in our times.
לֹא תַחֲרֹשׁ בְּשׁוֹר וּבַחֲמֹר יַחְדָּו (דברים כ"ב:י'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לַחֲרֹשׁ וְשֶׁלֹּא לָדוּשׁ בִּשְׁנֵי מִינִים כְּשֶׁהֵם מְצֻמָּדִים בְּעוֹל אוֹ בְּחֶבֶל. וְהוּא הַדִּין שֶׁלֹּא לְהַנְהִיגָם כְּשֶׁהֵם מְצֻמָּדִים. וְזֶה שֶׁהִזְכִּיר חֲרִישָׁה דִּבֵּר הַכָּתוּב בַּהוֹוֶה. וַאֲפִלּוּ לְהַנְהִיגָם בְּקוֹל אָסוּר. וּשְׁתֵּי פְּרָדוֹת זוֹ בַּת סוּסְיָא וְזוֹ בַּת חֲמוֹרָה שְׁנֵי מִינִים הֵן וְאָסוּר לְהַנְהִיגָן יַחַד. וְאָסוּר לְהַנְהִיג הַפֶּרֶד עִם הַסּוּס אוֹ עִם הַחֲמוֹר: (ויקרא י"ט:י"ט): "בְּהֶמְתְּךָ לֹא תַרְבִּיעַ כִּלְאַיִם". פִּרְדָּה שֶׁתָּבְעָה זָכָר, אֵין מַרְכִּיבִין עָלֶיהָ לֹא סוּס וְלֹא חֲמוֹר אֶלָּא פֶּרֶד שֶׁהוּא מִינָהּ, כְּגוֹן שֶׁהַפִּרְדָּה וְהַפֶּרֶד אִמּוֹתֵיהֶן שָׁווֹת, שְׁנֵיהֶם בְּנֵי סוּסְיָא אוֹ חֲמוֹרָה.
“You shall not plow with an ox and an ass together” (Deuteronomy 22:21). We were warned with this not to plow - nor to tread - with two species, when they are joined with a yoke or with a rope. And the law is the same for driving them when they are joined. And [the reason] that it (only) spoke about plowing is [that] the verse mentioned the common [case]. And it is even forbidden to drive them with [one’s] voice. And it is forbidden to drive together two mules, [if] one is the daughter of a female horse and one is the daughter of a female donkey. And it is forbidden to drive a mule with [either] a horse or a donkey.
וְאֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית לֹא תִתְּנוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶם (ויקרא כ"ו:א') הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לְהִשְׁתַּחֲווֹת עַל רִצְפַּת אֲבָנִים בְּבֵית הַכְּנֶסֶת וּבְכָל מָקוֹם חוּץ מִבֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ.
“And a figured stone you shall not set in your land” (Leviticus 26:1). We were warned with this not to bow down on a floor of stones in the synagogue or in any other place, except for the Temple.
אַל תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם (ויקרא י"א:מ"ג). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה שֶׁלֹּא לֶאֱכֹל הַדְּבָרִים הַנִּמְאָסִים עַל הַנֶּפֶשׁ. שֶׁלֹּא יֹאכַל דָּג אוֹ חָגָב עַד שֶׁיָּמוּת. וְכֵן לֹא יִשְׁתֶּה בְּקֶרֶן מַקִּיזֵי הַדָּם. וְהַמַּשְׁהֶה אֶת נְקָבָיו עוֹבֵר מִשּׁוּם בַּל תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם.
“You shall not make yourselves abominable” (Leviticus 11:43). We were warned with this not to eat fish or a grasshopper until they die. And likewise should one not drink from the horn of a bloodletter (that he uses for his craft). One who delays his [bodily needs also] transgresses on account of “You shall not make yourselves abominable” (Makkot 16b).
אַל תְּחַלֵּל אֶת בִּתְּךָ לְהַזְנוֹתָהּ וְלֹא תִזְנֶה הָאָרֶץ וּמָלְאָה הָאָרֶץ זִמָּה (ויקרא י"ט:כ"ט). פֵּרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי בָּא הַכָּתוּב הַזֶּה לְהַזְהִיר שֶׁלֹּא יִמְסֹר אָדָם בִּתּוֹ פְּנוּיָה לְבִיאָה שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם קִדּוּשִׁין וְלֹא תִזְנֶה הָאָרֶץ, שֶׁאִם אַתָּה עוֹשֶׂה כֵּן הָאָרֶץ מְזַנָּה וְעוֹשָׂה פֵּרוֹתֶיהָ בְּמָקוֹם אַחֵר וְלֹא בְּאַרְצְכֶם. וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר (ירמיה ג':ג'): וַיִּמָּנְעוּ רְבִבִים וּמַלְקוֹשׁ לוֹא הָיָה וּמֵצַח אִשָּׁה זוֹנָה הָיָה לָךְ. וְלֹא הֻתְּרוּ פִּלַגְשִׁים בְּלֹא כְּתֻבָּה וּבְלֹא קִדּוּשִׁין אֶלָּא לַמֶּלֶךְ, שֶׁאֵימָתוֹ מֻטֶּלֶת עַל הַבְּרִיּוֹת, וְלֹא יִזְנוּ אֲחֵרִים עִמָּהּ, עַל כֵּן יִחוּד הַמֶּלֶךְ עַל הַפִּילֶגֶשׁ כְּעֵין אִישׁוּת. וְאַחַר הֶתֵּר הַפִּילַגְשִׁים לַמֶּלֶךְ גָּזְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ עַל כַּלָּה בְּלֹא בְּרָכָה שֶׁתְּהֵא אֲסוּרָה עַל בַּעְלָהּ כַּנִּדָּה.
“Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity” (Leviticus 19:29). Our Rabbis explained (Sanhedrin 76a) that this verse comes to warn that a man not give over his single daughter for intercourse that is not for the sake of marriage (kiddushin). “Lest the land fall into harlotry” - for if you do this, the land will be untrue and give its fruit elsewhere, and not in your land. And likewise does it state (Jeremiah 3:3), “And when showers were withheld and the late rains did not come, your face had the brazenness of a harlot.”
וְהִנֵּה רָאִיתָ עֹנֶשׁ הַמְיַחֵד לוֹ פְּנוּיָה לִזְנוּת. כִּי נֶאֱמַר עַל זֶה: וְלֹא תִזְנֶה הָאָרֶץ וּמָלְאָה הָאָרֶץ זִמָּה. וְהַבָּא עַל הַפְּנוּיָה פַּעַם אַחַת דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה לוֹקֶה מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים, מִלְּבַד הַמַּכְשֵׁלָה הַגְּדוֹלָה וְהָרָעָה אֲשֶׁר תִּמְצָא אֶת הַבָּאִים אֶל הַפְּנוּיָה. כִּי הִיא בּוֹשָׁה לִטְבֹּל מִטֻּמְאַת נִדָּתָהּ בְּמֵי נָהָר אוֹ מִקְוֵה מַיִם פֶּן יִגָּלֶה לָרַבִּים קוֹל זְנוּתָהּ. עַל כֵּן תִּהְיֶה בְנִדָּתָהּ. טֻמְאָתָהּ בְּשׁוּלֶיהָ לֹא זָכְרָה אַחֲרִיתָהּ. עוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (סנהדרין עו.): אַל תְּחַלֵּל אֶת בִּתְּךָ לְהַזְנוֹתָהּ הֲרֵי זוֹ אַזְהָרָה שֶׁלֹּא יַשִּׂיא אָדָם אֶת בִּתּוֹ לְזָקֵן.
And behold you have seen the greatness of the punishment of one who designates a single woman as a harlot for himself. For it is stated about this (Leviticus 19:29), ”lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with depravity.” [That is] besides the great evil stumbling block that is found for those having intercourse with a single woman - for she is ashamed to immerse in the waters of a river or a mikveh [to purify herself] from the impurity of her menstruation, lest a rumor of her harlotry become public. Therefore she will [usually remain] in menstruation; her impurity in the bottom of her skirts, she does not think of her end. Our Rabbis also said (Sanhedrin 76a), “‘Do not degrade your daughter and make her a harlot’ - behold this is a [negative commandment] that a man not marry off his daughter to an old man.”
לֹא תֹאכְלוּ כָל נְבֵלָה (דברים י"ד:כ"א). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל שֶׁנִּפְסְלָה בִּשְׁחִיטָתָהּ נְבֵלָה. וְלַמּוֹכִיחִים יִנְעָם. הָעֵד בָּעָם. וְיִזָּהֲרוּ בְּתוֹרַת הַשְּׁחִיטָה וְדִקְדּוּקֶיהָ. לְהַשְׁלִים חֻקֶּיהָ. וְיִבְחֲרוּ לָהֶם בְּכָל חֻקֶּיהָ שׁוֹחֵט יְרֵא חֵטְא כִּי עַם רַב מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל תְּלוּיִם עָלָיו בְּמִצְוַת הַשְּׁחִיטָה וְהַבְּדִיקָה. וְגַם אָמְנָה אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה רֹב מְצוּיִים אֵצֶל שְׁחִיטָה מֻמְחִין הֵן. יֵשׁ מְקוֹמוֹת מִבְּלִי מֵשִׂים וְאֵין תּוֹכַחַת. מְצוּיִים שָׁם רַבִּים מִן הָעָם הַנִּמְצָאִים אֵצֶל שְׁחִיטָה בִּלְתִּי מֻמְחִים בְּתוּשִׁיָּה. וְעוֹד רָאִינוּ בְּמִקְצָתָם שַׁעֲרוּרִיָּה. כִּי רַבִּים מִן הַמֻּמְחִים רִחֲקוּ לִבָּם מִיִּרְאַת חֵטְא. וַאֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ יָרֵא. לִבּוֹ לֹא יָבִין לְדַקְדֵּק בִּבְדִיקַת הַסַּכִּין. כִּי צָרִיךְ לְכַוֵּן אֶת לִבּוֹ בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד בִּבְדִיקָתוֹ. הֲלֹא תִּרְאֶה כִּי יִבְדֹּק אָדָם פַּעֲמַיִם וְשָׁלוֹשׁ וְלֹא יַרְגִּישׁ בִּפְגִימָה דַּקָּה. לְאַחַר כֵּן יִמְצָאֶנָּה. כִּי הֵכִין לִבּוֹ בָּאַחֲרוֹנָה. וּבְחִינַת חוּשׁ הַמִּשּׁוּשׁ כְּפִי כַּוָּנַת הַלֵּב. מִלְּבַד כִּי יִפְשַׁע גֶּבֶר מִבְּלִי יִרְאָה. בִּבְדִיקַת הַסִּימָנִים וְיֶתֶר דְּרָכִים וּצְדָדִין בְּהִגָּלוֹת נִגְלוֹת לִפְנֵי כָּל יֹדְעֵי דָּת וָדִין.
“You shall not eat any corpse” (Deuteronomy 14:21). Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 32a), “Anything that is disqualified during slaughter is a corpse (neveilah).” And it is goodly for the reprimanders to warn the people, so that they should be careful about the law of slaughtering and all of its details, to fulfill its dictates. And for all of its laws, they should choose a slaughterer (schochet) who fears sin, since a large number of Israelites are dependent upon him for the [proper execution] of the commandments of slaughter and examination. And though it is true that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 3b), “Most of those found around slaughter are experts” - there are places without concern and without reprimand. There, most of the people found around slaughter are not understanding experts. And we have also seen scandal in some of them. For many of the experts have distanced themselves [from these places] out of fear of sin; and the heart of those that do not not fear, does not understand how to be exacting in the examination of the knife. For one has to focus his heart very, very much in its examination. Do you not see that a man may check two or three times and not feel a small nick (that would render the knife improper), but find it afterwards when he set his heart to it in the end? So [this shows] that the sense of touch is according to the focus of the heart. [This is] besides that a man that has no fear will err in the examination of the marks and the rest of the ways and angles that are clearly revealed to anyone who knows the doctrine and the law.
וְשֹׁחַד לֹא תִקָּח (שמות כ"ג:ח'). אֲפִלּוּ עַל מְנָת לְזַכּוֹת אֶת הַזַּכַּאי וּלְחַיֵּב אֶת הַחַיָּב. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהִסְכִּימוּ שְׁנֵי אֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם הָרִיב לָתֵת לוֹ שָׂכָר בְּשֻׁתָּפוּת. כָּךְ אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַנּוֹטֵל שְׂכָרוֹ לָדוּן דִּינָיו בְּטֵלִים. אֲבָל רַשָּׁאִים לִתֵּן לוֹ שְׂכַר הַהֶפְסֵד אֲשֶׁר יַפְסִיד בַּאֲשֶׁר יַפְרִיעוּהוּ מִמַּעֲשָׂיו. אִם הַהֶפְסֵד נִכָּר וְקָצוּב וְיָדוּעַ לִבְנֵי אָדָם וּבִלְבַד שֶׁלֹּא יִתֵּן אֶחָד מֵהֶם בִּשְׂכַר הַהֶפְסֵד יוֹתֵר מֵחֲבֵרוֹ.
“And you shall not take a bribe” (Exodus 23:8) - even on condition to have the innocent be innocent and the guilty be guilty, and even if the two parties to the argument have agreed to give him a wage together. Thus did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Ketuvot 105a): “[Regarding] one who takes a wage to judge, his decisions are null.” But they are permitted to give him the wage of the loss he incurred, in that they disturbed him from his [regular] activities - if the loss is recognizable and fixed, and it is known to people. And [this is] so long as one of them does not give more than his fellow towards the wage of the loss.
אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה וְשֹׁחַד לֹא תִקָּח אֲפִלּוּ שֹׁחַד דְּבָרִים. שֶׁאִם אָמַר לוֹ אֶחָד מֵהֶם דִּבְרֵי חֹנֶף יַחְשֹׂךְ נַפְשׁוֹ מִן הַדִּין הַהוּא. וְאִם הֵבִיא אֵלָיו תְּשׁוּרָה בְּבוֹאוֹ לָדוּן לְפָנָיו לֹא יִקָּחֶנָּה מִיָּדוֹ. וְאִם הִקְדִּים וְהֶעֱבִיר מִנְחָה עַל פָּנָיו וְלָקַח אֶת מִנְחָתוֹ כְּבָר נִפְסַל הַשּׁוֹפֵט הַזֶּה לְשָׁפְטוֹ.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 105b), “‘And you shall not take a bribe” - even a bribe of words. As if one of them said words of a flatterer to him, he must withdraw himself from that case. And if he brings him a present when he comes to be judged in front of him, he should not take it from his hand. And even if he preceded and gave him a gift in front of him to take from him (before he received his summons), this judge has already been disqualified from judging him.
כָּל מְלָאכָה לֹא יֵעָשֶׂה בָהֶם אַךְ אֲשֶׁר יֵאָכֵל לְכָל נֶפֶשׁ וְגוֹ' (שמות י"ב:ט"ז). אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ מִתּוֹךְ שֶׁהֻתְּרָה הוֹצָאָה לְצֹרֶךְ אֹכֶל נֶפֶשׁ בְּיוֹם טוֹב הֻתְּרָה שֶׁלֹּא לְצֹרֶךְ אֹכֶל נֶפֶשׁ. וּבִלְבַד שֶׁהִיא לְצֹרֶךְ הַיּוֹם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁאָמְרוּ מוֹצִיאִין אֶת סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה לִרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים בְּיוֹם טוֹב לִקְרֹא בּוֹ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא. אֲבָל אָסוּר לְהוֹצִיא לְצֹרֶךְ חוֹל. זוּלָתִי לְצֹרֶךְ יוֹם טוֹב. וְרַבִּים מִן הָעָם חוֹטְאִים לְהוֹצִיא מַפְתֵּחַ תֵּבָתָם לִרְשׁוּת הָרַבִּים בְּיוֹם טוֹב גַּם כִּי אֵין בַּתֵּבָה מִכָּל מַאֲכָל אֲשֶׁר יֵאָכֵל בְּיוֹם טוֹב.
“No work at all shall be done on them; only what every person is to eat, etc.” (Exodus 12:16). Our Rabbis said (Beitzah 12a), “From transporting being permitted for the sake of food for people, it was also permitted not for its sake - so long as it is for the sake of the day.” And it is like the matter that they said, “We transport a Torah scroll on a holiday to read it on that day.” But it is forbidden to transport for the needs of weekdays - only for the needs of the holiday. And many of the people sin by transporting a key for their containers into the public domain on the holiday, even though there is no food that can be eaten on the holiday in the container.
לֹא יִלְבַּשׁ גֶּבֶר שִׂמְלַת אִשָּׁה (דברים כ"ב:ה'). אַזְהָרָה לְמַעֲבִיר שְׂעַר בֵּית הַשֶּׁחִי וּבֵית הָעֶרְוָה.
“A man shall not wear a woman’s clothing” (Deuteronomy 22:5). [This is a negative commandment against] removing underarm and pubic hairs.
לֹא תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ (דברים כ"ב:ח'). אַזְהָרָה לְמַעֲמִיד כֶּלֶב רַע בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ וְסֻלָּם רָעוּעַ בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ.
“So that you do not bring bloodguilt in your house” (Deuteronomy 22:8). [This is a negative commandment against] placing a bad dog or a rickety ladder inside one’s home.
לֹא תַעֲבֹד בִּבְכֹר שׁוֹרֶךָ וְלֹא תָגֹז בְּכוֹר צֹאנֶךָ (דברים ט"ו:י"ט). הַבְּכוֹר נוֹהֵג בֵּין בָּאָרֶץ בֵּין בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ. וּבְכוֹר שֶׁנִּתְעָרֵב בְּמֵאָה אוֹ בְּאֶלֶף אוֹסֵר אֶת כֻּלָּן בַּהֲנָאָה.
“You must not work your firstling ox or shear your firstling sheep” (Deuteronomy 15:19). [The law of] the firstborn is practiced both in the Land [of Israel] and outside the Land. And a firstling that is mixed in a hundred or [even] a thousand (other animals) renders all of them prohibited in benefit.
לֹא תַעֲשׂוּן כֵּן לַה' אֱלֹקֵיכֶם (דברים י"ב:ד'). אַזְהָרָה לְמוֹחֵק אֶת הַשֵּׁם.
“You shall not do like this to the Lord, your God “(Deuteronomy 12:4). [This is a negative commandment against] erasing [God’s] name.
וּבְחֻקּוֹתֵיהֶם לֹא תֵלֵכוּ (ויקרא י"ח:ג'). הֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה לְהַרְחִיק כָּל דַּרְכֵי הָאֱמוֹרִי. וּמֵהֶם הַלְּחָשִׁים וְהַקְּמֵיעִים שֶׁאֵינָן מִן הַמֻּמְחֶה לִרְפוּאָה.
“And you shall not follow their practices” (Leviticus 18:3). And we were warned with this to distance ourselves from all the ways of the Emorites. And among them are incantations, and amulets that are not from an expert for healing.
וְלֶחֶם וְקָלִי וְכַרְמֶל לֹא תֹאכְלוּ עַד עֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה (ויקרא כ"ג:י"ד). הֶחָדָשׁ אָסוּר מִן הַתּוֹרָה גַּם בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ.
“And you shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears until that very day” (Leviticus 23:14). And [until the day it becomes permitted], the new grain is forbidden by the Torah also outside of the Land.
כָּתַבְנוּ מִקְצָת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר שׁוֹגְגִים בָּהֶם רַבִּים מִבְּלִי הַדַּעַת. כִּי לֹא גָּלוּ עֲלֵיהֶם אֶת אָזְנָם. וּמִקְצָת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר יֵדְעוּ כִּי אֲסוּרִים וְלֹא יֵדְעוּ חֹמֶר הָאִסּוּר. וְזָכַרְנוּ מֵהֶם לְמַעַן לֹא יָלִין הָעָם הַמִּשְׁגֶּה בָּהֶם. יִשְׁמַע חָכָם וְיוֹסִיף לֶקַח לְהַזְהִיר אֶת הָעָם עַל הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר תִּקְרֶאנָה אוֹתָם כָּאֵלֶּה עֲלֵיהֶם. וְהַמַּשְׂכִּילִים יַזְכִּירוּ. וּכְזֹהַר הָרָקִיעַ יַזְהִירוּ.
We have written some of the things about which many people err unknowingly, for their ears had not been exposed to them; and some of the things they knew were forbidden, but did know the severity of the prohibition. And we mentioned some of these [things] so that the people will not err in them laying down. The wise man will hear [this] and add [more] teaching, to warn the people about the things like this that happen to them. And the understanding ones will note their mention, and so, shine with the shine of heaven.
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַשִּׁשִּׁית – מִיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם: הַהֶפְרֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר בֵּין מִיתָה וְכָרֵת. כִּי חִיּוּב הַמִּיתָה. עָלָיו וְלֹא עַל זַרְעוֹ. וּבְעֹנֶשׁ הַכָּרֵת. וְהוּא וְזַרְעוֹ נִכְרָת. אוּלָם אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי עַל עִנְיָן אֶחָד וְעַל צַד יִנָּשֵׂא חֹמֶר הַמִּיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם מִן הַכָּרֵת. כִּי מִי שֶׁהוּא חַיָּב [מיתה] בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם עוֹלָה מָוֶת בְּחַלּוֹנָיו. וּבַעֲלֵי חַיִּים מִקְנֶה קִנְיָנוֹ מֵתִים. פָּרָתוֹ רוֹעָה בָּאֲפָר וְהִיא מֵתָה. תַּרְנְגָלְתּוֹ רוֹעָה בָּאַשְׁפָּה וְהִיא מֵתָה. וְיִדְבַּק הַמָּוֶת עַד כַּלּוֹתוֹ אוֹתוֹ.
And the sixth level is [the sins that come with] a death penalty at the hands of the Heavens: The difference between [this] death penalty and excision (karet) is that the liability for the death penalty is upon him, but not upon his progeny; whereas with the punishment of excision, he and his progeny are excised. Nevertheless our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said (Pesachim 32b) that regarding one matter, in one aspect, death at the hands of the Heavens exceeds the severity of excision. For the one who is liable for [death] at the hands of the Heavens has death in his apertures, and the animals of his livestock die: His cow eats dust and dies; his chicken eats from the dungheap and dies. And [so] death clings to him until it finishes him off.
(Perhaps Section 108 is missing, or a mistake happened in the ordering of the sections.)
וְחַיָּבֵי מִיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם נִסְדְּרוּ בַּמִּשְׁנָה מִקְצָתָם. כְּמוֹ הָאוֹכֵל אֶת הַטֶּבֶל. וְהוּא הַדָּגָן שֶׁלֹּא נִתְקַן בְּהַפְרָשַׁת תְּרוּמָה וּמַעַשְׂרוֹת מִמֶּנּוּ. וְהַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת נוֹהֶגֶת בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל. וּכְגוֹן כֹּהֵן טָמֵא שֶׁאָכַל תְּרוּמָה טְהוֹרָה. וְזָר שֶׁאָכַל אֶת הַתְּרוּמָה.
And some of those liable for a death penalty at the hands of the Heavens were enumerated in the Mishnah, such as one who eats untithed foods - and that is grain that was not prepard by the separation of the priestly tithe and the tithe from it. And this commandment is practiced [only] in the Land of Israel. And [another] example is an impure priest that eats pure priestly tithe or a non-priest that ate the priesly tithe.
וְיֵשׁ בָּהֶם אֲשֶׁר בֵּאֲרוּ אוֹתָם רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל בַּגְּמָרָא וּבַמִּדְרָשִׁים. וְרֻבָּם יֵשׁ לִלְמֹד אוֹתָם מִן הַפָּסוּק. כְּגוֹן הַמְּעַנֶּה אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כב) אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם לֹא תְעַנּוּן אִם עַנֵּה תְעַנֶּה אֹתוֹ וְגוֹ' וְחָרָה אַפִּי. וְאָמְרוּ רז"ל אֶחָד הַצּוֹעֵק וְאֶחָד שֶׁאֵינוֹ צוֹעֵק. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי נֶעֱנָשׁ מְעַנֶּה אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם. אַחַת דָּתוֹ אִם צָעוֹק יִצְעַק הַמִּתְעַנֶּה תַּחַת יָדוֹ וְאִם הַחֲרֵשׁ יַחֲרִישׁ. אֲבָל מְמַהֲרִין לִפְרֹעַ מִמֶּנּוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר יִצְעַק הַיָּתוֹם אֶל הש"י.
And there are some of them that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained in the Talmud and in the Midrash, and most of them can be learned from the verse [itself]. For example, one who afflicts a widow or an orphan, as it is stated (Exodus 22:21-23), “you shall not afflict a widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, etc., My anger shall blaze forth.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Mekhilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Mishpatim 18), “It is one if they cry out or they do not cry out.” [This is] meaning to say that when one who afflicts the widow or orphan is punished, it is the same doctrine whether the afflicted surely cries out under his hand or is surely silent. But when the orphan cries out to God, may He be blessed, the punishment comes quickly.
הַגּוֹזֵל אֶת הֶעָנִי שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:כ"ב-כ"ג) אַל תִּגְזָל דָּל כִּי דַל הוּא וְגוֹ' כִּי ה' יָרִיב רִיבָם וְקָבַע אֶת קֹבְעֵיהֶם נָפֶשׁ. וּכְבָר בֵּאַרְנוּ זֶה בַּמַּדְרֵגָה הַשְּׁלִישִׁית, וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (בבא קמא קיט.) כִּי הַגּוֹזֵל אֶת הֶעָנִי כְּאִלּוּ נוֹטֵל הֵימֶנּוּ נִשְׁמָתוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי א':י"ט) כֵּן אָרְחוֹת כָּל בֹּצֵעַ בָּצַע אֶת נֶפֶשׁ בְּעָלָיו יִקָּח. פְּעָמִים שֶׁמְּקַפֵּחַ אֶת פַּרְנָסָתוֹ אֲפִלּוּ בִּגְזֵלַת פָּחוֹת מִשְּׁוֵה פְּרוּטָה. עַל כֵּן דָּם יֵחָשֵׁב לָאִישׁ הַהוּא, דָּם שָׁפָךְ אִם גָּזַל מִמֶּנּוּ שָׁוֶה פְּרוּטָה.
[Likewise,] stealing from the poor person, as it is stated (Proverbs 22:22-23), “Do not rob the indigent for he is indigent; and do not crush the poor man in the gate. For the Lord will take up their cause and despoil those who despoil them of life.” And we have already explained this in the third level. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 119a) that one who steals from a poor person is as if he takes his life, as it is stated (Proverbs 1:19), “Such is the fate of all who pursue unjust gain; it takes the life of its possessor.” Sometimes it deprives him of his livelihood - even with the theft of less than the value of a perutah (a very small coin). Therefore it is considered like bloodguilt for that person: If he stole the value of a perutah, he has spilled blood.
וְהַמּוֹצִיא שֵׁם רַע שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר י"ד:ל"ז) וַיָּמֻתוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים מוֹצִאֵי דִבַּת הָאָרֶץ רָעָה בַּמַּגֵּפָה לִפְנֵי ה'. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (ערכין טו.) אִם הַמּוֹצִיא שֵׁם רַע עַל הָאָרֶץ עָנְשׁוֹ בְּמִיתָה. הוֹצִיא שֵׁם רָע עַל אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁנִּתְחַיֵּב בַּתּוֹרָה וּבַמִּצְוֹת עַל אַחַת כַּמָּה וְכַמָּה. וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים כב) וְעָנְשׁוּ אֹתוֹ מֵאָה כֶסֶף וְנָתַן לַאֲבִי הַנַּעֲרָה כִּי הוֹצִיא שֵׁם רָע וְגוֹ'. הִנֵּה לֹא הִזְכִּיר הַכָּתוּב חֶטְאוֹ עַל אֲשֶׁר הָיָה מְבַקֵּשׁ נֶפֶשׁ הָאִשָּׁה וּמְסַבֵּב לַהֲמִיתָהּ בְּבֵית דִּין בְּעֵדֵי שֶׁקֶר אֲשֶׁר הֵבִיא עַל זְנוּתָהּ. וְהִזְכִּיר עֲוֹן הוֹצָאַת שֵׁם רַע. כִּי הוּא הֶעָוֹן הַגָּדוֹל יוֹתֵר מִן הַמְבַקֵּשׁ נֶפֶשׁ לִסְפּוֹתָהּ. כִּי צַעַר הַכְּלִמָּה מַר מִמָּוֶת וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (כתובות מו.) עַל הוֹצָאַת שֵׁם רַע חִיֵּב הַכָּתוּב מַלְקוּת וּמָמוֹן. לֹא עַל דְּבַר אֲשֶׁר בִּקֵּשׁ לַהֲמִיתָהּ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (ירושלמי בבא קמא ח:ז) כִּי הַמּוֹצִיא שֵׁם רַע בְּדִבְרֵי פְּגָם מִשְׁפָּחָה אֵין לוֹ כַּפָּרָה עוֹלָמִית. כִּי לֹא דַּיּוֹ בִּמְחִילַת הַחַיִּים אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה חַיִּים עֲדֶנָה. כִּי סִבֵּב לְהַחְפִּיר וּלְהַבְאִישׁ מוֹלַדְתָּם אֲשֶׁר יוֹלִידוּ. וְעוֹד אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹסִיפִים בֵּאוּר בָּזֶה בְּבֵאוּר חֹמֶר עָוֹן אַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת.
[Likewise] one who put out a bad name (on someone else), as it is stated (Numbers 14:37), “And those who spread such calumnies about the land died of plague in front of the Lord.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Arakhin 15a) [that] if the punishment for one who puts out a bad name on the land is death, all the more so for one who puts out a bad name on a fellow Israelite - who is obligated in Torah and the commandments. And it is stated (Deuteronomy 22:19), “And they shall fine him a hundred [shekels of] silver and give it to the girl’s father; for the man has put out a bad name, etc.” Behold, the verse did not mention his sin about having tried to take the life of the woman, and causing her to be killed in court with false witnesses that he brought about her [fabricated] harlotry; yet it mentioned the iniquity of putting out a bad name! For it is a greater iniquity than one seeking to squelch a life, as the pain of the shame is more bitter than death. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say that he is liable lashes and [a fine] for putting out a bad name, not for having sought to kill her. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Bava Kamma 8:7) that one who puts out a bad name with words about a blemish in the family is never able to atone. For it is not enough for him to get pardoned by those still alive, as he caused the shame and disgrace of their forebears that gave him birth. And we will still add more to its explanation [when we explain] the severity of the four death penalties [of the court].
וְהַמְּשַׂחֵק עִם הַתִּינוֹקוֹת וּמְנָאֵף בֵּין בַּיָּד בֵּין בָּרֶגֶל חַיָּב. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (נדה יג:) כִּי עָנְשׁוֹ כְּעֹנֶשׁ דּוֹר הַמַּבּוּל שֶׁהָיוּ מַשְׁחִיתִים דַּרְכָּם. וְכֵן הָעוֹשֶׂה כְּמַעֲשֵׂה עֵר וְאוֹנָן דָּשׁ מִפְּנִים וְזוֹרֶה מִבַּחוּץ לְאַבֵּד הַזֶּרַע חַיָּב. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית ל"ח:י') וַיֵּרַע בְּעֵינֵי ה' אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה וַיָּמֶת גַּם אֹתוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר עַל הַמּוֹצִיאִים אֶת הַזֶּרַע לְבַטָּלָה (ישעיה נ"ז:ה') הַנֵּחָמִים בָּאֵלִים וְתַחַת כָּל עֵץ רַעֲנָן שֹׁחֲטֵי הַיְלָדִים וְגוֹ'.
And one who plays with children and [masturbates] whether with the hand or the foot is liable. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Niddah 13b) that his punishment is like the punishment of the generation of the flood, that had corrupted their ways. And likewise one who does like the act of Er and Onan - to thresh (the penis) inside (the vagina) and winnow outside, to destroy the seed - is liable, as it is stated (Genesis 38:10), “And what he did was displeasing to the Lord, and He killed him as well.” And it is stated about those that waste seed (Isaiah 57:5), “You who inflame yourselves among the terebinths, under every verdant tree; who slaughter children, etc.”
וְתַלְמִיד חָכָם שֶׁאֵינוֹ נוֹהֵג בִּצְנִיעוּת חַיָּב, לְפִי שֶׁמַּרְחִיק אַהֲבַת הַבְּרִיּוֹת מִן הַתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (שבת קיד.) כִּי עַל זֶה נֶאֱמַר (משלי ח':ל"ו) כָּל מְשַׂנְאַי אָהֲבוּ מָוֶת. פֵּרוּשׁ מְשַׂנְאַי – מַשְׂנִיאַי, שֶׁהֵם גּוֹרְמִים לַבְּרִיּוֹת לִשְׂנֹא אֶת הַתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (יומא פו.) בִּזְמַן שֶׁאָדָם קוֹרֵא וְשׁוֹנֶה וְדִבּוּרוֹ בְּנַחַת עִם הַבְּרִיּוֹת וּמִקָּחוֹ וּמַתָּנוֹ בַּשּׁוּק נָאֶה וְנוֹשֵׂא וְנוֹתֵן בֶּאֱמוּנָה, מָה הַבְּרִיּוֹת אוֹמְרוֹת עָלָיו, אַשְׁרֵי פְּלוֹנִי שֶׁלָּמַד תּוֹרָה, אַשְׁרֵי אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ שֶׁלִּמְּדוּ לוֹ תּוֹרָה, אוֹי לָהֶם לִבְנֵי אָדָם שֶׁלֹּא לָמְדוּ תּוֹרָה, פְּלוֹנִי שֶׁלָּמַד תּוֹרָה רְאִיתֶם כַּמָּה יָפִים דְּרָכָיו וְכַמָּה מְתֻקָּנִים מַעֲשָׂיו, עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר (ישעיה מ"ט:ג') וַיֹּאמֶר לִי עַבְדִּי אָתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר בְּךָ אֶתְפָּאָר. וּבִזְמַן שֶׁאָדָם קוֹרֵא וְשׁוֹנֶה, וְאֵין דִּבּוּרוֹ בְּנַחַת עִם הַבְּרִיּוֹת, וְאֵין מִקָּחוֹ וּמַתָּנוֹ בַּשּׁוּק נָאֶה, וְאֵינוֹ נוֹשֵׂא וְנוֹתֵן בֶּאֱמוּנָה, מָה הַבְּרִיּוֹת אוֹמְרוֹת עָלָיו, אוֹי לוֹ לִפְלוֹנִי שֶׁלָּמַד תּוֹרָה, אוֹי לֹא לְרַבּוֹ וּלְאָבִיו שֶׁלִּמְּדוּ לוֹ תּוֹרָה, אַשְׁרֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם שֶׁלֹּא לָמְדוּ תּוֹרָה, פְּלוֹנִי שֶׁלָּמַד תּוֹרָה רְאִיתֶם כַּמָּה מְכֹעָרִים מַעֲשָׂיו כַּמָּה מְקֻלְקָלִים דְּרָכָיו, עָלָיו הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר (יחזקאל ל"ו:כ') וַיְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי בֶּאֱמֹר לָהֶם עַם ה' אֵלֶּה וּמֵאַרְצוֹ יָצָאוּ.
And a Torah scholar that does not act modestly is liable, because he distances the Torah from the love of the creatures. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 114a), “About this is it stated (Proverbs 8:36), ‘all who hate me love death.’” The explanation of haters is, those that cause hate - as they cause the creatures to hate the Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yoma 86a), “[When a man] reads [Torah], studies [Mishnah, ...]; and he speaks pleasantly with other people, is pleasant with [them] in his business transactions in the marketplace and gives and takes faithfully - what do people say about him? Fortunate is his father [and his mother] who taught him Torah, [...], woe to the people who have not studied Torah. So-and-so who was taught Torah - see how [beautiful] are his ways, how proper are his deeds. About him does the verse state (Isaiah 49:3), ‘You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ [But when a man] reads [Torah], studies [Mishnah, ...]; but he does not speak pleasantly with other people, is not pleasant with [them] in his business transactions in the marketplace and does not give and take faithfully - what do people say about him? Woe to so-and-so who studied Torah, woe to his teacher and to his father who taught him Torah. So-and-so who studied Torah - see how [ugly] are his deeds, and how [corrupted] are his ways. About him, the verse states (Ezekiel 36:20), ‘they caused My holy name to be profaned, in that it was said of them, “These are the people of the Lord, yet they had to leave His land.”’”
אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (מסכת דרך ארץ רבה י״א:יג) כָּל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בֵּית הַמִּדְרָשׁ בְּעִירוֹ וְאֵינוֹ הוֹלֵךְ שָׁם חַיָּב.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Derekh Eretz Rabbah 11:13), "Anyone who has a study hall (beit midrash) in his city but does not go there is liable."
הַחוֹלֵק עַל יְשִׁיבָתוֹ שֶׁל רַבּוֹ חַיָּב.
And one who rivals his rabbi’s yeshiva is liable.
וְהַמּוֹרֶה הֲלָכָה בִּפְנֵי רַבּוֹ חַיָּב. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (עירובין סג.) לֹא מֵתוּ נָדָב וַאֲבִיהוּא בְּהַקְרִיבָם אֵשׁ זָרָה עַל חֵטְא הַהַקְרָבָה. כִּי כַּוָּנָתָם הָיְתָה לְשֵׁם מִצְוָה. כִּי אָמְרוּ הִנֵּה כָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה (ויקרא א':ז') וְנָתְנוּ בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן אֵשׁ עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיּוֹרֶדֶת אֵשׁ מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם מִצְוָה לְהָבִיא מִן הַהֶדְיוֹט. אֲבָל עָנְשָׁם הָיָה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוֹרוּ הֲלָכָה בִּפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּינוּ.
And one who issues a legal ruling in front of his teacher is liable. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Eruvin 63a) [that] when Nadav and Abihou brought a foreign fire, they did not die for the sin of bringing [it], since their intention was for the sake of a commandment: They said, “Behold it is written in the Torah (Leviticus 1:7), ‘And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar’ - although fire descends from Heaven, it is [nonetheless] a commandment to [also] bring ordinary fire.” Rather their punishment was because they issued a legal ruling in front of Moses, their teacher.
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (אבות ה:ח) דֶּבֶר בָּא לָעוֹלָם עַל מִיתוֹת הָאֲמוּרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא נִמְסְרוּ לב"ד וְעַל פֵּרוֹת שְׁבִיעִית. וְאָמְרוּ עוֹד בְּד' פְּרָקִים הַדֶּבֶר מִתְרַבֶּה בָּרְבִיעִית וּבַשְּׁבִיעִית וּבְמוֹצָאֵי שְׁבִיעִית וּבְמוֹצָאֵי הֶחָג שֶׁבְּכָל שָׁנָה. בָּרְבִיעִית מִפְּנֵי מַעְשַׂר עָנִי שֶׁבַּשְּׁלִישִׁית. וּבַשְּׁבִיעִית מִפְּנֵי מַעְשַׂר עָנִי שֶׁבַּשִּׁשִּׁית. וּבְמוֹצָאֵי שְׁבִיעִית מִפְּנֵי פֵּרוֹת שְׁבִיעִית. וּבְמוֹצָאֵי הֶחָג שֶׁבְּכָל שָׁנָה מִפְּנֵי גֶּזֶל מַתְּנוֹת עֲנִיִּים. וְרָאִינוּ מִזֶּה כִּי יֵשׁ מִיתָה בִּידֵי שָׁמַיִם עַל גֶּזֶל מַתְּנוֹת עֲנִיִּים. וְתֵדַע וּבָחַנְתָּ מִזֶּה חֹמֶר הַנּוֹדֵר לִצְדָקָה וְאֵינוֹ מְשַׁלֵּם. גַּם הַקּוֹפֵץ יָדוֹ מֵאָחִיו הָאֶבְיוֹן, וּמִבְּשָׂרוֹ מִתְעַלֵּם דּוֹמֶה לָאֵלֶּה, כִּי אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר נִתְחַיֵּב לָתֵת, הִנֵּה הוּא כְּגוֹזֵל מַתְּנוֹתָיו.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8), “Pestilence comes to the world for sins punishable by death according to the Torah, but which have not been referred to the court, and for [neglect of the law regarding] the fruits of the sabbatical year.” And they also said (Avot 5:9), “At four times pestilence increases: In the fourth year, in the seventh year, at the conclusion of the seventh year and at the conclusion of the Feast [of Tabernacles (Sukkot)] in every year. In the fourth year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due in] the third year; in the seventh year, on account of the tithe of the poor [which is due] in the sixth year; at the conclusion of the seventh year, on account of the produce of the seventh year; and at the conclusion of the Feast in every year, for robbing the gifts to the poor.” We have seen from this that there is death at the hands of the Heavens for robbing the gifts of the poor. And from this, know and examine the severity of one who makes vows of charity but does not fulfill [them]. Also one who shuts his hand from his poor brother and turns away from his flesh is similar to these - for since he has already been obligated to give [these sums by the Torah], behold he is like someone robbing the gifts [of the poor].
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַשְּׁבִיעִית – חֹמֶר הַכָּרֵת: הָעֲווֹנוֹת שֶׁחַיָּבִין עַל זְדוֹנָן כָּרֵת. [שחייב] הַשּׁוֹגֵג בָּהֶם לְהָבִיא חַטָּאת. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי אֵין אָדָם חַיָּב לְהָבִיא חַטָּאת זוּלָתִי בְּדָבָר שֶׁעָנוּשׁ עַל זְדוֹנוֹ כָּרֵת. וְהַכָּרֵת שֶׁנִּכְרַת הוּא וְזַרְעוֹ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ':כ') חֶטְאָם יִשָּׂאוּ עֲרִירִים יָמֻתוּ.
The seventh level is the severity of excision: The punishment that one is liable [when the consequence of the sin’s] wanton [transgression] is excision; when inadvertent, is for one to bring a sin-offering. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Keritot 2a) - that a person is only liable to bring a sin-offering for something the punishment of which, when done wantonly, is excision. [This is] like the matter that is stated (Leviticus 20:20), “they shall bear their guilt; they shall die childless.” And there are two categories of those liable for excision:
וְחִיּוּב הַכָּרֵת עַל שְׁנֵי הַחֲלָקִים. הַחֵלֶק הָאֶחָד שֶׁנִּכְרָתִים מִן הָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה. כְּגוֹן הַבָּא עַל אֲחוֹתוֹ. וְעַל אֲחוֹת אָבִיו. וְעַל אֲחוֹת אִמּוֹ. וְעַל אֲחוֹת אִשְׁתּוֹ. וְעַל אֵשֶׁת אָחִיו אַחַר שִׁלּוּחֶיהָ אוֹ אַחֲרֵי מוֹת בַּעֲלָהּ. וְכֵן הַבָּא עַל אֵשֶׁת אֲחִי אָבִיו וְעַל אֵשֶׁת אֲחִי אִמּוֹ. וְהָאוֹכֵל חֵלֶב וְדָם. וְהָאוֹכֵל חָמֵץ בַּפֶּסַח. וְהָעוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים. וּמִי שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂה פֶּסַח. וְהַבָּא עַל הַנִּדָּה.
The first category is [composed of] the ones excised [only] from this world: For example, one who has sexual relations with his sister, the sister of his father, the sister of his mother, the sister of his wife or the sister of his brother after he [divorces] her or after the death of her husband. And likewise one who has sexual relations with the wife of his father’s brother or with the wife of the mother’s brother; one who eats forbidden fat or blood; who eats chamets at Passover; one who does (forbidden) work on Yom Kippur; one who did not [eat from] a Passover [offering]; and one who has sexual relations with a menstruant.
וְהַחֵלֶק הַשֵּׁנִי שֶׁנִּכְרָתִים מִן הָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וְהָעוֹלָם הַבָּא כְּגוֹן הָעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. וְהָעוֹשֶׂה עֲבֵרוֹת בְּפַרְהֶסְיָא. וְהַבּוֹזֶה אֶת הַתּוֹרָה. כְּגוֹן הַמְבַזֶּה לוֹמְדֶיהָ וְאֹהֲבֵי השי"ת. וְהַמֵּפֵר בְּרִית בָּשָׂר. וְאָנוּ מְבָאֲרִים הֵיטֵב עִנְיַן הַכִּתּוֹת הָהֵם בַּמַּדְרֵגָה הָאַחַת עֶשְׂרֵה.
The second category is [composed of] the ones excised from this world and from the next world: For example, one who worships idolatry; one who sins publicly; one who disgraces Torah, such as if he disgraces its students or those that love God, may He be blessed; and those that rescind the covenant on their flesh (circumcision). And we will explain the content of these groups more fully in the eleventh level.
וּמִי שֶׁנִּתְחַיֵּב כָּרֵת. פְּעָמִים שֶׁתַּאֲרִיךְ לוֹ הַזְּכוּת בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה שְׁנַיִם וּשְׁלֹשָׁה דּוֹרוֹת. וְאִחוּר הַמָּוֶת לָרְשָׁעִים לְשַׁלֵּם שְׂכָרָם בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וּלְאַבְּדָם מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ז':י') וּמְשַׁלֵּם לְשֹׂנְאָיו אֶל פָּנָיו לְהַאֲבִידוֹ לֹא יְאַחֵר לְשֹׂנְאוֹ אֶל פָּנָיו יְשַׁלֶּם לוֹ. וּמְפֹרָשׁ הַדָּבָר בְּדִבְרֵי דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים צ"ב:ז'-ח') אִישׁ בַּעַר לֹא יֵדָע וּכְסִיל לֹא יָבִין אֶת זֹאת בִּפְרֹחַ רְשָׁעִים כְּמוֹ עֵשֶׂב וַיָּצִיצוּ כָּל פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן לְהִשָּׁמְדָם עֲדֵי עַד. וְכֵן אָמַר אָסָף עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים ע"ג:ג'-ד') כִּי קִנֵּאתִי בַּהוֹלְלִים שְׁלוֹם רְשָׁעִים אֶרְאֶה כִּי אֵין חַרְצֻבּוֹת לְמוֹתָם וְגוֹ' עַד אָבוֹא אֶל מִקְדְּשֵׁי אֵל אָבִינָה לְאַחֲרִיתָם. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – כִּי הַנְּקָמָה בָּרְשָׁעִים בְּאַחֲרִיתָם. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ד:כ') כִּי לֹא תִהְיֶה אַחֲרִית לָרָע נֵר רְשָׁעִים יִדְעָךְ.
And there are times when the merit of someone who is liable for excision lasts him two or three generations. And the delay in the death of evildoers is to pay their reward in this world, and so to destroy them in the world to come. For it is stated (Deuteronomy 7:10) “But who instantly repays with destruction those who hate Him - never slow with those who hate Him, but repaying them instantly.” And the thing is explained in the words of King David, peace be upon him (Psalms 92:7-8), “A brutish man cannot know, a fool cannot understand this: Though the wicked sprout like grass, though all evildoers blossom, it is only that they may be destroyed forever.” And likewise did Asaf, peace be upon him, say (Psalms 73:3-17), “For I envied the wanton; I saw the wicked at ease. Death has no pangs for them, etc. Until I entered God’s sanctuary and reflected on their fate.” Its explanation is that vengeance upon the evildoers is at their end, as it is stated (Proverbs 24:20), “For there is no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked goes out.”
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אָמַר ר' יֹאשִׁיָּה מִפְּנֵי שְׁלֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים הקב"ה מַאֲרִיךְ פָּנִים עִם הָרְשָׁעִים בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה. שֶׁמָּא יַעֲשׂוּ תְּשׁוּבָה. אוֹ עָשׂוּ מִצְוֹת שֶׁיְּשַׁלֵּם לָהֶם הקב"ה שְׂכָרָם בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה. אוֹ שֶׁמָּא יֵצְאוּ מֵהֶם בָּנִים צַדִּיקִים שֶׁכָּךְ מָצִינוּ [שכאשר] הֶאֱרִיךְ פָּנִים לְאָחָז יָצָא מִמֶּנּוּ חִזְקִיָּה וְגַם אָמוֹן יָצָא מִמֶּנּוּ יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ וְגַם שִׁמְעִי יָצָא מִמֶּנּוּ מָרְדְּכַי.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kohelet Rabbah 7:32), “Rabbi Yoshiyahu said, ‘For three things does the Holy One, blessed be He, delay punishment of evildoers in this world: Lest they repent; [because] they have done a commandment, such that the Holy One, blessed be, will pay them back in this world; or lest righteous children will come out from them - like we have found [when] He showed favor to Achaz, such that Hezekiah came out of him; as well as Amon, from whom Yoshiyahu came out; as well as Shimi, from whom Mordechai came.’”
וְעִנְיַן הַכָּרֵת קִצּוּר הַשָּׁנִים. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י':כ"ז) וּשְׁנוֹת רְשָׁעִים תִּקְצֹרְנָה. וְיֵשׁ בְּעִנְיַן קִצּוּר הַשָּׁנִים הֶפְרֵשׁ בֵּין מִיתָה לְכָרֵת. כִּי הַכָּרֵת – מוֹת הָאָדָם קֹדֶם חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנִים. וְהַמִּיתָה – קֹדֶם שִׁשִּׁים, כְּמֵתֵי מִדְבָּר. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי מִי שֶׁנִּגְזַר עָלָיו לִחְיוֹת שִׁבְעִים אוֹ שְׁמוֹנִים שָׁנָה וְנִתְחַיֵּב מִיתָה יָמוּת פָּחוֹת מִבֶּן שִׁשִּׁים. אֲבָל יֵשׁ צַדִּיקִים שֶׁמִּסְפַּר יְמֵיהֶם פָּחוֹת מִשִּׁשִּׁים. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ בֶּן חֲמִשִּׁים וּשְׁתַּיִם זוֹ הִיא מִיתָתוֹ שֶׁל שְׁמוּאֵל הָרָמָתִי. וְנֶאֱמַר (במדבר ד':י"ח) אַל תַּכְרִיתוּ אֶת שֵׁבֶט מִשְׁפְּחֹת הַקְּהָתִי מִתּוֹךְ הַלְוִיִּם וְדָרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה מִזֶּה כִּי הַכָּרֵת קֹדֶם חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה. פֵּרוּשׁ הַמִּקְרָא אַל תְּהִי נְסִבָּה מֵאִתְּכֶם לְהַכְרִית שֵׁבֶט הַקְּהָתִי מִתּוֹךְ עֲבוֹדַת הַלְוִיִּם. כִּי אִם לֹא תִּשְׁמְרוּ אוֹתָם שֶׁלֹּא יָבֹאוּ לִרְאוֹת כְּבַלַּע אֶת הַקֹּדֶשׁ יִכָּרְתוּ מִתּוֹךְ עֲבוֹדַת הַלְוִיִּם, וְיָמוּתוּ קֹדֶם חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר ח':כ"ה) וּמִבֶּן חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה יָשׁוּב מִצְּבָא הָעֲבֹדָה וְגוֹ'.
And [part of] the content of excision is the shortening of years; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 10:27), “but the years of the wicked will be shortened.” But there is a difference in the matter of the shortening of the years between death [at the hands of the Heavens] and excision. For [in the case of] excision, the death of the person is before fifty years, whereas [in the case of] death, [it] is before sixty - like those that died in the desert. This is meaning to say, that one about whom it was decreed to live for seventy or eighty years, but became liable for death [at the hands of the Heavens], will die at less than sixty years. However there are righteous ones the [decree for which] is to have less days than sixty [years] - as they said (Taanit 5b), “One [who dies] at fifty-two years, this is the death of Samuel of Rama.” And it is stated (Numbers 4:18), “Do not let the group of Kohathite clans be cut off from the Levites.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, expounded (Yerushalmi Bikkurim 2:1) from this that excision is before fifty years. Its explanation is, let not an accident be how you cause the tribe of the Kohatites to be cut off from the service of the Levites. For if you do not guard them - that they should not come to see when the holy [vessels] are covered - they shall be excised from the service of the Levites, and will die before they are fifty years; as it is stated (Numbers 8:25), “But at the age of fifty they shall retire from the workforce, etc.”
וְיֵשׁ בְּחַיָּבֵי כְּרֵתוֹת אֲשֶׁר גּוֹרֵם לְזַרְעוֹ מוֹקֵשׁ רַע וּשְׁחִיתוּת. לְבַד מֵאֲשֶׁר אַחֲרִית הַזֶּרַע לְהַכְרִית. וְהוּא הַבָּא עַל הַנִּדָּה. וְהַהוּא יִקָּרֵא זֶרַע מְרֵעִים. כִּי יִהְיֶה תָּו הָעַזּוּת עַל מִצְחוֹ בְּעוֹד בַּחַיִּים חַיָּתוֹ. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עַז פָּנִים הֲלֹא הוּא בֶּן אִשָּׁה נִדָּה. וַתְּהִי עֲוֹנוֹת הַבֵּן עַל עַצְמוֹת הָאָב. כִּי הוּא עוֹלֵל לְנַפְשׁוֹ לִהְיוֹת פּוֹשֵׁעַ מִבֶּטֶן. וְאוֹי לְרָשָׁע רָע כִּי שִׁחֵת לוֹ. וְהִכָּרֵת תִּכָּרֵת נַפְשׁוֹ וְנֶפֶשׁ אִשְׁתּוֹ. וְזַרְעוֹ בְּלִיַּעַל כֻּלּוֹ נִכְרָת. וְהָאִשָּׁה הִנֵּה הִיא בְּנִדַּת טֻמְאָתָהּ גַּם אִם טָהֲרָה מִזּוֹבָהּ וְסָפְרָה לָּהּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים כַּמִּשְׁפָּט. כָּל זְמַן שֶׁלֹּא טָבְלָה בִּמְקוֹר מַיִם אוֹ מֵי נָהָר וּמַעְיָן אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ אַרְבָּעִים סְאָה. גֵּימַטְרְיָא לַדָּבָר הַהוֹלְכִים לְאַ"ט.
And among those liable for excision are those that cause a bad trap and corruption for one’s offspring, besides that the end of the offspring is to be excised. And that is one who has sexual relations with a menstruant. Such a one is tearing up evil seed; for there will be a strip of brazenness upon [the child’s] forehead while he is still alive. [It is] as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kallah Rabbati 2), “Brazen faced - is that not the son of a menstruant woman?” And the iniquities of the son will be upon the bones of the father. For he caused his soul to be a sinner from the womb. And woe is the evil of the evildoer, for it corrupts him; and his soul and his wife’s soul will surely be excised. And his ruffian seed will be completely cut off. And behold that the woman is in menstrual impurity even if she is pure from [having] her flow and counted seven [clean] days - as is her statute - so long as she has not immersed in a source of water, a river or a spring that has forty seah. And the numerical equivalent (gematria) of the thing is walking slowly (le’at).
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַשְּׁמִינִית – אַרְבַּע מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין: וְהֵם סְקִילָה שְׂרֵפָה הֶרֶג וָחֶנֶק. וְהַסְּקִילָה חֲמוּרָה מִן הַשְּׂרֵפָה. וְהַשְּׂרֵפָה מִן הַהֶרֶג שֶׁהוּא בְּסַיִף. וְהַהֶרֶג מִן הַחֶנֶק. וּמִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁהֵם בִּסְקִילָה – הַבָּא עַל אֵשֶׁת אָבִיו, וְעַל הַכַּלָּה, וְעַל הַזָּכָר, וּבַעַל אוֹב וְיִדְּעוֹנִי, וְהַמְחַלֵּל אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת וְהַמְקַלֵּל אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ, וְהַבָּא עַל נַעֲרָה הַמְאֹרָסָה, וְהַמֵּסִית, וְהַמְּכַשֵּׁף, וּבֵן סוֹרֵר וּמוֹרֶה, וַחֲמוּרִים מִכֻּלָּם הַמְגַדֵּף וְהָעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
And the eighth level is the four death penalties of the court: And they are stoning, burning, killing and strangulation. Stoning is more severe than burning; burning than killing, which is with a sword (decapitation); and killing than strangulation. And from the sins [punished by] stoning: [A man] who has sexual relations with the wife of his father, with his daughter-in-law or with a male; a baal ov or yidaoni (types of fortune tellers); one who profanes the Shabbat; one who curses his father or mother; a man who has sexual relations with a betrothed maiden; one who entices others to idolatry; a sorcerer; a rebellious son; and - more severe than all of them - one who blasphemes or worships idolatry (Sanhedrin 53a).
בִּשְׂרֵפָה – הַבָּא עַל אִשָּׁה וּבִתָּהּ. וְעַל בַּת אִשְׁתּוֹ. וְעַל בַּת בְּנָהּ. וְעַל בַּת בִּתָּהּ. וְעַל חֲמוֹתוֹ. וְעַל אֵם חֲמוֹתוֹ. וְעַל אֵם חָמִיו.
By burning: [A man] who has sexual relations with a woman and her daughter, with the daughter of his wife, with the daughter of his son, with the daughter of his daughter, with his mother-in-law, with the mother of his mother-in-law and with the mother of his father-in-law (Sanhedrin 75a).
בְּסַיִף שְׁנַיִם – הָרוֹצֵחַ וְאַנְשֵׁי עִיר הַנִּדַּחַת.
By the sword: A murderer and the people of a condemned city (Sanhedrin 76b).
בְּחֶנֶק – מַכֵּה אָבִיו וְאִמּוֹ. וְגוֹנֵב נֶפֶשׁ מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְזָקֵן מַמְרֶה עַל פִּי ב"ד. וּנְבִיא הַשֶּׁקֶר. וְהַמִּתְנַבֵּא בְּשֵׁם ע"ז. וְהַבָּא עַל אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ.
By strangulation: One who strikes his father or his mother; one who abducts an Israelite; a rebellious elder according to the court; a false prophet; one who prophesies in the name of idol worship; and one who has sexual relations with a married woman (Sanhedrin 84b).
אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (כתובות ל.) מִיּוֹם שֶׁחָרַב בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁבָּטְלוּ אַרְבַּע מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין. דִּין אַרְבַּע מִיתוֹת לֹא בָּטְלוּ. מִי שֶׁחַיָּב סְקִילָה. אוֹ נוֹפֵל מִן הַגָּג אוֹ חַיָּה דּוֹרַסְתּוֹ. וּמִי שֶׁחַיָּב שְׂרֵפָה. אוֹ נוֹפֵל בִּדְלֵקָה אוֹ נָחָשׁ מַכִּישׁוֹ. וּמִי שֶׁחַיָּב הֲרִיגָה. לִסְטִים בָּאִים עָלָיו. וּמִי שֶׁחַיָּב חֲנִיקָה. אוֹ טוֹבֵעַ בַּנָּהָר אוֹ מֵת בִּסְרוֹנְכֵי.
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 37b), “From the day that the Temple was destroyed, although the [four death penalties of the court] have ceased, [...] the principle of the four death penalties of the court has not ceased: One who is liable for stoning, either he falls from a roof or an animal tramples him. One who is liable for burning, either he falls into a fire or a snake bites him (as a snakebite causes a burning sensation). One who is liable for killing, robbers come upon him (and execute him). One who is liable for strangling either drowns in a river or dies of diphtheria (bisronekhi).”
וְהַבָּא עַל הַשִּׁפְחָה דּוֹמֶה לְחַיָּבֵי מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין בִּשְׁנֵי דְּרָכִים. כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (סנהדרין פא:), הַבּוֹעֵל אֲרַמִּית קַנָּאִין פּוֹגְעִין בּוֹ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁכָּתוּב (במדבר כ"ה:ח'): וַיִּדְקֹר אֶת שְׁנֵיהֶם, וּפֵשֶׁר הָעִנְיָן כִּי יִמְצָאֵהוּ אִישׁ וְהִנֵּה תּוֹעֶה בִּמְקוֹם רוֹאִים, וְעוֹד לֹא פֵּרֵשׁ מִן הָעֲבֵרָה, בְּפִגְעוֹ בוֹ הוּא יְמִיתֶנּוּ. וְהַדָּבָר הַזֶּה חָמוּר מִכָּל חַיָּבֵי מִיתוֹת ב"ד. כִּי לֹא יָמוּתוּ זוּלָתִי בְּעֵדִים וְהַתְרָאָה וְעַל פִּי סַנְהֶדְרִין. וְהַחוֹטֵא הַזֶּה כָּל מוֹצְאוֹ יַהַרְגֵהוּ בְּלֹא עֵדִים וְהַתְרָאָה.
And [the law of a man] who has sexual relations with a maidservant is similar to those liable for the death penalties of the court in two ways. For our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 81b), “One who has intercourse with an Egyptian woman, zealots may accost him,” like the matter which is written (Numbers 25:8). And this matter is more severe than the death penalties of the court, for they do not put to death, except with witnesses and a warning and by the decision of a Sanhedrin, which is not the case here.
וּמִלְּבַד אֵלֶּה חִלֵּל הָרָשָׁע הַנִּזְכָּר אֶת קֹדֶשׁ ה' אֲשֶׁר אָהֵב וּבָעַל בַּת אֵל נֵכָר. וְכָל בֶּן נֵכָר אֲשֶׁר יוֹלִיד יִהְיֶה לוֹ לְפַח וּלְמוֹקֵשׁ וּלְהַזְכִּיר הֶעָוֹן. וְיִשָּׂא הָאָב בַּעֲוֹן הַבֵּן. וּבַה' בָּגָד כִּי בָנִים זָרִים יָלָד.
And besides these, the evildoer discussed profaned the holy ones of God, whom He loved, and had intercourse with the daughter of a foreign god. And every foreign son he fathers will be a snare and a trap and a reminder of the iniquity - the father will carry the iniquity of the son. And he betrayed God, for he bore foreign children.
עוֹד שֵׁנִית. יְגַלּוּ שָׁמַיִם עֲוֹנוֹ וְאֶרֶץ מִתְקוֹמָמָה לוֹ. כִּי חֶטְאוֹ עַל מַפַּלְתּוֹ יִשְׁקֹד. וְאַחֲרִיתוֹ יִהְיֶה נִתְלֶה עַל הָעֵץ בַּקָּדְקוֹד. וְהִנֵּה יִדְמֶה בָּזֶה לְחַיָּבֵי מִיתוֹת בֵּית דִּין לְאַחַר חֻרְבַּן הַבַּיִת כִּי מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם יִשְׁפְּטוּן שֶׁיְּמוּתוּן בְּמִרְדָּם שֶׁלֹּא כְּמוֹת כָּל הָאָדָם. כַּאֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ, כָּל הַבּוֹעֵל אֶת הַשִּׁפְחָה נִתְלֶה בַּקָּדְקוֹד, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהלים ס"ח:כ"ב): אַךְ אֱלֹקִים יִמְחַץ רֹאשׁ אֹיְבָיו קָדְקֹד שֵׂעָר מִתְהַלֵּךְ בַּאֲשָׁמָיו. פֵּרוּשׁ: יִמְחַץ קָדְקֹד בַּשֵּׂעָר כִּי יִתָּלֶה בִּשְׂעָרוֹ, וְנֶאֱמַר (מלאכי ב':י"ב): יַכְרֵת ה' לָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂנָּה עֵר וְעֹנֶה מֵאָהֳלֵי יַעֲקֹב, וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (סנהדרין פב.) עֵר בַּחֲכָמִים, וְעוֹנֶה בַּתַּלְמִידִים.
And secondly, the Heavens will reveal his iniquity and the earth will oppose him. For his sin will maintain his decline. And behold he will be similar to those liable for the death penalties of the court after the destruction of the Temple, such that they are judged from the Heavens - that they will die in their rebellion and not die like every other person, as we have explained. And it is stated (Malachi 2:12), “May the Lord leave he who does this without anyone awake or coherent in the tents of Jacob.” And our Rabbis explained (Shabbat 55b), “‘Awake’ among the Sages, or ‘coherent’ among the disciples.”
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (אבות ה:ח) חֶרֶב בָּא לָעוֹלָם עַל עִנּוּי הַדִּין וְעַל עִוּוּת הַדִּין. וְעַל הַמּוֹרִים בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא כַהֲלָכָה. חַיָּה רָעָה בָּאָה לָעוֹלָם עַל שְׁבוּעַת שָׁוְא וְעַל חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Avot 5:8-9), “The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. Wild beasts come to the world for swearing in vain, and for the profaning of [God’s] name.”
וּמִן הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר יִנְעָם לַמּוֹכִיחִים לְהַזְהִיר וּלְהָעִיד בָּעָם עֲלֵיהֶם. וְלִשְׁמֹר אָרְחוֹת פָּרִיץ. בְּמִצְוַת הַשַּׁבָּת. עַל אוֹדוֹת אֲבוֹת מְלָאכוֹת וְתוֹלָדוֹת. כִּי רַבּוֹת מֵהֵנָּה נֶעֶלְמוּ מֵעֵינֵי רַבִּים. אַף אֵין מַגִּיד אַף אֵין מַשְׁמִיעַ.
And among the things that are pleasant for the reprimanders to watch and testify about the people, are to keep in view the fate of the lawless concerning the laws of the Shabbat - regarding the main and derivative categories of forbidden work. For many of them have vanished from the eyes of the masses. And there is no one speaking up and no one making [it] heard.
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הַתְּשִׁיעִית – חֹמֶר הָעֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁיֵּהָרֵג וְאַל יַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶם: אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (סנהדרין עד.) בְּכָל עֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה אִם יֹאמַר לוֹ אָדָם עֲבֹר וְאַל תֵּהָרֵג, יַעֲבֹר וְאַל יֵהָרֵג שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ח:ה') אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם הָאָדָם וָחַי בָּהֶם. וָחַי בָּהֶם וְלֹא שֶׁיָּמוּת בָּהֶם חוּץ מֵעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה וְגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת וּשְׁפִיכוּת דָּמִים, שֶׁאִם יֹאמַר לוֹ אָדָם עַל אַחַת מִשָּׁלֹשׁ אֵלֶּה עֲבֹר וְאַל תֵּהָרֵג, יֵהָרֵג וְאַל יַעֲבֹר. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיֹּאמְרוּ לוֹ לַעֲשׂוֹת הָעֲבֵרָה בְּצִנְעָה. וְאִם יֹאמְרוּ לוֹ לַעֲבֹר עַל אַחַת מִכָּל מִצְוֹת שֶׁבַּתּוֹרָה בְּפַרְהֶסְיָא יֵהָרֵג וְאַל יַעֲבֹר, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ב:ל"ב) וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
And the ninth level is the severity of the sins for which one is killed rather than transgressing them: Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 74a), “[With regard to] all transgressions in the Torah, if a person [is told], ‘Transgress and you will not be killed,’ he may transgress and not be killed, [...] as it is stated (Leviticus 18:5), ‘[You shall keep My statutes and My judgments,] which a person shall do, and he shall live by them’ - ‘and live by them,’ and not to die by them,” except for idol worship, forbidden sexual relations, and bloodshed. For if a person tells him about one of these three, “Transgress and you will not be killed,” he must [let himself] be killed and not transgress - even when they tell him to do the transgression in private; [whereas with other sins, such a law would only apply in public,] as it is stated (Leviticus 22:32), “that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people.”
וְהַשָּׁלֹשׁ עֲבֵרוֹת הַנִּזְכָּרוֹת הַצַּד הַקַּל שֶׁבָּהֶן עָנְשׁוֹ חָמוּר מִכַּמָּה עֲבֵרוֹת חֲמוּרוֹת. וְקָרְאוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַצַּד הַקַּל שֶׁבַּעֲבֵרָה אֲבַק הָעֲבֵרָה. וְאָמְרוּ בַּכֹּל מִתְרַפְּאִין מֵחֹלִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ סַכָּנַת נְפָשׁוֹת חוּץ מֵעֲצֵי אֲשֵׁרָה, שֶׁאִם יֹאמְרוּ לוֹ הָבֵא עָלִין שֶׁל אֲשֵׁרָה וְהִתְרַפֵּא בָּהֶן – יָמוּת וְאַל יִתְרַפֵּא בָּהֶן. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין הַנֶּהֱנֶה מֵעֲצֵי אֲשֵׁרָה עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא אֲבַק עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה יָמוּת וְאַל יִתְרַפֵּא בָּהֶם. לְפִי שֶׁהוּא כִּמְחַזֵּק יְדֵי עוֹבְדֵי הָאֲשֵׁירָה פֶּן יֹאמְרוּ לוֹ הָאֲשֵׁירָה הִצִּילַתְהוּ.
And [regarding] these three transgressions, [even] the punishment for their lighter side is more stringent than several weighty transgressions. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, called the lighter side of a transgression, the dust of the transgression. And they said (Pesachim 25a), “One may heal oneself [from a disease that brings a mortal danger] with anything except for wood of an asheira (a tree designated for idolatry)” - such that if they say to him, “bring leaves from an asheira and you will be healed by them,” he should [allow himself to] die and not be healed by them. And even though one who benefits from the wood of an asheira is not worshiping idolatry - since it is the dust of idolatry, he should [let himself] die and not be healed by it. For he would be strengthening the hands of the worshipers of the asheira, lest they would say, “The asheira saved him.”
וְכֵן לְעִנְיַן גִּלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת. כְּגוֹן שֶׁחָשַׁק בְּאֵשֶׁת אִישׁ וְאָמְרוּ לוֹ אֵין רְפוּאַת תְּעָלָה עַד שֶׁתַּעֲמֹד לְפָנָיו עֲרֻמָּה אוֹ שֶׁתְּסַפֵּר עִמּוֹ. יָמוּת וְאַל יִפְרֹץ גָּדֵר אִסּוּר אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ. וְתַכִּיר מִזֶּה חֹמֶר הַמַּגָּע בְּיַד אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ.
And likewise with forbidden sexual relations - for example, if [a man] desired a married woman and they said to him, “Your healing will not be accomplished until she stands in front of you naked” - or that she should talk with him - he should [let himself] die and not breach the fence [around] the prohibition of a married woman. And from this, you can recognize the weightiness of touching the hand of a married woman.
וְהִנֵּה אֲבַק הָרְצִיחָה – הַלְבָּנַת פָּנִים. כִּי פָּנָיו יֶחֱוָרוּ וְנָס מַרְאֵה הָאֹדֶם. וְדוֹמֶה אֶל הָרְצִיחָה. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה. וְהַשֵּׁנִית – כִּי צַעַר הַהַלְבָּנָה מַר מִמָּוֶת. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לְעוֹלָם יַפִּיל אָדָם עַצְמוֹ לְכִבְשַׁן הָאֵשׁ וְאַל יַלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים. וְלֹא אָמְרוּ כֵן בִּשְׁאָר עֲבֵרוֹת חֲמוּרוֹת. אָכֵן דִּמּוּ אֲבַק הָרְצִיחָה אֶל הָרְצִיחָה. וּכְמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ כִּי יֵהָרֵג וְלֹא יִרְצַח, בְּדוֹמֶה לָזֶה אָמְרוּ שֶׁיַּפִּיל עַצְמוֹ לְכִבְשַׁן הָאֵשׁ וְאַל יַלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים. וְלָמְדוּ זֶה מֵעִנְיַן תָּמָר. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית ל"ח:כ"ה) הִיא מוּצֵאת וְהִיא שָׁלְחָה אֶל חָמִיהָ וְגוֹ'. הִנֵּה כִּי אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוֹצִיאוּהָ לִשָּׂרֵף. לֹא גִּלְּתָה כִּי הָיְתָה הָרָה מִיהוּדָה. שֶׁלֹּא לְהַלְבִּין פָּנָיו.
And behold the dust of murder is whitening [someone else’s] face (embarrassing someone). Since his face turns white and the ruddy appearance leaves [it], it is similar to [the draining of blood] caused by murder. And so did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Bava Metzia 58b). And secondly because the pain of the [embarrassment] is more bitter than death. Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Ketuvot 67b), Really “it is preferable for a person to make himself fall into a fiery furnace, and not whiten the face of his fellow in public” - but they did not say this about other weighty transgressions. Indeed, they compared the dust of murder to [actual] murder: And just like they said that he must [let himself] be killed and not murder; they likewise said that he should make himself fall into a fiery furnace, and not whiten the face of his fellow in public. And they learned this from the matter of Tamar, as it is stated (Bereishit 48:25), “As she was being brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, etc.” Behold even though she was being taken out to be burned [to death], she did not reveal that she was pregnant from Yehudah, so as not to whiten his face.
וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ כָּל הַיּוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנֹּם עוֹלִין חוּץ מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה יוֹרְדִין וְאֵינָן עוֹלִין. הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים. וְהַמְּכַנֶּה שֵׁם לַחֲבֵרוֹ. וְהַבָּא עַל אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ. הִנֵּה כִּי דִּמּוּ הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים וְהַמְכַנֶּה שֵׁם לַחֲבֵרוֹ בְּשֶׁגַּם הוּא מַלְבִּין פָּנָיו, אֶל הַבָּא עַל אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ שֶׁהוּא מִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת שֶׁיֵּהָרֵג עֲלֵיהֶן וְאַל יַעֲבֹר.
And they also said (Bava Metzia 58b), “Anyone who descends to Gehinnom [eventually] ascends, except for three [who] descend and do not ascend [...]: One who whitens the face of his fellow in public; one who calls his fellow a derogatory name; and one who has sexual relations with a married woman.” Behold that they compared one who whitens the face of his fellow in public and one who calls his fellow a derogatory name - in that he also whitens his face - to one who has sexual relations with a married woman, which is from the transgressions for which one should die and not transgress.
וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ בָּרַבִּים אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וּמָה שֶׁלֹּא אָמְרוּ כֵּן עַל הָרוֹצֵחַ שֶׁאֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא (פי' שאחר שההלבנה היא תולדת הרציחה כמו שאמר למעלה שהיא אבק הרציחה לא רעה הרציחה מן ההלבנה ולא אמרו בה שאין לו חלק לעוה"ב) כִּי הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ אֵינֶנּוּ מַכִּיר גֹּדֶל חֶטְאוֹ וְאֵין נַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ עַל עֲוֹנוֹ כְּמוֹ הָרוֹצֵחַ. עַל כֵּן הוּא רָחוֹק מִן הַתְּשׁוּבָה.
And they also said (Bava Metzia 59a), “One who whitens the face of his fellow in public has no share in the world to come.” And that which they did not say this about a murderer - that he has no share in the world to come (the explanation is that since whitening [the face] is a derivative of murder, - as he said above, that it is the dust of murder - murder should be no worse than whitening [the face, in this context]; yet they did not say that he has no share in the world to come) - it is because one who whitens the face of his fellow does not recognize the greatness of the sin. So his soul is not bitter towards himself about this iniquity, as is a murderer. Therefore he is far from repentance.
וְעַל מִצְוַת שַׁבָּת אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (ירושלמי נדרים ג:ט) שְׁקוּלָה שַׁבָּת כְּנֶגֶד כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (חולין ה.) כִּי הָעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה אוֹ הַמְחַלֵּל שַׁבָּת בְּפַרְהֶסְיָא הוּא מְשֻׁמָּד לְכָל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ וּשְׁחִיטָתוֹ נְבֵלָה וְאוֹסֵר אֶת הַיַּיִן בְּמַגָּעוֹ.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said about Shabbat (Yerushalmi Nedarim 3:14) that it corresponds to all of the [other] commandments. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, [also] said (Chullin 5a) that one who worships idolatry or publicly profanes Shabbat is one who denies the whole entire Torah; so his slaughter [renders an animal] a carcass, and he makes wine forbidden by touching [it].
הַמַּדְרֵגָה הָעֲשִׂירִית – חֹמֶר הָעֲבֵרוֹת אֲשֶׁר אֵין לְעוֹשֵׂיהֶן חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא: הַיְּצוּרִים כֻּלָּם נִבְרְאוּ לִכְבוֹד הש"י. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו מ"ג:ז') כֹּל הַנִּקְרָא בִשְׁמִי וְלִכְבוֹדִי בְּרָאתִיו יְצַרְתִּיו אַף עֲשִׂיתִיו. אָכֵן נוֹדַע מִן הַשֵּׂכֶל כִּי הַמְחַלֵּל אֶת הַשֵּׁם וּבוֹזֶה דְּבָרוֹ אָבְדָה תִּקְוָתוֹ. כִּי לֹא רַב לוֹ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָקִים מָה שֶׁנִּדְרָשׁ מִמֶּנּוּ מֵעִקַּר יְצִירָתוֹ לְכַבֵּד אֶת הַשֵּׁם וּלְקַדְּשׁוֹ. אֲבָל שָׁלַח יָדָיו לַעֲשׂוֹת הַתְּמוּרָה וְהַהֵפֶךְ וּלְחַלֵּל אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשׁוֹ. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (במדבר ט"ו:ל') וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּיָד רָמָה, אֶת ה' הוּא מְגַדֵּף, וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִיא מִקֶּרֶב עַמָּהּ. כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה וְאֶת מִצְוָתוֹ הֵפַר, הִכָּרֵת תִּכָּרֵת הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא עֲוֹנָה בָהּ. כִּי לֹא יְכַפֵּר הַמָּוֶת עָלָיו וְאֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. עַל כֵּן הִזְכִּיר בָּעִנְיָן הַזֶּה עֲוֹנָה בָהּ. כִּי לֹא זָכַר כֵּן בִּשְׁאָר כְּרֵתוֹת. וּפֵרוּשׁ וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּיָד רָמָה. כְּגוֹן הָעוֹשֶׂה עֲבֵרוֹת יְדוּעוֹת לִבְנֵי אָדָם בְּפַרְהֶסְיָא. וְכֵן הַפּוֹרֵק עֹל מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם וַאֲפִי' בַּסֵּתֶר כִּי גַּם הוּא עוֹשֶׂה בְּיָד רָמָה. וְעִנְיַן הַפּוֹרֵק עוֹל כְּגוֹן הַמְּשֻׁמָּד לֶאֱכֹל נְבֵלוֹת אוֹ לֶאֱכֹל חֵלֶב וְדָם אוֹ לְחַלֵּל יָמִים טוֹבִים. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ עוֹבֵר עַל שְׁאָר הַמִּצְוֹת. אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר הֵסִיר מֵעָלָיו עֹל אַזְהָרָה אַחַת, כְּבָר מָרַד בַּשֵּׁם יִתְעַלֶּה. אָמְנָם כִּי גַּם פְּעָמִים הַצַּדִּיקִים נִכְשָׁלִים בְּחֵטְא אֶחָד אֲבָל אֵין זֶה בִּלְתִּי עַל דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה. בְּהִתְגַּבֵּר עָלָיו הַיֵּצֶר. וְנַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ עַל הַדָּבָר. וְנִזְהָר מִמֶּנּוּ אַחֲרֵי כֵן. אֲבָל הָאוֹמֵר בִּלְבָבוֹ לִפְרֹק מֵעָלָיו עֹל אַזְהָרָה אַחַת כָּל עֵת אֲשֶׁר יִתְאַוֶּה לַעֲבֹר הוּא הַנִּקְרָא מְשֻׁמָּד לְדָבָר אֶחָד. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְבָאֵר זֶה בַּשַּׁעַר הָרִאשׁוֹן מִשַּׁעֲרֵי הַתְּשׁוּבָה. וְאָמְרוּ זַ"ל כִּי הָרוֹעִים לֹא מַעֲלִין אוֹתָן מִן הַבּוֹר וְלֹא מוֹרִידִין אוֹתָם לַבּוֹר. וְעִנְיַן הָרוֹעִים אֲנָשִׁים יִרְעוּ בְּהֶמְתָּם בִּשְׂדוֹת אֲחֵרִים, פּוֹרְקִים מֵעֲלֵיהֶם עוֹל אַזְהָרַת הַגָּזֵל. וְעִנְיָנָם כְּעִנְיַן הַמְּשֻׁמָּד לֶאֱכֹל נְבֵלוֹת אוֹ לְאַחַת מִשְּׁאָר הָעֲבֵרוֹת לְתֵאָבוֹן, אֲבָל הַמִּינִין וְהָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹסִין מוֹרִידִין אוֹתָן לַבּוֹר. וְהַמְּשֻׁמָּד לֶאֱכֹל נְבֵלוֹת לְהַכְעִיס גַּם הוּא בִּכְלַל הַמִּינִין. וְעִנְיַן לְהַכְעִיס שֶׁאֵינֶנּוּ חוֹטֵא לְתַאֲוַת מַאֲכַל תַּאֲוָה. כִּי [גם] בִּהְיוֹת לְפָנָיו בָּשָׂר שָׁחוּט יִקַּח מִן הַנְּבֵלָה. כִּי הוּא מוֹרֵד וְאֵינֶנּוּ מְקַבֵּל עַל נַפְשׁוֹ לְהִשָּׁמֵר מֵאִסּוּר הַנְּבֵלָה.
The tenth level is the severity of the transgressions for which those who do them have no share in the world to come: All creatures are created for God’s glory, as it is stated (Isaiah 43:7), “All who are linked to My name, whom I have created, formed, and made for My glory.” Hence it is logically understood that one who profanes [God’s] name and disgraces His word will lose his hope. For it is not enough that he does not fulfill that which is expected from him from the essence of his creation - to glorify God and to sanctify Him - but he rather puts out his hands to do the inverse and the opposite, and to profane His holy name. And so is it written (Numbers 15:30-31), “But the person [...] who acts defiantly is blaspheming the Lord; that person shall be excised from among his people. Because he has spurned the word of the Lord and violated His commandment, that person shall be excised - he bears his iniquity.” For death does not atone for him, and he has no share in the world to come. Therefore it mentions, “he bears his iniquity” in this matter - for it does not mention this in other excisions.
And the explanation of “who acts defiantly (literally, with a high hand),” is such that he publicly does sins known to people. And likewise one who removes the yoke of the kingdom of the Heavens - and even privately, because he too is doing it defiantly. And the content of one who removes the yoke is, for example, one who is [defiant] in eating carcasses or forbidden fat or blood, or to profane holidays - even though he does not transgress the other commandments. Since he removed the yoke of one [negative commandment] from upon himself, he has already rebelled against God, may He be blessed. It is true that sometimes righteous people also stumble in a sin - but this is only incidental, when his impulse overpowers him. [Moreover, the righteous person’s] soul is bitter with him about the matter, and he will be careful about it afterwards. However the person who thinks in his heart to remove the yoke of one [negative commandment] from upon him anytime he wants to transgress it, is called a heretic for one thing. And we have already explained this earlier in the first section of the Gates of Repentance. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 26a), “[Regarding] all shepherds, we do not [save them], etc. (as they engage in such behavior).” And the notion of the shepherds is [about] people that would graze their animals in the fields of others, removing the yoke of the prohibition of theft from upon themselves. And their category is the category of the heretic to eat carcasses, or one of the other transgressions, out of desire. But one who is a heretic to eat carcasses in order to anger [God] is a [full-fledged] heretic (apikoros). And the content of angering, is that he does not sin out of a desire for desirable food. Rather even if there is [also] slaughtered meat in front of him, he will take from the carcass. For he is rebelling, and does not accept upon himself to beware of the prohibition of carcasses [at all].
הִנֵּה בֵּאַרְנוּ עִנְיַן וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּיָד רָמָה. עַתָּה נְבָאֵר [ענין] כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה וְאֶת מִצְוָתוֹ הֵפַר. זֶה הָאוֹמֵר אֵין תּוֹרָה מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם. וְהַמְּגַלֶּה פָּנִים בַּתּוֹרָה. וְהַמְּבַזֶּה תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים. וְהַמְּבַזֶּה אֶת הַמּוֹעֲדוֹת. כִּי אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ תּוֹרָה וּמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.
Behold we have explained the matter of “the person who acts defiantly. Now we will explain the [content of] “because he has spurned the word of the Lord.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 99a) that “‘Because he has spurned the word of the Lord and has breached His commandment,’ this is [a reference to] one who says: The Torah is not from Heaven; [...] one who reveals the Torah [inappropriately]”; one who spurns Torah scholars; and one who spurns the festivals. For even though he has Torah and good deeds in his hands, he has no share in the world to come.
וּפֵרוּשׁ הַמְגַלֶּה פָּנִים בַּתּוֹרָה – הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר הֵעֵז פָּנָיו לְדַבֵּר עַל הַתּוֹרָה דְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא כֵן. וְאוֹמֵר חִנָּם נִכְתְּבוּ בַּתּוֹרָה אֵלֶּה הַפְּסוּקִים וְסִפּוּרוֹת הָעִנְיָנִים הָאֵלֶּה. וּמִגַּאֲוָתוֹ וּגְאוֹנוֹ אוֹמֵר בְּלִבּוֹ. כִּי אַחַר שֶׁאֵין יָדוֹ מַשֶּׂגֶת לָבוֹא עַד תְּכוּנַת טַעַם הַדְּבָרִים. כִּי אֵין סֵתֶר לָמוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים ל"ב:מ"ז) כִּי לֹא דָבָר רֵק הוּא מִכֶּם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (תלמוד ירושלמי סוכה ד׳:א׳) אִם רֵק הוּא, מִכֶּם. שֶׁאֵינְכֶם יוֹדְעִים לְפָרֵשׁ טַעַם הַדָּבָר. וְכֵן כָּל הָעוֹזֵב דָּבָר אֶחָד מִדִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה וְלֹא יוֹדֶה עָלָיו הִנֵּה זֶה מְגַלֶּה פָּנִים בַּתּוֹרָה. כְּגוֹן הָאוֹמֵר מָה הוֹעִילוּ אֶצְלֵנוּ לוֹמְדֵי הַתּוֹרָה. אִם חָכְמוּ חָכְמוּ לְנַפְשָׁם וְלֹא נַחֲלָה לָנוּ בִּשְׂכָרָם. וְהִנֵּה כִּחֲשׁוּ בַּמֶּה שֶׁכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה (בראשית י"ח:כ"ו) וְנָשָׂאתִי לְכָל הַמָּקוֹם בַּעֲבוּרָם.
And the explanation of one who reveals the Torah [inappropriately], is a man who has the temerity to say things about the Torah which are not so: And he says that some of the verses or some of the recounting of things were written for nothing. And from his arrogance and his pride, he says in his heart that since he does not grasp [how] to get to the nature of the explanation of the things, [thinking] that there is nothing hidden to it. And it is stated (Deuteronomy 32:47), “For it is not an empty thing from you.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Ketubot 51a), “If it is empty, it is from you” - for you do not know to explain the reason for the thing. And likewise one who leaves one of the words of the Torah and does not concede to it - this is certainly revealing the face of the Torah - for example one who says, “Of what benefit are the Torah scholars for us? If they become wise, they become wise for themselves, and do not bequeath anything to us.” And behold they have contradicted that which is written in the Torah (Genesis 18:26), “and I will raise (spare) the whole place for their sake.”
וְעִנְיַן הַמְבַזֶּה אֶת הַמּוֹעֲדוֹת – שֶׁעוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּחֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד. וּבַז אֶל הָעֹנֶשׁ מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאֵין אִסּוּר מְלֶאכֶת חֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד מְפֹרָשׁ בַּתּוֹרָה. וְזֶהוּ עַל דֶּרֶךְ הַמְּשֻׁמָּד לְדָבָר אֶחָד לְהַכְעִיס אֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ כְּבָר כִּי אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הֲרֵי שֶׁבָּא לְהִתְגַּיֵּר וְאָמַר, הֲרֵי אֲנִי מְקַבֵּל עָלַי כָּל הַתּוֹרָה חוּץ מִדָּבָר אֶחָד מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים, אֵין מְקַבְּלִין אוֹתוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (מכות כג,א): הַמְּבַזֶּה אֶת הַמּוֹעֲדוֹת – כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות ל"ד:י"ז) אֶת חַג הַמַּצּוֹת תִּשְׁמֹר וְסָמוּךְ לוֹ אֱלֹהֵי מַסֵּכָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה לָּךְ. וּפֵרְשׁוּ זַ"ל אֶת חַג הַמַּצּוֹת תִּשְׁמֹר שֶׁלֹּא תַּעֲשֶׂה מְלָאכָה בְּכָל חַג הַמַּצּוֹת. וְהֻזְהַרְנוּ בָּזֶה עַל מְלֶאכֶת חֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד. וּמָה שֶׁכָּתוּב בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן שַׁבָּתוֹן וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּתוֹן. כִּי יֵשׁ מְלָאכוֹת רַבּוֹת שֶׁהֵן מֻתָּרוֹת בְּחֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד. כְּמוֹ שֶׁהֵן מְפֹרָשׁוֹת בְּדִבְרֵיהֶם זַ"ל.
And the content of one who spurns the festivals, is that he does work on the intermediate days of the festival and spurns the punishment, because the prohibition of work on the intermediate days of the festival is not explicit in the Torah. And this is in the way of one who is a heretic for one thing, to anger - as we have explained, such that he has no share in the world to come. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bekhorot 30b) [that] one who comes to convert and says, “Behold, I accept all of the Torah except for one matter from the words of the Sages” - we do not accept him. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Makkot 23a), “One who spurns the holidays is like one who worships idolatry, as it is stated (Exodus 34:18), ‘You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread’; and adjacent to it is ‘You shall not make molten gods for yourselves’ (Exodus 34:17).” And they, may their memory be blessed, explained (Chagigah 18a), “‘You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread’ - observe it to not do work all of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.” And we were warned with this about work on the intermediate days of the festival. And that which it is written (Leviticus 23:39), “a complete rest (shabbaton) on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day” is because there are many types of work that are permitted on the intermediate days of the festival, as is explained in their words, may they be blessed.
וְזֶה שֶׁאָמְרוּ זַ"ל (סנהדרין צט:) כִּי הַמְבַזֶּה תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הוּא בּוֹזֶה דְּבַר ה' וְאֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. יֵשׁ לַדָּבָר שֹׁרֶשׁ בַּשֵּׂכֶל וְעִקַּר בַּמֶּחְקָר. וְהִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ מַצִּיעִים לָעִנְיָן טוּב טַעַם וָדַעַת. אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי ג':ל"ה) כָּבוֹד חֲכָמִים יִנְחָלוּ וּכְסִילִים מֵרִים קָלוֹן. עִנְיַן קָלוֹן אִישׁ קָלוֹן. וְכֵן (תהילים ק"ט:ד') וַאֲנִי תְּפִלָּה אִישׁ תְּפִלָּה. (ירמיהו ט':ה') שִׁבְתְּךָ בְּתוֹךְ מִרְמָה בְּתוֹךְ אַנְשֵׁי מִרְמָה, פֵּרוּשׁ – הָאִישׁ הַנִּקְלֶה וְהַנָּבָל מֵרִים כְּסִילִים וּמְכַבֵּד וּמְשַׁבֵּחַ אוֹתָם. כִּי יֵשׁ בִּכְבוֹד הַחֲכָמִים וְהַיְּשָׁרִים תּוֹעָלוֹת גְּדוֹלוֹת. וּבִכְבוֹד הַכְּסִילִים וְהָרְשָׁעִים מִכְשׁוֹלִים רַבִּים וַעֲצוּמִים כִּי בְּהִתְהַדֵּר הַחֲכָמִים וּבְתִתָּם עֶלְיוֹנִים. דִּבְרֵיהֶם נִשְׁמָעִים. וְיִלָּווּ עֲלֵיהֶם הָעָם כֻּלּוֹ וְיִדְּמוּ לְמֹעֲצוֹתָם. וְהַשֵּׁנִית. בִּרְאוֹת בְּנֵי אָדָם אֶת כָּל כְּבוֹדָם יִלְמְדוּ לֶקַח לִנְחֹל כָּבוֹד וְתִרְבֶּה הַדַּעַת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (פסחים נ:) לְעוֹלָם יַעֲסֹק אָדָם בַּתּוֹרָה וַאֲפִלּוּ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ כִּי מִתּוֹךְ שֶׁלֹּא לִשְׁמָהּ בָּא לִשְׁמָהּ. וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית. רַבִּים מִיְּשֵׁנֵי לְבָבוֹת יֵעוֹרוּ מִשְּׁנָתָם בִּרְאוֹתָם הֲדַר כְּבוֹד הַתּוֹרָה. וְיַכִּירוּ מַעֲלָתָהּ. וְיָבוֹא חִשְׁקָהּ בִּלְבָבָם. וְיִהְיֶה עִסְקָם בָּהּ לַשֵּׁם יִתְעַלֶּה וּלְעָבְדוֹ בְּלֵב שָׁלֵם.
And that which they, may their memory be blessed, said that one who spurns Torah scholars, spurns the word of God and does not have a share in the world to come - this is something with a root in logic and a basis in analysis. And behold we find good reason and knowledge about this matter: King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:38), “The wise shall obtain honor, but disgrace uplifts dullards.” And likewise (Psalms 109:4), “and I am prayer,” [means] a man of prayer; [and] (Jeremiah 9:5), “You dwell in the midst of deceit,” [means] in the midst of people of deceit. [Hence] its explanation is that a lowly and disgraceful person uplifts dullards; and he honors and praises them. For there are great benefits in the honoring of the wise and upright; and many large snares in the honoring of the dullards and evildoers, and in putting them [on a pedestal]. For when the wise are lauded and put [on a pedestal], their words are heard [more], the whole nation accompanies them and their counsel appears right to them. Secondly, when people see their honor, they will learn a teaching, to offer honor and amplify knowledge. And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 50b), “A person should always engage in Torah [study ...], even if not for its [own] sake; as through [Torah study] not for its sake, he will come to [doing it] for its sake.” Thirdly, many of those asleep at heart will be aroused from their sleep, when they see the splendorous honor of the Torah, will recognize its sublimity and the desire for it will enter their hearts. So their involvement with it will be for God, may He be blessed, and to serve Him with a complete heart.
הִנֵּה אֵלֶּה טְעָמִים נִכְבָּדִים חֲזָקִים כִּרְאִי מוּצָק. וְיֵשׁ עוֹד טַעַם נִכְבָּד עוֹלֶה עַל כֻּלָּם וְאֵלָיו רָמַזְנוּ בְּפֶתַח דְּבָרֵינוּ בְּעִנְיַן הַכִּתּוֹת הָרָעוֹת הַנִּזְכָּרוֹת. כִּי הַדָּבָר יָדוּעַ אֲשֶׁר מִדַּרְכֵי קִדּוּשׁ השי"ת. לְהוֹדִיעַ בְּכָל מִבְטָא שְׂפָתַיִם. וְכָל אֲשֶׁר יִרְמְזוּן עֵינַיִם. וּבְכָל הַנְהָגָה וּפֹעַל יָדַיִם. כִּי יְסוֹד נֶפֶשׁ הָאָדָם וּצְבִי עֶדְיוֹ, וְהַטּוֹב וְהָעִקָּר וְהַתּוֹעֶלֶת וְהַיְּקָר אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ. עֲבוֹדַת הש"י וְיִרְאָתוֹ וְתוֹרָתוֹ. כמ"ש כִּי זֶה כָּל הָאָדָם. וְדָבָר זֶה כְּבוֹד הש"י. וְהַמְּבַזִּים לְתַלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים וְיִרְאָתוֹ מְבַטְּלִים הַיְּדִיעָה הַזֹּאת וּמַרְאִים הַהֵפֶךְ בְּהַנְהָגָתָם. וּכְאִלּוּ אוֹמְרִים אֱמֹר כִּי אֵין הָעֲבוֹדָה עִקָּר. וְכִי הַכָּבוֹד וְהֶהָדָר לְהַצְלָחַת עִנְיְנֵי הָעוֹלָם. וְכִי שֹׁרֶשׁ דָּבָר נִמְצָא מִבִּלְתִּי עֲבוֹדַת הש"י. וְהֵם מְחַלְּלִים אֶת הַתּוֹרָה. עַל כֵּן יֹאבְדוּ מִתּוֹךְ הַקָּהָל. וְיִכְלוּ בְּפִיהֶם כִּי הֵם עוֹבְדִים אֶת ה' מִבְּלִי עֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה. הֲלֹא הַדָּבָר יָדוּעַ כִּי אֵין הָעֲבוֹדָה מִתְקַיֶּמֶת בִּלְתִּי עַל יְדֵי לוֹמְדֵי הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר יֶהֱגוּ בָּהּ יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה. כִּי הֵם יוֹרוּ דֵּעָה וְיוֹדְעֵי בִינָה לַעִתִּים לָדַעַת מַה יַּעֲשֶׂה יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְהֵם יַעֲמִידוּהָ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל לְבִלְתִּי תִּשָּׁכַח מִפִּי זַרְעָם. וּבְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין עוֹסְקֵי הַתּוֹרָה יִרְבּוּ הַמִּכְשׁוֹלִים וְיָשָׁר בָּאָדָם אַיִן. עַל כֵּן יְכַבְּדוּ עַבְדֵי הש"י אֶת חַכְמֵי הַתּוֹרָה לִכְבוֹד הש"י. וּלְהוֹדִיעַ כִּי עֲבוֹדָתוֹ לְבַדָּהּ הָעִקָּר הַנִּמְצָא. וְאַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר הִתְבָּרֵר שֶׁהַכֹּל בָּרָא הש"י לִכְבוֹדוֹ. חַיָּב הָאָדָם לָשׂוּם לִבּוֹ בְּכָל עֵת לְכַבֵּד אֶת ה' וּלְקַדְּשׁוֹ בְּכָל דְּבָרָיו וּלְרוֹמְמוֹ לְהוֹדוֹת לוֹ וּלְבָרְכוֹ תָּמִיד כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ד:ב') אֲבָרֲכָה אֶת ה' בְּכָל עֵת תָּמִיד תְּהִלָּתוֹ בְּפִי. וְכַאֲשֶׁר יִתְיַצֵּב בְּתוֹךְ הָעָם וִידַבֵּר עִם חֲבֵרָיו. יִתְבּוֹנֵן בִּינָה וִידַקְדֵּק וְיַשְׁגִּיחַ בְּכָל מוֹצָא שְׂפָתָיו. לְקַדֵּשׁ אֶת ה' בִּדְבָרָיו. וּלְדַבֵּר בְּשֶׁבַח עֲבוֹדָתוֹ וּתְהִלַּת יִרְאָתוֹ. וּלְשַׁבֵּחַ עֲבוֹדוֹתָיו [עֲבָדָיו] וִירֵאָיו וְיִזְכֶּה בָּזֶה בְּהֶגְיוֹן לִבּוֹ וּמִבְטָא שְׂפָתָיו בְּלֹא יְגִיעָה וּפֹעַל כַּפַּיִם זְכוּת גְּדוֹלָה עַד שָׁמַיִם. כִּי זֶה מֵעִקְּרֵי יְצִירַת הָאָדָם. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ז:כ"א) מַצְרֵף לַכֶּסֶף וְכוּר לַזָּהָב וְאִישׁ לְפִי מַהֲלָלוֹ. פֵּרוּשׁ, מַעֲלוֹת הָאָדָם לְפִי מָה שֶׁיְּהַלֵּל. אִם הוּא מְשַׁבֵּחַ הַמַּעֲשִׂים הַטּוֹבִים וְהַחֲכָמִים וְהַצַּדִּיקִים תֵּדַע וּבָחַנְתָּ כִּי אִישׁ טוֹב הוּא וְשֹׁרֶשׁ הַצֶּדֶק נִמְצָא בּוֹ. כִּי לֹא יִמְצָא אֶת לִבּוֹ לְשַׁבֵּחַ אֶת הַטּוֹב וְהַטּוֹבִים תָּמִיד בְּכָל דְּבָרָיו. וּלְגַנּוֹת הָעֲבֵרוֹת וּלְהַבְזוֹת בַּעֲלֵיהֶן. מִבְּלִי מָאוֹס בָּרָע וּבָחוֹר בַּטּוֹב. וְאִם יִתָּכֵן כִּי יֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ עֲוֹנוֹת נִסְתָּרִים, אֲבָל מֵאוֹהֲבֵי הַצֶּדֶק הוּא, וְלוֹ שֹׁרֶשׁ בַּבְּחִירָה וְהוּא מֵעֲדַת מְכַבְּדֵי ה'. וְהַמְּשַׁבֵּחַ מַעֲשִׂים מְגֻנִּים, אוֹ מְהַלֵּל רְשָׁעִים – הוּא הָרָשָׁע הַגָּמוּר וְהַמְּחַלֵּל אֶת עֲבוֹדַת הש"י.
Behold these are honorable reasons - strong as a mirror of cast metal. But there is another honorable reason above them all - and we hinted to it in the introduction to our words about the matters of the evil groups mentioned: As it is known that among the ways to sanctify His name, may He be blessed, is to make known - with every expression of the lips, with every hint of the eyes and with every practice and movement of the hands - that the foundation of man’s soul and his glorious adornment, and the good and the essence, and the purpose and the preciousness in it, is the service of God, may He be blessed, and fear of Him; as it is written (Ecclesiastes 12:13), “for this is all of man.” And this thing is the glory of God, may He be blessed. And the ones that spurn Torah scholars and fear of Him are nullifying this knowledge and showing the opposite with their behavior. And it is as if they are saying, the service of [God] is not the essence; and the root of the matter is found somewhere besides the service of God, may He be blessed. So they are profaning the Torah - therefore they shall be lost from among the congregation. And it will cease (vayikhlu) in their mouths. (It appears to me that it should say, vayiratsu with their mouths - like the usage [in Psalms 49:14], “the end of those pleased yirtsu with their mouths,” which according to some commentators is an expression of speaking. Or maybe it should say, “and they will be able to say [vayokhlu leimor] with their mouths” - meaning to say that they will be able to say, by way of an excuse) [On my opinion, it should say, express (vayibateu) with their mouths - Y. B.] As they are serving God without involvement in Torah study.
Is it not a well known thing that the service does not survive without those that study Torah, who meditate upon it day and night? For they instruct knowledge and bear understanding of the times, to know what the Israelites should do. And they hold up [the Torah] in Israel, so that it will not be forgotten from the mouth of their seed. And in a place where there is no one involved with Torah, the snares grow and there is no upright person. Therefore the servants of God, may He be blessed, honor the sages of the Torah for [the sake of] God’s honor; and to make known that only His service is the essence of existence.
And since it has been clarified that God, may He be blessed, created everything for His glory - a man is obligated to pay attention at all times, to honor God and sanctify Him with all of his words; to exult Him, to praise Him and to always bless Him, as it is stated (Psalms 34:2), “I bless the Lord at all times; praise of Him is ever in my mouth.” And whenever he stands among the people and speaks with his friends, he should reflect with understanding, be exacting and supervise everything that comes out of his mouth; to sanctify God with his words; to speak in praise of His service and in glorification of His fear; and to praise His (works) [servants] and those that fear Him. And through this, he will merit - with the meditation of his heart and with the expression of his lips, [and] without exertion or the actions of his hands - great merit [that reach] to the heavens. For this is from the essence of man’s creation. And it is stated, (Proverbs 27:21), “For silver, the crucible; for gold, the furnace; and a man is tested by his praise.” And its explanation is that the virtues of a man are according to what he praises: If he praises good deeds, the sages and the righteous ones - know that you have tested that he is a good man and the root of justice is found within him. For he would not find it in his heart to praise the good and good people with all of his words - and to detest sins and spurn their masters - without being disgusted by evil and choosing the good. And even if it is possible that he has some hidden iniquities in his hand, he is nevertheless among the lovers of justice. So his root is from [the right] choice and he is from the congregation of those that honor God. But one who praises detestable acts or praises evildoers is a complete evildoer and profanes the service of God.
עוֹד אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם – (משלי כ"ה:כ"ו-כ"ז) מַעְיָן נִרְפָּשׂ וּמָקוֹר מָשְׁחָת צַדִּיק מָט לִפְנֵי רָשָׁע. אָכֹל דְּבַשׁ הַרְבּוֹת לֹא טוֹב וְחֵקֶר כְּבֹדָם כָּבוֹד. כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר יִרְפֹּשׂ הָאָדָם אֶת הַמַּעְיָן בְּרַגְלָיו, יִדְלַח מֵימָיו לְפִי שָׁעָה. אַחֲרֵי כֵן יִשְׁקְטוּ הַמַּיִם וְיִהְיוּ צְלוּלִים כְּבָרִאשׁוֹנָה. כֵּן הַצַּדִּיק כַּאֲשֶׁר הוּא מָט לִפְנֵי רָשָׁע לֹא תֻּשְׁפַּל מַעֲלָתוֹ וְלֹא תִּמְעַט בַּעֲבוּר זֹאת, וְאִם הוּא עָכוּר לְפִי שָׁעָה – שֶׁבַע יִפּוֹל צַדִּיק וָקָם וְיָשׁוּב לְאֵיתָנוֹ וּכְבוֹדוֹ. אָכֹל דְּבַשׁ הַרְבּוֹת לֹא טוֹב. אֲבָל הַרְבּוֹת הַחֵקֶר בִּכְבוֹד צַדִּיקִים כְּבוֹד הַחוֹקֵר. כִּי נִזְכַּר הַצַּדִּיק בַּפָּסוּק שֶׁלְּמַעְלָה. וּמִלַּת הַרְבּוֹת נִמְשֶׁכֶת לְחֵקֶר כְּבוֹדָם, כַּמִּשְׁפָּט בִּמְקוֹמוֹת רַבִּים. וְהַמִּכְשׁוֹלִים הַנִּמְצָאִים בִּכְבוֹד הָרְשָׁעִים רַבִּים וִידוּעִים. כִּי יֵשׁ בִּכְבוֹדָם חִלּוּל הַתּוֹרָה וְהָעֲבוֹדָה. וְהוּא עָוֹן הַמְּכַלֶּה מִנֶּפֶשׁ וְעַד בָּשָׂר.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 25:26-27), “Like a muddied spring, a ruined fountain, is a righteous man fallen before an evildoer. It is not good to eat much honey, but it is honorable to peruse honor.” For when a man muddies a spring with his foot, its waters are temporarily moved; afterwards the water is still and becomes clear, like at the beginning. So is the righteous person: When he is fallen before an evildoer, his level is not lowered and he is not diminished because of it. And if he is temporarily murky - a righteous man falls seven times and rises and [then] returns to his strength and his glory. “It is not good to eat much honey,” but much perusing of the honor of the righteous is an honor for the peruser. For righteous ones are mentioned in the verse above; and the word, “much,” [also] refers to “peruse honor” - as is its function in many places (to refer to two phrases). But the snares found in the honor of evildoers are many and well known. For with their honor, there is a profanation of the Torah and the service [of God]; and it is a sin that destroys from the soul to the flesh.
וְהַשֵּׁנִית – כִּי רַבִּים נִמְשָׁכִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם וְאוֹחֲזִים מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם.
Secondly, [it is] because many are pulled behind them and take hold of their actions.
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית – כִּי הַמִּתְחַבְּרִים לָהֶם אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינָם עוֹשִׂים כְּמַעֲשֵׂיהֶם מְקַבְּלִים פֻּרְעָנִיּוֹת כַּיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶם. כַּאֲשֶׁר זָכַרְנוּ כְּבָר.
And thirdly, because those that associate with them - even if they do not do their deeds - receive punishment like them, as we have already mentioned.
וְהָרְבִיעִית – כִּי הֵם מַכְנִיעִים כְּבוֹד אַנְשֵׁי אֱמֶת. וּמְבַטְּלִים הָעֲבוֹדָה. וְאֵין הַצְלָחָה לִכְבוֹד הַצַּדִּיקִים זוּלָתִי אַחֲרֵי הַשְׁפָּלַת כְּבוֹדָם. כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב (משלי י"ד:י"א) בֵּית רְשָׁעִים יִשָּׁמֵד וְאֹהֶל יְשָׁרִים יַפְרִיחַ. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"א:י"א) בְּבִרְכַּת יְשָׁרִים תָּרוּם קָרֶת וּבְפִי רְשָׁעִים תֵּהָרֵס.
And fourthly, because they are bringing down the honor of people of truth, and nullifying their service. And there is no success in the honor of the righteous, except after the lowering of the [evildoers’] honor - as it is stated (Proverbs 14:11), “The house of the evildoers will be demolished, and the tent of the upright will flourish.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 11:11), “A city is built up by the blessing of the upright, but it is torn down by the speech of the evildoers.”
עוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (ברכות כד:) כִּי יֵשׁ בִּכְלַל מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה הַמְדַבֵּר בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה בַּמְּבוֹאוֹת הַמְטֻנָּפוֹת. וְכָל שֶׁאֶפְשָׁר לוֹ לַעֲסֹק בַּתּוֹרָה וְאֵינוֹ עוֹסֵק. וְהַקּוֹרֵא בְּסִפְרֵי מִינִין. וּמָה שֶׁכָּתוּב וְאֶת מִצְוָתוֹ הֵפַר זֶה הַמֵּפֵר בְּרִית בָּשָׂר.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, also said (Berakhot 24b) that included in that which is written (Numbers 15:31), “he spurned the word of the Lord,” is one that speaks words of Torah in filthy alleys, anyone who has the possibility of being involved with Torah and is not [so] involved and one who reads the books of heretics; and that, that which it is written, “and he rescinds His commandment” - is [regarding] one who rescinds the covenant of the flesh (circumcision).
עוֹד שָׁנִינוּ כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל יֵשׁ לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו ס':כ"א) וְעַמֵּךְ כֻּלָּם צַדִּיקִים לְעוֹלָם יִירְשׁוּ אָרֶץ וְאֵלּוּ שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא הָאוֹמֵר אֵין תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים מִן הַתּוֹרָה וְאֵין תּוֹרָה מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם וְהָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס. וְהִזְהִירוּנוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בַּמַּאֲמָר הַזֶּה לְהַאֲמִין כִּי נִכְתְּבָה אֱמוּנַת תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים בַּתּוֹרָה. וְכִי הִיא אַחַת מֵעִקָּרֶיהָ. וְאֶחָד מִן הַמְּקוֹמוֹת שֶׁנִּתְפָּרְשָׁה בָּהֶן תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ל"ב:ל"ט) אֲנִי אָמִית וַאֲחַיֶּה מָחַצְתִּי וַאֲנִי אֶרְפָּא וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (פסחים סא.) יָכוֹל מִיתָה בְּאֶחָד וּתְחִיָּה בְּאֶחָד, ת"ל מָחַצְתִּי וַאֲנִי אֶרְפָּא, כְּשֵׁם שֶׁהַמַּחַץ וְהָרְפוּאָה בְּאֶחָד, כָּךְ מִיתָה וּתְחִיָּה בְּאֶחָד.
And we also learned (Sanhedrin 90a), “All of the Jewish people have a share in the world to come, as it is stated (Isaiah 60:21), ‘And your people also shall be all righteous, they shall inherit the land forever [...].’ And these are the ones who have no share in the world to come: One who says [that] there is no resurrection of the dead [derived] from the Torah, and that the Torah is not from the Heavens, and an apikoros. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, warned us in this statement to believe that faith in the resurrection of the dead is [to be found] in the Torah, and that it is one of its principles. And one of the places that resurrection of the dead is made explicit in the Torah is as it is stated (Deuteronomy 32:39), “I deal death and give life; I wounded and I will heal.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 68a), “It might be, death is with one [person] and bringing to life with [another] - hence we learn, ‘I wounded and I will heal’: In the same way that the wounding and the healing are with one [person], so too is the death and the giving life with one [person].”
וְעִנְיַן הָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס – פֵּרְשׁוּ בּוֹ זַ"ל כִּי הוּא הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ נוֹהֵג בְּדֶרֶךְ מוֹרָא וְהִדּוּר בְּתַלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְבַזֶּה אוֹתָם. כְּגוֹן שֶׁהוּא מְבַזֶּה חֲבֵרוֹ בִּפְנֵי תַּלְמִיד חָכָם. וְלֹא שָׂם כָּבוֹד לְתוֹרַת הֶחָכָם. כִּי אַחֲרֵי שֶׁאֵין הַתּוֹרָה הֲדוּרָה בְּעֵינָיו לִנְהֹג בָּהּ דֶּרֶךְ כָּבוֹד אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. כִּי גַּם זֶה בִּמְחַלְּלֵי הַתּוֹרָה יֵחָשֵׁב. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (פסחים כב:) אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ תִּירָא (דברים ו':י"ג) לְרַבּוֹת תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים.
And they, may their memory be blessed, explained about the matter of the apikoros (Sanhedrin 99b), that he is a man who does not act in a manner of awe and exaltation towards Torah scholars, even though he does not spurn them. For example, he spurns his fellow in front of a Torah scholar, and he does not pay attention to the honor of the sage’s Torah status. For since the Torah is not exalted in his eyes - to act with honor towards it - he has no share in the world to come. For this one too will be considered as one of those that profane the Torah. Therefore, our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Pesachim 22b), “‘Fear the Lord, your God’ (Deuteronomy 6:13) - [this is] to include Torah scholars.”
וְהַשֵּׁנִית – כִּי הַיִּרְאָה מֵהֶם סִבָּה לְיִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם. כִּי בִּהְיוֹת דִּבְרֵיהֶם נִשְׁמָעִים מִדֶּרֶךְ יִרְאָתָם. הֲלֹא הֵם יוֹרוּ וְיַדְרִיכוּ אֶת הָעָם לְיִרְאָה אֶת הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא. וְנֶאֱמַר (שמואל א י"ב:י"ח) וַיִּירָא כָל הָעָם מְאֹד אֶת ה' וְאֶת שְׁמוּאֵל. וְכֵן בִּכְלַל הָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס הָאוֹמֵר מָה הוֹעִילוּ לוֹ הַלּוֹמְדִים בְּלִמּוּדָם. הֲיֵשׁ דָּבָר שֶׁיֹּאמַר רְאֵה זֶה חָדָשׁ הוּא, מֵעוֹלָם לֹא הִתִּירוּ לָנוּ אֵת כָּל עוֹרֵב וְלֹא אָסְרוּ לָנוּ בְּנֵי יוֹנָה. וְאֵלֶּה הָאֲנָשִׁים גַּם לֹא יָדְעוּ גַּם לֹא שָׁמְעוּ גַּם לֹא פִּתְּחָה אָזְנָם עַל תּוֹעָלוֹת הַנִּמְצָאוֹת בְּעֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה. וּבַעֲבוּר זֹאת עֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה שָׁפָל בְּעֵינֵיהֶם, וְהֵמָּה הָיוּ בְּמֹרְדֵי אוֹר מַעֲלָתָהּ, וְאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. עַל כֵּן נִתְחַיַּבְנוּ לְלַמֵּד לִבְנֵי יְהוּדָה הַתּוֹעָלוֹת הַנִּמְצָאוֹת בְּעֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה. וְכָתַבְנוּ מִקְצָתָם בְּשַׁעַר הַתּוֹרָה בע"ה. לְמַעַן יִכְסְפוּ הַלְּבָבוֹת לַתּוֹרָה. וַאֲשֶׁר אֵין כֹּחַ בָּהֶם לִלְמֹד יֵדְעוּ הֲדַר כְּבוֹד עֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה, וְיִזְכּוּ בִּידִיעָתוֹ, וְלֹא תֹּאבַד נַפְשָׁם מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.
And secondly, because awe of them contributes to fear of the Heavens. For when their words are obeyed by way of their awe, will they not teach and guide the people to fear the glorious and awesome God? And it is stated (I Samuel 12:18), “and the people stood in fear of the Lord and of Samuel.” And also in the category of apikoros is one who says, “What have those studying benefited us with their study? Is there anything [about which] he can say, ‘See, this is new?' He has never permitted us any crow; and he has never forbidden us the young pigeons.” And these people have also never heard or opened their ears to the benefits found in the occupation with Torah. And we have written some of [these benefits] in the Gate of the Torah (no longer extant), with God’s help. [That is] so that the hearts will yearn for the Torah. And those that do not have the ability to study, will know the exalted honor of occupation with Torah, such that they will merit its knowledge and not lose their souls from the world to come.
וְכֵן בִּכְלַל הָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס הַקּוֹרֵא לְרַבּוֹ בִּשְׁמוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ כִּי סִבַּת מָה שֶׁנֶּעֱנַשׁ גֵּחֲזִי מִפְּנֵי שֶׁקָּרָא לְרַבּוֹ בִּשְׁמוֹ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלכים ב ח':ה') זֹאת הָאִשָּׁה וְזֶה בְּנָהּ אֲשֶׁר הֶחֱיָה אֱלִישָׁע.
And also in the category of apikoros is one who calls his teacher by his name. And they said (Sanhedrin 100a) that the reason for which Gehazi was punished was because he called his teacher by his name, as it is stated (II Kings 8:5), “this is the woman and this is her son whom Elisha revived.”
וְהִנֵּה עִקַּר כָּל הָעֳנָשִׁים הַנִּזְכָּרִים בַּמַּדְרֵגָה הַזֹּאת. מִפְּנֵי חִלּוּל הַתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי עֲוֹן חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם גָּדוֹל מִכָּל הָעֲבֵרוֹת. וְלֹא יִתָּכֵן לְהִתְכַּפֵּר בִּתְשׁוּבָה וְיִסּוּרִין. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר בְּשַׁעַר חִלּוּקֵי הַכַּפָּרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אֵין מַאֲרִיכִין בַּפֻּרְעָנוּת לְעֹנֶשׁ חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם אֶחָד שׁוֹגֵג וְאֶחָד מֵזִיד. וְעַתָּה עֲמֹד וְהִתְבּוֹנֵן גֹּדֶל חִיּוּבֵנוּ לְקַדֵּשׁ אֶת הַשֵּׁם כִּי עִקַּר מָה שֶׁקִּדְּשָׁנוּ הש"י בְּתוֹרָתוֹ וּבְמִצְוֹתָיו וְהִבְדִּילָנוּ לִהְיוֹת לוֹ [לעם] כְּדֵי לְקַדְּשׁוֹ וּלְיִרְאָה מִמֶּנּוּ, כִּי רָאוּי שֶׁיִּהְיוּ מַקְדִּישָׁיו קְדוֹשִׁים. בְּשֶׁגַּם הַכֵּלִים שֶׁעוֹבְדִים לִפְנֵי הש"י צְרִיכִים לִהְיוֹת קוֹדֶשׁ. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ב:ל"ב) וְלֹא תְחַלְּלוּ אֶת שֵׁם קָדְשִׁי וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲנִי ה' מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם. שִׂים לִבְּךָ לְהָבִין כִּי הָעִנְיָן שֶׁאָמַרְנוּ מְפֹרָשׁ בַּמִּקְרָא הַזֶּה. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים קי"א:ט') צִוָּה לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמוֹ. פֵּרוּשׁ, בַּעֲבוּר כִּי קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמוֹ צִוָּה לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ, וְקִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו לְקַדְּשׁוֹ וּלְיִרְאָה מִמֶּנּוּ. עַל כֵּן כָּתוּב אַחֲרָיו (תהילים קי"א:י') רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה יִרְאַת ה' שֵׂכֶל טוֹב וְגוֹ'. וְעַל יְדֵי קְדֻשַּׁת הַמִּצְוֹת נֵחָשֵׁב בְּהַקְדִּישֵׁנוּ אֶת הש"י עִם הַקְּדוֹשִׁים הָעֶלְיוֹנִים שֶׁמַּקְדִּישִׁים וּמַעֲרִיצִים אוֹתוֹ. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ט:ח') אֵל נַעֲרָץ בְּסוֹד קְדֹשִׁים רַבָּה וְגוֹ'.
And behold that the principle behind all of the punishments mentioned in this level is because of profaning the Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Nedarim 3:14), that the sin of profanation is bigger than all of the transgressions. And it is not possible to atone [for it] with repentance and afflictions, as will be explained in the Gate of the Parts of Atonement (no longer extant). And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Kiddushin 40a), “There is no [deferral] with [the punishment] for profaning [God’s] name - whether one is inadvertent or volitional.” And now stand and reflect upon our great obligation to sanctify His name: As the essence of that which God, may He be blessed, sanctified us with His Torah and His commandments and separated us to be [a people] for Him was to sanctify Him and to fear Him. [Hence] it is fit from the ones he sanctified to be holy - in that even the vessels [used to] serve in front of God, may He be blessed, need to be sanctified; as it is stated (Leviticus 22:32), “You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people; I am the Lord who sanctified you,” Note and understand that the matter that we said can be found explicitly in this verse: It is stated (Psalms 111:9), “He ordered His covenant for all time; His name is holy and awesome.” Its explanation is, because “His name is holy and awesome,” “He ordered His Covenant for all time” and commanded us with His commandments - to sanctify Him and to fear Him. Hence, it is written after it (Psalms 111:10), “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; sound understanding, etc.” And through the holiness of the commandments - when we sanctify God, may He be blessed, we are associated with the supernal holy ones that sanctify and venerate Him, as it is stated (Psalms 89:8), “A God venerated in the great council of holy beings, etc.”
עוֹד יֵשׁ כִּתּוֹת שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְהֵם כַּת אוֹיְבֵי השי"ת. וְכַת הַמְחַבְּלִים כֶּרֶם הַשֵּׁם. וְכַת הַנּוֹתְנִים חִתִּיתָם בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים. וְהִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ מַצִּיעִים עִנְיָנָם. וְהָרְאָיוֹת עַל עָנְשָׁם מְפֹרָשׁ בַּתּוֹרָה. כִּי כַּת אוֹיְבֵי הַשֵּׁם יֹאבְדוּ מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ז':י') וּמְשַׁלֵּם לְשֹׂנְאָיו אֶל פָּנָיו לְהַאֲבִידוֹ לֹא יְאַחֵר לְשֹׂנְאוֹ אֶל פָּנָיו יְשַׁלֶּם לוֹ. פֵּרוּשׁ – מְשַׁלֵּם לְשׂוֹנְאָיו שְׂכַר הַמִּצְוֹת שֶׁהֵם עוֹשִׂים בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה לְהַאֲבִידָם מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְתַרְגּוּמוֹ וּמְשַׁלֵּם לְשָׂנְאוֹהִי טָבָן דְּאִינּוּן עָבְדִין קָדָמוֹהִי בְּחַיֵּיהוֹן לְאוֹבוֹדֵיהוֹן. וְאָמַר דָּוִד (תהילים ל"ז:כ') כִּי רְשָׁעִים יֹאבֵדוּ וְאֹיְבֵי ה' כִּיקַר כָּרִים כָּלוּ בֶעָשָׁן כָּלוּ. הִזְכִּיר עַל הָרְשָׁעִים לְשׁוֹן אֲבֵדָה. כִּי יֵאָמֵר עַל הַצַּעַר וְהַגָּלוּת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו כ"ז:י"ג) הָאֹבְדִים בְּאֶרֶץ אַשּׁוּר וְהַנִּדָּחִים וְגוֹ'. (ירמיה נ':ו') צֹאן אֹבְדוֹת הָיוּ עַמִּי. (תהילים קי"ט:צ"ב) תָּעִיתִי כְּשֶׂה אוֹבֵד. וְיֵאָמֵר עַל הַמָּוֶת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים קי"ט:צ"ב) אָז אָבַדְתִּי בְעָנְיִי. (אסתר ח':ו') בְּאָבְדַן מוֹלַדְתִּי. (ויקרא כ"ג:ל') וְהַאֲבַדְתִּי אֶת הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִיא. עִנְיָנוֹ הִכָּרֵת מִן הָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה. כִּי הָרְשָׁעִים יֵעָנְשׁוּ בְּצָרוֹת וְיִסּוּרִין אוֹ בְּמָוֶת. וְכֵן יֵעָנְשׁוּ בְּמִשְׁפָּט עַל מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם בָּעוֹלָם הַבָּא. לְקֵץ וּזְמַן. אֲבָל אוֹיְבֵי ה' הִמְשִׁילָם לְחֶלְבֵי הַכְּשָׂבִים וְשָׁמְנָם שֶׁהוּא נִתַּךְ בָּאֵשׁ וְכָלֶה בְּעָשָׁן. וְלֹא הִמְשִׁילָם לִבְשַׂר הַכָּרִים. כִּי יֵעָשֶׂה גַּחֶלֶת וְיִשָּׁאֵר הָאֵפֶר. עַל כֵּן אָמַר כָּלוּ בְּעָשָׁן כָּלוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר חֶלְבֵי הַכָּרִים כָּלִים בֶּעָשָׁן. כָּךְ יִכְלוּ אוֹיְבֵי הַשֵּׁם, כִּי תִּכְלֶה נַפְשָׁם וְתֹאבַד מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְנֶאֱמַר (שמות כ':ה') פֹּקֵד עֲוֹן אָבוֹת עַל בָּנִים עַל שִׁלֵּשִׁים וְעַל רִבֵּעִים [לשנאי].
There are other groups that do not have a share in the world to come: And they are the group of the enemies of the Lord, may He be blessed; the group of the destroyers of the vineyard of the Lord; and the group of the ones inflicting fear in the land of the living. Behold we will present their content and the proof of their punishment explicit in the Torah:
For the group of the enemies of Lord will be lost from the world to come, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 7:10), “But who requites with destruction those who hate Him to his face - never slow with those who hate Him, but requiting them to his face.” Its explanation is that he repays the reward of the commandments fulfilled by those that hate Him, in this world - in order to destroy them from [getting to] the world to come. And its Targum (translation by Onkelos) is, “And He repays those that hate Him the good that they do in front of Him, in their lives, to destroy them. And David said (Psalms 37:20), “But the evildoers shall be lost, and the enemies of the Lord shall be like heavy sheep, completely consumed in smoke.” And he mentioned the expression, “loss,” with the evildoers, as it is [used] for distress and exile - as the matter that is stated (Isaiah 27:13), “the lost who are in the land of Assyria and the expelled, etc.”; (Jeremiah 50:6), “My people were lost sheep”; [and] (Psalms 119:176), “I have strayed like a lost sheep” - and it is also [used] for death, as the matter that is stated (Psalms 119:92), “I would have been lost in my affliction”; (Esther 8:6) “at the loss of my kindred”; [and] (Leviticus 23:30) “and I will cause that soul to be lost” - meaning excision from this world. For evildoers are punished with difficulties and afflictions or with death, and they are also punished with the judgement for their deeds in the world to come. But [David] compared the enemies of the Lord to the meat of sheep, as it will become coals. Therefore, it will be “completely consumed in smoke.” Just like the fat of sheep is consumed in smoke, so too will the enemies of the Lord be consumed. For their souls will be consumed and lost from the world to come. And it is stated (Exodus 20:5), “visiting the guilt of the parents upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generations of those who hate Me.”
וְעִנְיַן שׂוֹנְאֵי הַשֵּׁם נִמְצָא לִפְעָמִים גַּם בַּאֲנָשִׁים שֶׁהֵם עוֹשִׂים הַמִּצְוֹת וְנִזְהָרִים מִכָּל עֲבֵרָה בְּמַעֲשֶׂה וּבְלָשׁוֹן. אִם נַפְשָׁם רָעָה וּבְקֶרֶב לִבָּם יִקְשֶׁה לָהֶם כַּאֲשֶׁר חַבְרֵיהֶם עוֹסְקִים בַּתּוֹרָה. וְיֵרַע בְּעֵינֵיהֶם בִּהְיוֹת בְּנֵי אָדָם עוֹבְדִים אֶת ה' וִירֵאִים מִלְּפָנָיו. כַּאֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר עַל הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יַחְפֹּץ שֶׁיְּכַבְּדוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם אֶת הַמֶּלֶךְ וְשֶׁיַּעַבְדוּהוּ. כִּי הוּא שׂוֹנֵא אֶת הַמֶּלֶךְ. כָּל שֶׁכֵּן אִם הוֹצִיאוּ מַחְשַׁבְתָּם אֶל הַפֹּעַל. שֶׁהֵם מְנִיאִים אֶת לֵב בְּנֵי אָדָם מֵעֵסֶק הַתּוֹרָה וּמִן הַמִּצְווֹת. כִּי הֵם שׂוֹנְאֵי ה'. וְכֵן הָאֲנָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר עֵינָם צָרָה בִּכְבוֹד תַּלְמִידֵי חֲכָמִים הַיְּשָׁרִים וְהַצַּדִּיקִים וְשׂוֹנְאִים עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאַרְתָּם. אוֹ יֵרַע לְבָבָם אִם עֲדֵיהֶם תֵּאתֶה וּבָאָה מֶמְשֶׁלֶת הַדּוֹר. וְכֵן כָּתוּב (שמואל א ח':ז') כִּי לֹא אֹתְךָ מָאָסוּ כִּי אִם אֹתִי מָאֲסוּ מִמְּלֹךְ עֲלֵיהֶם. וְכָל שֶׁכֵּן אִם יְבַקְשׁוּ כְּבוֹדָם לִכְלִמָּה אוֹ יַשְׁפִּילוּם. וְכֵן אִם יֹאהֲבוּן כְּבוֹד הָרְשָׁעִים וּמָשְׁלָם עַל עָפָר. כִּי אֵלֶּה בֶּאֱמֶת שׂוֹנְאֵי הַשֵּׁם. וְאֵין רְצוֹנָם בְּנִקְיוֹן עֲבוֹדָתוֹ. וְלֹא יַחְפְּצוּ בְּהַדְרַת קֹדֶשׁ יִרְאָתוֹ וַאֲשֶׁר יִרְבּוּן מְאֹד עֲבָדָיו וִירֵאָיו.
And the matter of those that hate the Lord is sometimes found also among those that fulfill the commandments and are careful [not to commit] any transgression - in deed or in speech - if their soul is upset and it is difficult in their hearts when their fellows are involved in Torah. And it is bad in their eyes when people serve God and fear Him. [It is] like you say about a man who does not want people to honor the king and serve him, since he hates the king; all the more so if they carry their thoughts into action. As they dissuade people’s hearts from occupation in Torah and from the commandments, for they hate the Lord. And likewise people who are miserly about the honor of righteous and upright Torah students, and hate the glory of their crown; or if it is bad in their hearts when they come to them and become the leaders of the generation. And so is it written (I Samuel 8:7), “for it is not you that they have rejected; it is Me they have rejected as their king.” And all the more so, if they seek to embarrass their honor or to humiliate them. And likewise if they love the honor of the evildoers and compare them to [the prolifration of] the dust - for these really hate the Lord and they do not want His pure service. Nor do they want the elevation of His holy fear, or that His servants and those that fear Him greatly proliferate.
וְכֵן כַּת הַמְחַבְּלִים כֶּרֶם ה' כְּמוֹ הַמּוֹסוֹרוֹת וּמַחְטִיאֵי הָרַבִּים הִנֵּה הֵם שׂוֹנְאֵי הַשֵּׁם. כַּאֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר כִּי הָאֲנָשִׁים הַמַּשְׁחִיתִים עָרֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ אוֹ כְּרָמָיו וּפַרְדֵּסָיו כִּי הֵם שׂוֹנְאֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ. וְנֶאֱמַר (ישעיה ה':ז') כִּי כֶרֶם ה' צְבָאוֹת בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִישׁ יְהוּדָה נְטַע שַׁעֲשׁוּעָיו. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ג:ד') עַל עַמְּךָ יַעֲרִימוּ סוֹד וְיִתְיָעֲצוּ עַל צְפוּנֶיךָ. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ג:ו') כִּי נוֹעֲצוּ לֵב יַחְדָּו עָלֶיךָ בְּרִית יִכְרֹתוּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים ב':ב') וְרוֹזְנִים נוֹסְדוּ יָחַד עַל ה' וְעַל מְשִׁיחוֹ. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי אוֹתָן שֶׁחָטְאוּ וְהֶחְטִיאוּ אֶת הָרַבִּים יוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנֹּם, וְנִדּוֹנִין שָׁם לְדוֹרֵי דּוֹרוֹת.
And likewise the group of destroyers of the vineyard of the Lord - such as those that cause the masses to sin - are haters of the Lord. As you would say that people that destroy the cities of the king or his vineyards and orchards are haters of the king. And it is stated (Isaiah 5:7), “For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts Is the House of Israel, and the seedlings he lovingly tended are the men of Judah.” And it is stated (Psalms 83:4), “They plot craftily against Your people, take counsel against Your treasured ones.” And it is stated (Psalms 83:6), “Unanimous in their counsel they have made an alliance against You.” And it is stated (Psalms 2:2), “and regents intrigue together against the Lord and against His anointed.” Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a) that those that sinned and cause the masses to sin descend to Gehinnom, and are judged there for generations and generations.
וְכַת הַנּוֹתְנִים חִתִּיתָם בְּאֶרֶץ הַחַיִּים דִּבֵּר עֲלֵיהֶם יְחֶזְקֵאל עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (יחזקאל ל"ב:כ"ד), אֲשֶׁר נָתְנוּ חִתִּיתָם בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים וְגוֹ' וַתְּהִי עֲוֹנֹתָם עַל עַצְמוֹתָם. לָמַדְנוּ מִזֶּה כִּי לֹא יְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיהֶם הַמָּוֶת. אָכֵן עַד עוֹלָם עֲוֹנֹתָם עַל עַצְמוֹתָם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַמִּינִין וְהַמְּשֻׁמָּדִים וְהָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹסִין וְהַמָּסוֹרוֹת, וְשֶׁכָּפְרוּ בַּתּוֹרָה וְשֶׁכָּפְרוּ בִּתְחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים, וְשֶׁפָּרְשׁוּ מִדַּרְכֵי צִבּוּר, וְשֶׁנָּתְנוּ חִתִּיתָם בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים כְּגוֹן הַפַּרְנָסִים הַמְּטִילִים אֵימָה יְתֵרָה עַל הַצִּבּוּר שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם, וְשֶׁחָטְאוּ וְשֶׁהֶחְטִיאוּ אֶת הָרַבִּים כְּגוֹן יָרָבְעָם בֶּן נְבָט וַחֲבֵרָיו – יוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנֹּם וְנִדּוֹנִין בָּהּ לְדוֹרֵי דּוֹרוֹת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיהו ס"ו:כ"ד) וְיָצְאוּ וְרָאוּ בְּפִגְרֵי הָאֲנָשִׁים הַפֹּשְׁעִים בִּי כִּי תוֹלַעְתָּם לֹא תָמוּת וְגוֹ'.
And Ezekiel, peace be upon him, spoke about the group of those inflicting fear in the land of the living - “who inflicted fear in the land of the living, etc. and their iniquities are upon their bones” (Ezekiel 32:24-27). We learned from this that death does not atone for them. Indeed, their iniquities are upon their bones forever. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Rosh Hashanah 17a), “The heretics; [...]; and the apikorsim; and those who denied the Torah; and those who denied the resurrection of the dead; and those who separated from the ways of the community; and those who inflicted their fear in the land of the living” - like those community leaders that put too much dread on the public, not for the sake of the Heavens; “and those who sinned and caused the masses to sin - for example, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and his company - descend to Gehinnom and are judged there for generations and generations, as it is stated (Isaiah 66:24), ‘And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; [their worms shall not die, etc.]’”
וְעֹנֶשׁ הַנּוֹתְנִים חִתִּיתָם בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים מֵחֲמִשָּׁה פָּנִים. הַשְּׁנַיִם מִצַּד עַצְמוֹ וְהַשְּׁלֹשָׁה מִצַּד הָעָם. הַשְּׁנַיִם שֶׁהֵם מִצַּד עַצְמוֹ: הָאֶחָד – כִּי הָאֱנוֹשׁ רִמָּה וְתוֹלֵעָה, וְכֵן נִקְרָא גַּם עוֹד בַּחַיִּים חַיָּתוֹ. וְלֹא דַּיּוֹ שֶׁלֹּא יִשַּׁח וְלֹא יִשְׁפַּל. כִּי יִשְׂתָּרֵר גַּם הִשְׂתָּרֵר שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם. וְגַם בְּמַחְשֶׁבֶת הַגַּאֲוָה מִבְּלִי הִשְׂתָּרֵר נִפְסָד הָאָדָם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט"ז:ה'), תּוֹעֲבַת ה' כָּל גְּבַהּ לֵב.
And the punishment of those that inflict their fear in the land of the living is from five aspects - two are from himself and three are from the people:
The two that are from the angle of himself: The first is that man is maggots and worms; and he is called this even when he is alive. Yet it is not enough for him that he does not bow and does not lower himself, but he also lords it over [others], not for the sake of the Heavens? And even the thought of pride - without lording it - is destructive to a man, as it is stated (Proverbs 16:5), “every haughty person is an abomination to the Lord.”
וְהַשֵּׁנִי – כִּי הָאָדָם חַיָּב לְהָכִין מַעַרְכֵי לֵב בְּכָל עֵת. לְהַשְׁכִּין בְּלִבּוֹ אֵימָה וְיִרְאָה מֵעַל פְּנֵי הש"י. וְעַל הָרְשָׁעִים נֶאֱמַר (ירמיה ה':כ"ד) וְלֹא אָמְרוּ בִלְבָבָם נִירָא נָא אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ. וְהָאִישׁ הַנּוֹתֵן חִתִּיתוֹ בְּאֶרֶץ חַיִּים שֶׁלֹּא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם. אֵין בְּלִבּוֹ אֵימָה מִלִּפְנֵי הַשֵּׁם, וְרוֹצֶה לְהַטִּיל אֵימָתוֹ עַל בְּרִיּוֹתָיו. וְתַחַת שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ לַעֲרֹךְ מַחְשָׁבוֹת לְהַשְׁכִּין אֵימַת הַשֵּׁם בְּלִבּוֹ. הוּא עוֹרֵךְ אוֹתָם לְהַטִּיל אֵימַת עַצְמוֹ עַל עַם השי"ת. וְנֶאֱמַר (שמואל ב כ"ג:ג') מוֹשֵׁל בָּאָדָם צַדִּיק מוֹשֵׁל יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים. פֵּרוּשׁ רָאוּי לִהְיוֹת מוֹשֵׁל בָּאָדָם צַדִּיק שֶׁהוּא מוֹשֵׁל יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים. כִּי אַחַר שֶׁהוּא יָרֵא אֶת הש"י רָאוּי לְעַמּוֹ שֶׁיִּירְאוּ מִלְּפָנָיו.
And the second is that a man is obligated to always set up frameworks of the heart to enshrine dread and fear in his heart in front of God, may He be blessed. But it is stated about the evildoers (Jeremiah 5:24), “They have not said in their hearts, ‘Let us revere the Lord, our God.’” But the man who inflicts his fear in the land of the living, not for the sake of the Heavens, does not have dread in his heart in front of God and wants to impose his [own] fear upon His creatures. And instead of his having to set up thoughts to enshrine the dread of God in his heart, he designs them to impose his own fear on the people of God, may He be blessed. And it is stated (II Samuel 23:3), “He who rules men justly, He who rules in awe of God.” The explanation [of this] is that it is fit for a righteous man who fears God to be a ruler of men. Since once he fears God, may He be blessed, it is fitting for people to fear him.
וְהַשְּׁלֹשָׁה פָּנִים שֶׁהֵם מִצַּד הָעָם: הָאֶחָד – כִּי הוּא מְצַעֵר הַצִּבּוּר בְּהַטָּלַת אֵימָתוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז) לֹא תוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ. וְהוּא עַל עִנְיַן הַצַּעַר בִּדְבָרִים כַּאֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ כְּבָר.
And the three that are from the aspect of the people:
The first is that he distresses the public when he instills his fear upon them. And it is stated (Leviticus 25:17), “Do not wrong one another.” And that is with regards to distress about things that we have already explained.
וְהַשֵּׁנִי כִּי כַּמָּה מִכְשׁוֹלִים בָּאִים בְּסִבַּת הַטָּלַת אֵימָה, כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה לְעוֹלָם אַל יַטִּיל אָדָם אֵימָה יְתֵרָה בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ שֶׁהֲרֵי פִּילֶגֶשׁ בַּגִּבְעָה הִטִּיל עָלֶיהָ בַּעֲלָהּ אֵימָה יְתֵרָה וְהִפִּילָה כַּמָּה רְבָבוֹת מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל.
And the second is that several stumbling blocks come as a result of his instilling his fear - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Gittin 6b), “A person should never impose excessive fear within his household; as the husband of the concubine of Gibeah imposed excessive fear upon her and this caused the downfall of many tens of thousands of Jews [in the resulting war (see Judges 19–20)].”
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁי כִּי עַם הַקָּדוֹשׁ שֶׁהֵם עוֹבְדֵי הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ, אֵין לָהֶם לְהִכָּנַע לְבָשָׂר וָדָם, וְאֵינוֹ מִן הָרָאוּי לִהְיוֹת מוֹרָא בָּשָׂר וָדָם עֲלֵיהֶם אֶלָּא לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה,נ"ה) כִּי לִי בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲבָדִים, עֲבָדַי הֵם וְלֹא עֲבָדִים לַעֲבָדִים. וְנֶאֱמַר (שמות י"ט:ו') וְאַתֶּם תִּהְיוּ לִי מַמְלֶכֶת כֹּהֲנִים וְגוֹי קָדוֹשׁ. לְשׁוֹן כֹּהֲנִים אֲדוֹנִים וְשָׂרִים. וְכָמוֹהוּ (שמואל ב ח':י"ח) וּבְנֵי דָוִד כֹּהֲנִים הָיוּ. וְכָל הָעָם נִקְרְאוּ מַמְלָכָה. מִלְּשׁוֹן (מלכים א י"ח:י') אִם יֶשׁ גּוֹי וּמַמְלָכָה. (ישעיה ס':י"ב) כִּי הַגּוֹי וְהַמַּמְלָכָה. פֵּרוּשׁ – אַתֶּם תִּהְיוּ לִי מַמְלָכָה שֶׁכֻּלָּהּ שָׂרִים שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה עֲלֵיכֶם עֹל בָּשָׂר וָדָם. וְנֶאֱמַר (ישעיה נ"א:י"ב) מִי אַתְּ וַתִּירְאִי מֵאֱנוֹשׁ יָמוּת. וְנֶאֱמַר (ישעיה נ"א:ז') אַל תִּירְאוּ חֶרְפַּת אֱנוֹשׁ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה מִשֶּׁרַבּוּ הָאֹמְרִים לָרַע טוֹב וְלַטּוֹב רָע פָּרְקוּ מֵעֲלֵיהֶם עוֹל שָׁמַיִם וְהֻשְׁלַךְ עֲלֵיהֶם עֹל בָּשָׂר וָדָם. וְאָמַר דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים ט':כ'-כ"א) קוּמָה ה' אַל יָעֹז אֱנוֹשׁ יִשָּׁפְטוּ גוֹיִם עַל פָּנֶיךָ. שִׁיתָה ה' מוֹרָה לָהֶם יֵדְעוּ גוֹיִם אֱנוֹשׁ הֵמָּה סֶּלָה. לָמַדְנוּ מִזֶּה כִּי עֵת אֲשֶׁר יָעֹז אֱנוֹשׁ אֵינוֹ מַכִּיר שֶׁהוּא אֱנוֹשׁ. כִּי אֵין שְׂרָרָה רְאוּיָה לֶאֱנוֹשׁ זוּלָתִי לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם.
And the third is that the holy people who are servants of God, may He be blessed, should not humble themselves to flesh and blood. So it is not fitting that the fear of flesh and blood be upon them except for the sake of the Heavens. As it is stated (Leviticus 25:55), “For it is to Me that the Israelites are servants” - [they are] My servants, and not the servants of servants. And it is stated (Exodus 19:6), “But you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” The expression, priests, is [to mean] masters and officers; and like this [usage] is (II Samuel 8:18) “and David’s sons were priests.” And the whole nation is called a kingdom, from [the usage] (I Kings 18:10), “there is no nation or kingdom”; (Isaiah 60:12), “For the nation or the kingdom.” The explanation [of Exodus 19:6] is that you shall be a kingdom that is all officers, such that the yoke of flesh and blood shall not be upon you. And it is stated (Isaiah 51:12), “What ails you that you fear man who must die”; and it is [also] stated (Isaiah 51:7), “Fear not the insults of men.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 47b), “From the time when those who say to evil, good; and to good, evil,” proliferated, [they removed the yoke of the Heavens from upon themselves, and the yoke of flesh and blood was thrown upon them].” And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 9:20-21). “Rise, O Lord; let not men have power; let the nations be judged in Your presence. Strike fear into them, O Lord; let the nations know they are only men. Selah.” We have learned from this that at a time when a man has power, he does not recognize that he is [only] a man. For dominion is not fitting for man, except for the sake of the Heavens.
וְעַתָּה נְפָרֵשׁ עִנְיַן עֹנֶשׁ הַפּוֹרְשִׁים מִדַּרְכֵי צִבּוּר. וְכִי הוּא נִכְלָל בְּעָנְשֵׁי הַכִּתּוֹת שֶׁהִקְדַּמְנוּ. בְּהִתְאַסֵּף רָאשֵׁי עַם וּקְהִלּוֹת הַקֹּדֶשׁ לַעֲבֹד אֶת השי"ת. וּמַסְכִּימִים הַסְכָּמוֹת לְהַעֲמִיד לָהֶם מִצְוָה. הִנֵּה הֵם מַקְדִּישִׁים אֶת הַשֵּׁם יִתְגַּדֵּל וְיִתְקַדֵּשׁ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ל"ג:ה') וַיְהִי בִישֻׁרוּן מֶלֶךְ בְּהִתְאַסֵּף רָאשֵׁי עָם יַחַד שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים מ"ז:י') נְדִיבֵי עַמִּים נֶאֱסָפוּ עַם אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם כִּי לֵאלֹקִים מָגִנֵּי אֶרֶץ מְאֹד נַעֲלָה. נִקְרְאוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמִּים מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר שְׁבָטִים. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ל"ג:י"ט) עַמִּים הַר יִקְרָאוּ, וְהֵם עַם אֶחָד לַעֲבֹד אֶת הַשֵּׁם. עַל כֵּן אָמַר עַם אֱלֹקֵי אַבְרָהָם. וְהַמְּלָכִים וְהַשָּׂרִים נִקְרְאוּ מָגִנִּים מִלְּשׁוֹן (ישעיה כ"א:ה') מִשְׁחוּ מָגֵן. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – נְדִיבֵי עַמִּים נֶאֶסְפוּ לַעֲבֹד אֶת הַשֵּׁם יִתְעַלֶּה כִּי מַלְכֵיהֶם וְשָׂרֵיהֶם לֵאלֹקִים. שֶׁהֵם עֲבָדָיו וֶאֱמוּנָיו. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים פ"ט:י"ט) כִּי לַה' מָגִנֵּנוּ וְלִקְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מַלְכֵּנוּ. מְאֹד נַעֲלָה. שהקב"ה מִתְעַלֶּה וּמִתְהַלֵּל בְּעוֹלָמוֹ בַּאֲסִיפָתָם וַעֲבוֹדָתָם. וְהָאִישׁ הַפּוֹרֵשׁ מִדַּרְכֵי הַצִּבּוּר הִנֵּה הוּא כִּמְקַטְרֵג עַל הַסְכָּמַת עֲבוֹדַת ה'. וּכְיוֹצֵא מִכְּלַל הַמְקַדְּשִׁים אֶת הַשֵּׁם. וּמַרְאֶה עַצְמוֹ כִּי לֹא יַחְפֹּץ לִהְיוֹת בְּסוֹדָם וּלְהִכָּתֵב בִּכְתָבָם. הִנֵּה הוּא מְחַלֵּל אֶת הָעֲבוֹדָה וְהוּא בִּכְלַל הַכִּתּוֹת שֶׁזָּכַרְנוּ שֶׁהֵם בּוֹזִים דְּבַר הַשֵּׁם וְאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וְהַשֵּׁנִית כִּי הֵם מְנִיאִים לֵב חֲלוּשֵׁי הַדֵּעוֹת בִּפְרִישָׁתָם מִדַּרְכֵי הַצִּבּוּר וְהִנָּם מִן הַמַּחֲטִיאִים אֶת הָרַבִּים.
And now we will explain the matter of the punishment of those that separate from the ways of the community, and that he is included in the punishments of the groups that we mentioned above: When the heads of the people and the holy communities gather to serve God, may He be blessed, and make agreements to place commandments upon themselves - they are surely sanctifying God, may He be magnified and sanctified, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 33:5), “Then He became King in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people assembled, the tribes of Israel together.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 47:10), “The great of the peoples are gathered together, the people of Abraham’s God; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted.” Israel is called, “peoples,” because they are twelve tribes, like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 33:19), “They invite the peoples to the mountain.” But they are one people to serve God; therefore is it stated, “the people of Abraham’s God.” And the kings and the officers are called, “shields,” from the usage (Isaiah 21:5), “grease the shields.” The explanation of [Psalms 47:10] is, the great of the peoples gathered together to serve God, may He be exalted, because their kings and their officers are for God - as they are His servants and His faithful, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 89:19), “Truly our shield is of the Lord, our King, of the Holy One of Israel.” “He is greatly exalted,” since the Holy One, blessed be He, is exalted and glorified in His world in their gathering together and in their service. And the man that separates from the ways of the community is like an opponent of the agreement about the service of God; and like one who exits from the aggregate that is sanctifying God. So he shows himself to not want to be in their council, nor be written in their writings. Behold he is [thus] among those that profane the service and is included in the groups that we mentioned - that are scorning the word of God, and do not have a share in the world to come. And secondly, they dissuade the heart of the weak-minded by their separating from the ways of the community, and so are among those that cause the many to sin.
עַתָּה נְפָרֵשׁ עִנְיַן כַּת עוֹזְבֵי ה'. וְנֶאֱמַר כִּי הֵם הָאֲנָשִׁים שֶׁאֵין עֲלֵיהֶם עֹל יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם וְהֵם מְקַיְּמִין אֶת הַמִּצְוֹת מִצְוַת אֲנָשִׁים מְלֻמָּדָה. וְכַאֲשֶׁר יִתְגַּבֵּר הַיֵּצֶר עַל הָאִישׁ הַהוּא וְעָלָיו חָלַף רוּחַ וַיַּעֲבֹר וְאָשֵׁם. לֹא יֵאָנַח וְלֹא יִדְאַג לְחֶטְאוֹ. אָכַל וּמָחָה פִּיו וְהוּא בְּעֵינָיו כְּאִלּוּ לֹא פָּעַל [און]. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ו:ב') נְאֻם פֶּשַׁע לָרָשָׁע בְּקֶרֶב לִבִּי אֵין פַּחַד אֱלֹקִים לְנֶגֶד עֵינָיו.
Now we will explain the matter of those that forsake God; and we shall say that they are people that do not have the yoke of the fear of the Heavens, so they fulfill the commandments in a rote fashion. So when the impulse overpowers this man and the spirit [to sin] passes over him, and he transgresses and will be guilty - he does not sigh and he does not worry about his sin. He ate and wiped his mouth; but in his eyes, he is like one that did not do [evil]. It is like the matter that is stated (Psalms 36:2), “What transgression says to the wicked is within my heart; the dread of God is not in front of his eyes.”
וְיֵשׁ מִן הַכַּת הָרָעָה הַהִיא. כִּי לֹא רַב לָהֶם אֲשֶׁר לֹא לָבְשׁוּ חֲרָדוֹת. כִּי חָלְפוּ חֹק וְעֵדוֹת. אֲבָל יְהַלְלוּ וִיבָרְכוּ נַפְשָׁם בְּמַלֹּאתָם תַּאֲוָתָם. וְהֵם הַמַּכְעִסִים וְהַמְּנָאֲצִים לִפְנֵי הַשֵּׁם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים י':ג') כִּי הִלֵּל רָשָׁע עַל תַּאֲוַת נַפְשׁוֹ וּבֹצֵעַ בֵּרֵךְ נִאֵץ ה'. וְדִבֵּר יְשַׁעְיָה עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם עַל אָבְדַן הַכַּת הַהִיא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה א':כ"ח) וְשֶׁבֶר פֹּשְׁעִים וְחַטָּאִים יַחְדָּו וְעֹזְבֵי ה' יִכְלוּ. הִמְשִׁיל הַמּוֹרְדִים וְהַחוֹטְאִים לִכְלִי הַנִּשְׁבָּר שֶׁיֵּשׁ שְׁאֵרִית. וְאָמַר כִּי עוֹזְבֵי הַשֵּׁם יִכְלוּ שֶׁאֵין לָהֶם חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלאכי ג':י"ט) אֲשֶׁר לֹא יַעֲזֹב לָהֶם שֹׁרֶשׁ וְעָנָף.
And there are some from this evil group for which it is not enough that they do not wear trembling when they bypass the law and the testimonies, but they praise and bless themselves when they fulfill their desires. So they bring anger and scorn before God, as it is stated (Psalms 10:3), “The wicked crows about his unbridled lusts; the grasping man reviles and scorns the Lord.” And Isaiah, peace be upon him, spoke about the destruction of this group - as it is stated (Isaiah 1:28), “But rebels and sinners shall all be crushed, and those who forsake the Lord shall perish.” And he compared the rebels and the sinners to a broken vessel that has a remnant; but he said that “those that forsake God shall perish.” For they have no share in the world to come, as the matter is stated (Malachi 3:19), “and leave of them neither stock nor boughs.”
וְאָבְדַן הַכִּתּוֹת הַנִּזְכָּרוֹת. בִּזְמַן שֶׁלֹּא עָשׂוּ תְּשׁוּבָה. אֲבָל אִם שָׁבוּ מִדַּרְכֵיהֶם הָרָעִים נִמְלְטָה נַפְשָׁם מִן הָאֲבַדּוֹן. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיהו ג':כ"ב) שׁוּבוּ בָנִים שׁוֹבָבִים אֶרְפָּא מְשׁוּבֹתֵיכֶם.
And the destruction of the groups mentioned is at a time when they have not repented. But if they repented from their evil ways, their souls escape destruction - like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 3:22), “Repent, O rebellious children, I will heal your afflictions!”
בֵּאוּר דִּבְרֵי עֲוֹנוֹת אַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת: אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל אַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת אֵין מְקַבְּלִים פְּנֵי הַשְּׁכִינָה. כַּת לֵיצָנִים. כַּת שַׁקָּרִים. כַּת חֲנֵפִים. כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. כַּת לֵיצָנִים דִּכְתִיב (הושע ז':ה') מָשַׁךְ יָדוֹ אֶת לֹצְצִים. כַּת שַׁקָּרִים דִּכְתִיב (תהילים ק"א:ז') דֹּבֵר שְׁקָרִים לֹא יִכּוֹן לְנֶגֶד עֵינָי. כַּת חֲנֵפִים דִּכְתִיב (איוב י"ג:ט"ז) כִּי לֹא לְפָנָיו חָנֵף יָבֹא. כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע דִּכְתִיב (תהילים ה':ה') כִּי לֹא אֵל חָפֵץ רֶשַׁע אָתָּה לֹא יְגֻרְךָ רָע.
Explanation of the words of iniquity of four groups:
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 42a), “Four groups will not greet the Divine Presence: The group of scoffers, the group of liars, the group of flatterers, and the group of slanderers. The group of cynics, as it is written (Hosea 7:5), ‘He draws His hand from cynics’; the group of liars, as it is written (Psalms 101:7), ‘he who speaks falsehood shall not dwell before My eyes’; the group of flatterers, as it is written (Job 13:16), ‘that a flatterer cannot come before Him’; the group of slanderers, as it is written (Psalms 5:5), ‘For You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness, evil shall not sojourn with You.’”
עַתָּה נַאֲזִין עַד תְּכוּנַת עִנְיְנֵיהֶם. וּתְכוּנַת אָפְנֵיהֶם. לְהַשְׂכִּילְךָ בִּינַת מִבְחַר עִמְקֵיהֶם. וּנְחַלֵּק אוֹתָם לְחֶלְקֵיהֶם. וְנַחְשֹׂף סוֹף חֹמֶר עָנְשֵׁי עֲלִילוֹת נִגְעָלוֹת. וְתַשִּׂיג בְּמַעַרְכֵי הַחֲלָקִים הַרְבֵּה תּוֹעָלוֹת. כִּי אוּלַי טֶרֶם עָמַדְתָּ עַל דְּבָרֵינוּ לֹא בָּחַנְתָּ טוּב טַעַם כֹּבֶד פֶּשַׁע כָּל חֵלֶק מֵחֶלְקֵיהֶם. וְחָזוּת קָשָׁה וְחֹמֶר הָעֹנֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בְּכָל אֶחָד מֵהֶם לֹא חָזִיתָ, וְאוּלַי קָצֵהוּ רָאִיתָ וְכֻלּוֹ לֹא רָאִיתָ. וְכָל חֵלֶק אֲשֶׁר נְסַדֵּר רִאשׁוֹן הוּא חָמוּר מִן הַשֵּׁנִי. וּמִתּוֹךְ דְּבָרֵינוּ גַּם בַּחֲלָקִים הַקַּלִּים אֲשֶׁר נַזְכִּיר תַּכִּיר בַּלְהוֹת צַלְמָוֶת. וְתֵדַע כִּי אַחֲרִיתָם דַּרְכֵי מָוֶת. וְאוּלַי מֵאָז לֹא פִתְּחָה אָזְנֶךָ. וְהָיוּ כְּמוֹ דֶּרֶךְ יָשָׁר לְפָנֶיךָ. וְעַתָּה כִּי נִכְתֹּב עֲלֵיהֶם מְרוֹרוֹתָם. תָּבִיא מְגוּרָתָם בְּרַעֲיוֹנְךָ. גַּם יָבוֹאוּ חַדְרֵי רוּחֲךָ. הַמְּסוּרִים הַנְּכוֹנִים. בִּרְאוֹתְךָ כִּי אָעִידָה לִּי עֵדִים נֶאֱמָנִים. הַשֵּׂכֶל וְהַמִּקְרָאוֹת. וְדִבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְחִידֹתָם הַנִּפְלָאוֹת. וְהָיוּ לְעֵד וּלְאוֹת. וּבָזֶה הָאֱמֶת אֵלֶיךָ יִבָּחֵן. וְיֵעָרֶה עָלֶיךָ מִמָּרוֹם רוּחַ חֵן. וּבִעַרְתָּ הַמִּדּוֹת הָרָעוֹת מִקִּרְבֶּךָ. וְיִתְמָךְ דְּבָרִים נְבָרִים לִבֶּךָ.
Now we will speak about the nature of their contents and the nature of their aspects, so as to enlighten you with understanding about some of their depths; and we will divide them into sections. We will reveal the end of the weighty punishments of disgusting deeds, and acquire much benefit through the analyses of the sections. For perhaps you have never stood over our words, you have not properly examined the weightiness of the transgression of each part of the sections. So maybe you have never seen the sight of the weightiness of the punishment that is [found] in each one of them. And maybe you have seen its edge, but you have not seen all of it. And [with] each section that we organize, the first is worse than the second (they will be in descending order). And from our words - even from the light parts - that we will mention, you will recognize the terror of darkness, and know that their ends are the ways of death. And maybe you have not yet opened your ears, and it [appeared] like a straight path in front of you. But now that we will write about their bitterness, their fear will come into your thoughts. Also the correct teachings will come into the chambers of your spirit when you see that I will have trusted witnesses testify: intellect, verses, the words of the Sages and their wonderful riddles. And they will be for a witness and a sign, and the truth will thus be revealed to you; and a spirit of grace will pour itself upon you from above. And you will destroy the bad traits from within you, and pure things will support your heart (from the usage, “With the pure, you act in purity” [II Samuel 22:27]).
וְזֶה דְּבַר כַּת לֵצִים. נֶחֱלָק הַלֵּיצָנוּת עַל חֲמִשָּׁה חֲלָקִים. הַחֵלֶק הָאֶחָד – אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן הַנּוֹתֵן דֹּפִי בִּבְנֵי אָדָם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים נ':כ') תֵּשֵׁב בְּאָחִיךָ תְּדַבֵּר, בְּבֶן אִמְּךָ תִּתֶּן דֹּפִי. וְנִקְרָא לֵץ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"א:כ"ד) זֵד יָהִיר לֵץ שְׁמוֹ עוֹשֶׂה בְּעֶבְרַת זָדוֹן. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – שְׁתֵּי הַמִּדּוֹת הָרָעוֹת שֶׁהֵם הַזָּדוֹן וְהַגַּאֲוָה נִקְבְּצוּ וְנִתְחַבְּרוּ בָּאָדָם הַלֵּץ. כִּי מִבְּלִי הֱיוֹת לוֹ תּוֹעֶלֶת בַּדָּבָר הוּא גּוֹרֵם נֶזֶק עָצוּם לַחֲבֵרָיו אֲשֶׁר יַבְאִישׁ אֶת רֵיחָם בְּעֵינֵי הָאָדָם. וְזֶה תַּכְלִית זָדוֹן יוֹתֵר מִן הַגּוֹזֵל וְהַחוֹמֵס שֶׁעוֹשֶׂה לְהַרְבּוֹת לוֹ מָמוֹן. וְגַם הוּא יָהִיר. כִּי הַשָּׁפֵל וְהַנִּכְנָע כַּאֲשֶׁר יַכִּיר מִגְרַעַת עַצְמוֹ וּמוּמָיו לֹא יִתְלוֹצֵץ עַל בְּנֵי אָדָם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (תענית ח.) לֶעָתִיד לָבֹא מִתְקַבְּצוֹת חַיּוֹת אֵצֶל הַנָּחָשׁ וְאוֹמְרוֹת לוֹ אֲרִי דּוֹרֵס וְאוֹכֵל, זְאֵב טוֹרֵף וְאוֹכֵל, אַתָּה מָה הֲנָאָה יֵשׁ לְךָ. אָמַר לָהֶם וּמָה יִתְרוֹן לְבַעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (קהלת י':י"א) אִם יִשֹּׁךְ הַנָּחָשׁ בְּלֹא לָחַשׁ וְאֵין יִתְרוֹן לְבַעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן. וְזֶה הַחֵלֶק גַּם הוּא מֵחֶלְקֵי כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע.
And this is the thing about the group of scoffers - scoffing is divided into four sections:
And the first section is the man of the tongue that spreads the infamy of people, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 50:20), “You are busy maligning your brother, defaming the son of your mother.” And he is called a scoffer, as it is stated (Proverbs 21:24), “The proud, insolent man, scoffer is his name, acts in a frenzy of insolence.” Its explanation is that] two bad traits - which are insolence and pride - gathered and joined in the scoffing man. For without having a benefit from the thing, he causes great damage to his fellows, whose reputations he sullies in the eyes of people. And this is the goal of the scoffer, more than the thief or the extortionist - who does [it] to increase his money. And he is also arrogant - for when one who is lowly and submissive recognizes his own deficiencies and blemishes, he will not scoff at people. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Taanit 8a), “In the future, all the animals will gather together by the snake and say to him, ‘A lion mauls [its prey] and eats; a wolf tears [it] and eats; [but] you, what pleasure do you have [when you bite a person]?’ He will say to them, ‘If the snake bites because no spell was uttered, no advantage is gained by the master of the tongue!’ (Ecclesiastes 10:11).” And this section is also from the sections of the group of the slanderers.
הַחֵלֶק הַשֵּׁנִי – מִי שֶׁלּוֹעֵג לִבְנֵי אָדָם כִּי יָבוּז לָהֶם בְּלִבּוֹ לְקֹצֶר הַשָּׂגָתָם בְּמַעֲלוֹת, אוֹ בְּהַצְלָחוֹת הַזְּמַן, בְּכָבוֹד וּבִשְׂרָרָה. אוֹ יָבוּז אוֹתָם לְעָנְיָם וְרִישָׁם. וְהַגַּאֲוָה הֱבִיאַתּוּ אֶל הַמִּדָּה הַזֹּאת אוֹ רֹב הַשַּׁלְוָה וְהַתַּעֲנוּג. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים קכ"ג:ד') רַבַּת שָׂבְעָה לָּהּ נַפְשֵׁנוּ הַלַּעַג הַשַּׁאֲנַנִּים הַבּוּז לִגְאֵי יוֹנִים. וּפְעָמִים יַלְעִיג הַלֵּץ עַל הַקְּדוֹשִׁים וְהַנְּבִיאִים כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיה כ':ז') כֻּלּוֹ לוֹעֵג לִי. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי י"ד:כ"א) בָּז לְרֵעֵהוּ חוֹטֵא. עוֹד נֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ד:כ"א) בָּז לְרֵעֵהוּ חֲסַר לֵב וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ז:ה') לֹעֵג לָרָשׁ חֵרֵף עֹשֵׂהוּ שָׂמֵחַ לְאֵיד לֹא יִנָּקֶה. פֵּרוּשׁ – לוֹעֵג לָרָשׁ הֶרְאָה אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ כִּי תְּדַמֶּה, אֲשֶׁר הַהַצְלָחוֹת בְּיַד בְּנֵי אָדָם וְהַשֵּׂג יַשִּׂיגוּן אוֹתָן בְּחָכְמָתָם, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ח':י"ז) וְאָמַרְתָּ בִּלְבָבֶךָ כֹּחִי וְעֹצֶם יָדִי עָשָׂה לִי אֶת הַחַיִל הַזֶּה, וְנֶאֱמַר (ישעיה י':י"ג) כִּי אָמַר בְּכֹחַ יָדִי עָשִׂיתִי וּבְחָכְמָתִי כִּי נְבֻנוֹתִי. וּבַעֲבוּר זֶה לוֹעֵג לָרָשׁ כִּי יֹאמַר בִּלְבָבוֹ שֶׁלֹּא הִשִּׂיג לָעֹשֶׁר מֵחֹסֶר דַּעְתּוֹ וְשִׁפְלוּת יָדָיו. וְהִנֵּה חֵרֵף עוֹשֶׂה הָרָשׁ וְהֶעָשִׁיר כִּי הַכֹּל מֵאֵת הש"י. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:ב') עָשִׁיר וָרָשׁ נִפְגָּשׁוּ עֹשֵׂה כֻלָּם ה'. וְעַל הַשָּׂמֵחַ לְאֵיד אָמַר לֹא יִנָּקֶה, כִּי אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הִזִּיק בְּמַעֲשֶׂה וְלֹא בְּדִבּוּר לֹא יִנָּקֶה. אַךְ אֵין רָעַת הַשָּׂמֵחַ לְאֵיד מַשֶּׂגֶת לְרָעַת הַלּוֹעֵג. וּמִפְּנֵי כִּי הַלֵּיצָנוּת בְּסִבַּת הַגַּאֲוָה שֶׁהִיא הֵפֶךְ הָעֲנָוָה אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי ג':ל"ד) אִם לַלֵּצִים הוּא יָלִיץ וְלַעֲנָוִים יִתֶּן חֵן. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אִם לַלֵּצִים – בֶּאֱמֶת הַלֵּצִים הַלּוֹעֲגִים לִבְנֵי אָדָם. הש"י יִלְעַג לָהֶם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ב':ד') יוֹשֵׁב בַּשָּׁמַיִם יִשְׂחָק ה' יִלְעַג לָמוֹ. וּלְשׁוֹן אִם – לְאַמֵּת הַדָּבָר. וְכֵן (במדבר כ"ד:כ"ב) כִּי אִם יִהְיֶה לְבָעֵר קָיִן (משלי כ"ג:י"ח) כִּי אִם יֵשׁ אַחֲרִית.
The second section: The one who mocks people because he disdains them in his heart for their lack of reaching virtues or temporal successes regarding honor or power; or he disdains them for their poverty or indigence. And it is pride that brought him to this trait; or much tranquility and pampering, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 123:4), “Long enough have we endured the scorn of the complacent, the contempt of the haughty.” And sometimes the scoffer will mock holy ones and prophets, like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 20:7), “everyone jeers at me.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 14:21), “He who disdains his fellow is a sinner.” It was also stated (Proverbs 11:12), “He who disdains his fellowman is devoid of sense.” And it was stated (Proverbs 17:5), “He who mocks the poor affronts his Maker; and he who rejoices over another’s misfortune will not go unpunished.” One who mocks the poor shows about himself that he imagines that successes are in the hands of people to surely achieve them with their wisdom - like the matter that is stated (Deuteronomy 8:17), “My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me.” And it is stated (Isaiah 10:13), “For he thought, ‘By the might of my hand have I wrought it, by my skill.’” And because of this, he mocks the poor; for he says in his heart that he did not reach wealth from lack of intellect and from the lowliness of his [work]. And behold he affronts the One who makes the poor and the rich, because it is all from God, may He be blessed - like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 22:2) “Rich man and poor man meet; the Lord made them both.” And about “he who rejoices over another’s misfortune,” he said, ‘He will not go unpunished” - for even though he did not injure with an action or with speech, “he will not go unpunished.” However the evil of the one that rejoices is not as great as the evil of the one who mocks. And because scoffing is caused by pride - which is the opposite of humility - King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 3:34), “If at scoffers, He scoffs; but to the lowly He shows grace.” Its explanation: “If at scoffers” - truly, God mocks scoffers who mock people, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 2:4), “He who is enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord mocks at them.” And the expression, “if,” is to confirm the matter. And so [is such a usage found] (in Numbers 24:22) “Yet if Kain be consumed”; (Proverbs 23:18) “For if you will have a future.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁלִישִׁי – מִי שֶׁלּוֹעֵג תָּמִיד לִדְבָרִים וְלִפְעֻלּוֹת וְאֵין דַּעְתּוֹ לְהַבְזוֹת בַּעֲלֵיהֶן. אַךְ מַרְחִיק הַדְּבָרִים שֶׁאֵין לְהַרְחִיקָם וּמַרְחִיק תּוֹעֶלֶת הַפְּעֻלּוֹת שֶׁיֵּשׁ תִּקְוָה לְתוֹעֲלוֹתָן. וְעַל זֶה נֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ג:י"ג) בָּז לְדָבָר יֵחָבֶל לוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ אַל תְּהִי בָּז לְכָל אָדָם וְאַל תְּהִי מַפְלִיג לְכָל דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין לְךָ אָדָם שֶׁאֵין לוֹ שָׁעָה וְאֵין לְךָ דָּבָר שֶׁאֵין לוֹ מָקוֹם. וְהַלֵּץ הַזֶּה הֱבִיאָהוּ לְמִדָּתוֹ הָרָעָה הֱיוֹתוֹ חָכָם בְּעֵינָיו. וּפְעָמִים שֶׁהֵבִיאָה מִדָּה הַזֹּאת אֶת הָאָדָם לִידֵי מִינוּת לְהַלְעִיג עַל מִצְוֹת. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים קי"ט:נ"א) זֵדִים הֱלִיצֻנִי עַד מְאֹד מִתּוֹרָתְךָ לֹא נָטִיתִי. וְהַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁלִישִׁי הַזֶּה הִיא הַכַּת שֶׁאֵינָהּ מְקַבֶּלֶת תּוֹכַחַת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט':ח') אַל תּוֹכַח לֵץ פֶּן יִשְׂנָאֶךָּ וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ט':ז') יֹסֵר לֵץ לֹקֵחַ לוֹ קָלוֹן וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ט:כ"ה) לֵץ תַּכֶּה וּפֶתִי יַעְרִם. וְהַגּוֹרֵם אֶל הַכַּת הַזֹּאת לְבִלְתִּי שְׁמֹעַ מוּסָר. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהַמִּדָּה הַמְּבִיאָה אֶל הַלֵּץ הַזֶּה הִיא מִדַּת הֱיוֹת הָאָדָם חָכָם בְּעֵינָיו. וְכָל כָּךְ מָשְׁלָה בּוֹ הַמִּדָּה הַזֹּאת עַד שֶׁיִּתְלוֹצֵץ לְדַעַת זוּלָתוֹ וְהִיא הַמִּדָּה שֶׁאֵין לָהּ תִּקְוָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ו:י"ב) רָאִיתָ אִישׁ חָכָם בְּעֵינָיו תִּקְוָה לִכְסִיל מִמֶּנּוּ.
The third section: One who always mocks things and actions, but he does not intend to disgrace those associated with them. Rather he pushes off things that should not be pushed off and pushes off the [possibility of] results from actions that have hope for results. And about this is it stated (Proverbs 13:13), “He who disdains a thing will be injured thereby.” And they said (Avot 4:3), “Do not disdain any man, and do not discriminate against anything; for there is no man that has not his hour, and there is no thing that has not its place.” And what brought this scoffer to this bad trait is his being wise in his [own] eyes. And sometimes this trait brings a person to heresy, to mock the commandments - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 119:51), “Though the arrogant have cruelly mocked me, I have not swerved from Your teaching.” And this third section is a group that does not accept reprimand, as it is stated (Proverbs 9:8), “Do not reprimand a scoffer, for he will hate you.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 9:7), “To rebuke a scoffer is to call down abuse on oneself.” And it is [further] stated (Proverbs 19:25), “Beat the scoffer and the simple will become clever.” And that which causes this group not to listen to reproof is that the trait that leads to this [type of scoffing] is that a person is wise in his [own] eyes. And this trait controls him so much until he scorns the intellect of anyone besides himself. And it is a trait that has no hope, as it is stated (Proverbs 26:12), “If you see a man who thinks himself wise, there is more hope for a dullard than for him.”
הַחֵלֶק הָרְבִיעִי – הַקּוֹבֵעַ עַצְמוֹ תָּמִיד לְשִׂיחָה בְּטֵלָה וּדְבָרִים בְּטֵלִים כְּדֶרֶךְ יוֹשְׁבֵי קְרָנוֹת. וּשְׁתַּיִם רָעוֹת יֵשׁ בַּדָּבָר הָרָע הַזֶּה: הָאַחַת, כִּי כָּל הַמַּרְבֶּה דְּבָרִים מֵבִיא חֵטְא, וְהַשֵּׁנִית, כִּי הוּא בָּטֵל מִדִּבְרֵי תוֹרָה. וְיֵשׁ בַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה דַּרְכֵי מָוֶת, כִּי אֵיךְ לֹא זָכַר וְלֹא שָׂם עַל לִבּוֹ, כִּי בָּעִתִּים הָהֵם אֲשֶׁר הוּא מַשְׁחִיתָם יוּכַל לְהַשִּׂיג הַנְּעִימוּת, וְלִקְנוֹת חַיֵּי עוֹלָם, אִם יִקְבַּע הָעִתִּים הַמְּזֻמָּנִים הָהֵם לַתּוֹרָה, אֲשֶׁר הוּא פָּנוּי בָּהֶם מִמְּלַאכְתּוֹ וַעֲסָקָיו, אֵין זֶה כִּי אִם בְּזוֹת לִבּוֹ אֶת הַמִּצְוֹת וְאֶת שְׂכַר הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. וּמִלְּבַד אֲשֶׁר אִבֵּד טוֹבָה הַרְבֵּה יִשָּׂא אֶת עֲוֹנוֹ, כִּי אַשְׁמַת הַבִּטּוּל מִן הַתּוֹרָה בְּעֵת הַיְּכֹלֶת לַעֲסֹק בָּהּ אֵשׁ הִיא עַד אֲבַדּוֹן תֹּאכֵל, כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמְרוּ, כִּי דְבַר ה' בָּזָה, כָּל שֶׁאֶפְשָׁר לוֹ לַעֲסֹק בַּתּוֹרָה וְאֵינוֹ עוֹסֵק, כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ. וְאָמְרוּ זַ"ל, הַהֹלֵךְ לַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אֻסְּפוּ שָׁם אֲסֵפָה לִשְׂחוֹק זֶה הוּא מוֹשַׁב לֵצִים וְעָלָיו אוֹמֵר הַכָּתוּב (תהילים א':א'): וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב, וְכָתוּב אַחֲרָיו כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת ה' חֶפְצוֹ. לָמַדְתָּ, כִּי מוֹשַׁב לֵצִים מֵבִיא לִידֵי בִּטּוּל תּוֹרָה. וַאֲשֶׁר לֹא שָׁת לִבּוֹ לַעֲסֹק בַּתּוֹרָה בִּשְׁעוֹתָיו הַבְּטֵלוֹת, יִתְעַשֵּׁת לְנַפְשׁוֹ וְלֹא יֹאבַד, וְיִתְבּוֹדֵד בָּהֶן לַחְשֹׁב עַל קִצּוֹ וּלְהָבִין לְאַחֲרִיתוֹ וּלְחַפֵּשׂ דְּרָכָיו, וְלִקְנוֹת מַעֲלוֹת הַנֶּפֶשׁ וּלְהִתְקָרֵב אֶל הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ.
הַחֵלֶק הַחֲמִישִׁי הַמִּתְלוֹצֵץ בִּדְבַר שְׂפָתַיִם עַל הַמַּעֲשִׂים וְהַדְּבָרִים, לֹא שֶׁיָּבוּז לָהֶם בְּלִבּוֹ, אַךְ מִדֶּרֶךְ הַשְּׂמֵחִים לְלֹא דָּבָר, וְלֹא כְּחֹק הַשְּׂחוֹק. וּפְעָמִים שֶׁגּוֹרֵם לָזֶה מִשְׁתֶּה הַיַּיִן וְהַשִּׁכְרוּת, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ':א'): לֵץ הַיַּיִן הֹמֶה שֵׁכָר וְכָל שֹׁגֶה בּוֹ לֹא יֶחְכָּם, פֵּרוּשׁ: לֵץ אִישׁ הַיַּיִן, הוֹמֶה אִישׁ שֵׁכָר, כָּל שֹׁגֶה בּוֹ לֹא יֶחְכָּם. כְּמוֹ (תהילים ק"ט:ד'): וַאֲנִי תְּפִלָּה, אִישׁ תְּפִלָּה. וְרוֹצֶה לוֹמַר, כִּי מִשְׁתֶּה הַיַּיִן גּוֹרֵם לִשְׁלוֹשָׁה דְּבָרִים רָעִים: הָאֶחָד, לִהְיוֹת הָאִישׁ מִתְלוֹצֵץ. וְהַשֵּׁנִי, לִהְיוֹת הוֹמֶה וּבַעַל דְּבָרִים, וְאָמְרוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה: וְכָל הַמַּרְבֶּה דְּבָרִים מֵבִיא חֵטְא. וְנֶאֱמַר (קהלת ה':ב'): וְקוֹל כְּסִיל בְּרֹב דְּבָרִים. וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁי, כָּל שֹׁגֶה בּוֹ לֹא יֶחְכָּם. וְדַע, כִּי לֹא יִהְיֶה מִנְהַג הַלֵּיצָנוּת קָבוּעַ בְּנֶפֶשׁ הָאָדָם, עַד שֶׁהוּא פּוֹרֵק עֹל שָׁמַיִם מֵעָלָיו. עַל כֵּן יֵעָנֵשׁ לָשֵׂאת עֹל הַיִּסּוּרִים מִדָּה כְּנֶגֶד מִדָּה, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה כ"ח:כ"ב): וְעַתָּה אַל תִּתְלוֹצָצוּ פֶּן יֶחְזְקוּ מוֹסְרֵיכֶם. וְאָמְרוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה: כָּל הַמִּתְלוֹצֵץ, יִסּוּרִים בָּאִים עָלָיו, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר פֶּן יֶחְזְקוּ מוֹסְרֵיכֶם. וְהַחֲכָמִים הָיוּ מַזְהִירִים לְתַלְמִידֵיהֶם שֶׁלֹּא לְהִתְלוֹצֵץ גַּם עַל דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה וַעֲרַאי. וְעַל הַחֵלֶק הַזֶּה הֻצְרְכוּ לְהַזְהִיר, כִּי רַבִּים יִכָּשְׁלוּ בּוֹ עַל דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה.
And the fourth section: One who always makes a habit for himself to engage in idle talk, and idle matters, like those who sit in the street corners. And there are two evils in the matter: The first is because all who proliferate words bring sin. And the second is that he is idle from [speaking] words of Torah. And the ways of death [are found] in this. For he does not remember or pay attention, that the time periods that he is wasting, he could [use] to reach pleasantness, to acquire eternal life - if he were to set these available times for Torah when he is free to pursue it, being unburdened by his work and dealings? This is nothing but his heart despising the commandments and the reward of the World to Come. In addition to losing much goodness, he will incur sin. For the guilt [accrued] from neglecting Torah when he has the ability to study it is a fire that consumes to destruction, as [the sages] said (Avot deRabbi Natan 36:6), “'For he has despised the word of the Lord' (Numbers 15:31) - anyone who can study Torah but does not...," as we mentioned earlier. And they, may their memory be blessed, said, [that] one who goes to a place where they gather for frivolity, this is considered a place of scorners, about which it says (Psalms 1:1), “nor sits in the company of scorners,” and it is stated afterward, “but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” You learn from this that a place of scorners leads to the neglect of Torah. And he who does not set his heart to engage in the Torah during his free time should take heed for his own soul, so he does not get lost. He should rather isolate himself to reflect upon his end, understand his fate, examine his ways, acquire virtues of the soul and draw near to God, may He be blessed.
The Fifth Section – One who scoffs with words about deeds and matters, though in his heart he does not despise them, but it is rather from the way of those who are joyous without cause and not according to the properties of [true] humor. Sometimes this is caused by wine and drunkenness, as it is stated (Proverbs 20:1), “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby will not grow wise,” meaning a person given to wine is a scoffer, a person given to strong drink rages, anyone misled by it will not grow wise. It is like (Psalms 109:4), “But I am prayer,” [means] a person given to prayer. This implies that wine feasting causes three bad things: First, it makes a person a scoffer. Second, it makes him a boisterous and talkative person. And they, may their memory be blessed, said, “He who speaks excessively brings about sin.” And it is stated (Ecclesiastes 5:2), “And the voice of a fool is known by a multitude of words.” The third thing, “whosoever is deceived thereby will not grow wise.” Know that the habit of mockery does not become entrenched in a person’s soul until he throws off the yoke of the Heavens from upon himself. Therefore he will be punished to carry the yoke of afflictions - measure for measure - as it is stated (Isaiah 28:22), “Now therefore do not be scoffers, lest your suffering be made strong.” And they, may their memory be blessed, said (Avodah Zarah 18b), “Anyone who scoffs, suffering will befall him, as it is stated, ‘lest your suffering be made strong.’” And the Sages would warn their students against scoffing even occasionally and by chance. And about this section they had to warn, since many have stumbled on it in an occasional way.
וְזֶה דְּבַר כַּת שַׁקָּרִים. עִנְיַן הַכַּת הַזּוֹ נֶחְלָק לְתִשְׁעָה חֲלָקִים. הַחֵלֶק הָאֶחָד – אִישׁ כָּזָב. אֲשֶׁר תּוֹרָה עָזַב. וְיָרַע וְיַשְׁחִית בְּמַעֲנֶה פִיו. כְּמוֹ הַמְּכַחֵשׁ בַּעֲמִיתוֹ בְּפִקָּדוֹן אוֹ בִתְשׂוּמֶת יָד אוֹ בִּשְׂכַר שָׂכִיר. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"א) לֹא תְכַחֲשׁוּ וְלֹא תְשַׁקְּרוּ אִישׁ בַּעֲמִיתוֹ. וְכֵן הָעוֹנֶה בְּרֵעֵהוּ עֵד שֶׁקֶר. וְנֶאֱמַר (שמות כ':י"ג) לֹא תַעֲנֶה בְרֵעֲךָ עֵד שָׁקֶר. וּמִן הַחֵלֶק הַזֶּה בִּכְלָל הַתַּרְמִית וְהָאוֹנָאוֹת בְּמִסְחָרִים וּבְשֻׁתָּפוּת. וְנֶאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ד) אַל תּוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת אָחִיו וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים נ"ה:י"ב) וְלֹא יָמִישׁ מֵרְחֹבָהּ תֹּךְ וּמִרְמָה. וְנִקְרָא אִישׁ אָוֶן וְנִקְרָא בְּלִיַּעַל. וְהוּא כְּבַד עָוֹן בְּכִתּוֹת הָרְשָׁעִים כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ בְּשַׁעֲרֵי יִרְאַת חֵטְא. וּמִדּוֹת זֶה אִישׁ הָאָוֶן שֶׁהוּא קוֹרֵץ בְּעֵינָיו וּמוֹלֵל בְּאֶצְבְּעוֹתָיו. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ו':י"ב) אָדָם בְּלִיַּעַל אִישׁ אָוֶן וְגוֹ' קוֹרֵץ בְּעֵינָיו וְגוֹ'.
And this is the thing about the group of liars - the content of this group is divided into nine sections:
The first section: The lying man that left the Torah and does evil and destroys with the response of his mouth - like one who contradicts his countryman about a deposit or a transfer or the wage of a wage-worker, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:11), “you shall not deal deceitfully or falsely, a man towards his countryman.” And likewise, one who bears false witness against his neighbor; and it is said (Exodus 20:13), “you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” And included in this section is deception and fraud in commerce and in partnerships; and it is stated (Leviticus 25:14), “you shall not cheat, one man, his brother.” And it is [also] stated (Psalms 55:12), “fraud and deceit never leave its square.” And he is called a man of iniquity and a ruffian; and he is the heaviest with iniquity from the groups of the evildoers, as we have discussed in the Gates of Fear of Sin (no longer extant). And the characteristics of this man of iniquity are that he winks his eyes and rolls his fingers, as it is written (Proverbs 6:12-13), “A ruffian individual, a man of iniquity, etc. Winking his eyes, etc.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשֵּׁנִי – הַמְּשַׁקֵּר וְאֵין בְּעֶצֶם הַשֶּׁקֶר נֶזֶק וְהֶפְסֵד לַחֲבֵרוֹ. אַךְ יִתָּכֵן בּוֹ לַעֲשׂוֹתוֹ סִבָּה אֶל הַנֶּזֶק וְאֶל הָרַע. כְּמוֹ הַמַּתְעֶה אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ שֶׁיַּאֲמִין בּוֹ כִּי הוּא אוֹהֵב וָרֵעַ נֶאֱמָן עִמּוֹ. וּמִתְכַּוֵּן בָּזֶה כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּבְטַח בּוֹ וְלֹא יִשָּׁמֵר מִמֶּנּוּ וְיוּכַל לְהַדִּיחַ עָלָיו רָעָה. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיהו ט':ז'-ח') בְּפִיו שָׁלוֹם אֶת רֵעֵהוּ יְדַבֵּר, וּבְקִרְבּוֹ יָשִׂים אָרְבּוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר אַחֲרָיו הַעַל אֵלֶּה לֹא אֶפְקָד בָּם נְאֻם ה' אִם בְּגוֹי אֲשֶׁר כָּזֶה לֹא תִתְנַקֵּם נַפְשִׁי. וְאֵלֶּה שְׁנֵי הַחֲלָקִים עָנְשָׁם עַל שְׁנֵי דְּבָרִים. עַל הַשֶּׁקֶר וְעַל הַנֶּזֶק הַצָּרוּר בִּכְנָפָיו. כִּי הַשֶּׁקֶר מִלְּבַד צַד הַנֶּזֶק הוּא תּוֹעֲבַת ה' שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ו':י"ז) שֶׁשׁ הֵנָּה שָׂנֵא ה' [וגו'] עֵינַיִם רָמוֹת לְשׁוֹן שָׁקֶר [וגו'] לֵב חֹרֵשׁ מַחְשְׁבוֹת אָוֶן. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ח':י"ג) וּפִי תַּהְפּוּכוֹת שָׂנֵאתִי וְנֶאֱמַר (איוב ט"ו:ט"ז) אַף כִּי נִתְעָב וְנֶאֱלָח אִישׁ שֹׁתֶה כַמַּיִם עַוְלָה. וְאַף בָּשָׂר וָדָם נִתְעָב הַשֶּׁקֶר לָהֶם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י"ב:כ"ב) תּוֹעֲבַת ה' שִׂפְתֵי שָׁקֶר.
The second section: One who lies, but there is no damage or loss to his fellow from the actual lie; however he plans it in order to do the damage or the evil - like one who deceives his fellow to believe that he is his friend and trusted companion; and he plans that [the other] will trust him through this and not be on guard against him, so that he will be able to lead him to evil; like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 9:7), “One speaks peace to his fellow, but lays an ambush for him in his heart.” And it is stated after it (Jeremiah 9:8), “‘Shall I not punish them for such deeds,’ says the Lord; ‘shall I not bring retribution on such a nation as this?’” And the punishment of these two sections is for two things: For the lie and for the damage that [comes with it]. For falsehood [even] without the angle of damage is an abomination to God, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:16-18), “Six things the Lord hates, etc: A haughty bearing; a lying tongue; etc. A mind that hatches plots of iniquity.” [And it is stated] (Proverbs 8:13), “I have hated duplicity in speech.” And it is stated (Job 15:16), “What then of one loathsome and foul, man, who drinks wrongdoing like water!” And to flesh and blood also is falsehood loathsome, as it is stated (Proverbs 12:22), “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” (It appears to me that there is a printing error here, and it is supposed to say: And it is stated [Proverbs 8:13], “I have hated duplicity in speech”; and it is stated [Proverbs 12:22], “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” And to flesh and blood also is falsehood loathsome, as it is stated [Job 15:16], “What then of one loathsome and foul, etc.” And it means to say that the understanding of the language of the verse is that a man who drinks wrongdoing like water, is essentially loathsome and foul - for he is even loathsome and foul to flesh and blood.)
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁלִישִׁי – הַבָּא בְּעָרְמָה וְדִבְרֵי מִרְמָה. לִמְנֹעַ טוֹב מִבְּעָלָיו. לְהַעֲבִיר הַטּוֹבָה אֵלָיו. לֹא לִגְזֹל מֵחֲבֵרוֹ דָּבָר שֶׁהוּא שֶׁלּוֹ וְלֹא לְחָמְסוֹ. אֲבָל יִתֵּן עֵינוֹ בַּטּוֹבָה הָעֲתִידָה לָבֹא לִידֵי חֲבֵרוֹ וְצוֹדֶה אוֹתָהּ לְקַחְתָּהּ אֵלָיו. בְּשֶׁקֶר מִלָּיו. אוֹ יְסַבֵּב בִּשְׁקָרָיו לוֹ אֲשֶׁר יִתֵּן חֲבֵרוֹ לוֹ מַתָּת. וְעִקַּר עָנְשׁוֹ עַל הַשֶּׁקֶר. אָכֵן יִגְדַּל עֹנֶשׁ הַשֶּׁקֶר כַּאֲשֶׁר יְסַבֵּב מִמֶּנּוּ הֶפְסֵד לְזוּלָתוֹ. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין עִקַּר הָעֹנֶשׁ עַל הַהֶפְסֵד כִּי לֹא הִפְסִיד מִמֶּנּוּ דָּבָר שֶׁזָּכָה בּוֹ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַמַּחְלִיף בְּדִבּוּרוֹ כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית כ"ז:י"ב) אוּלַי יְמֻשֵּׁנִי אָבִי וְהָיִיתִי בְעֵינָיו כִּמְתַעְתֵּעַ, וְנֶאֱמַר עַל עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה (ירמיה י':ט"ו) הֶבֶל הֵמָּה מַעֲשֵׂה תַּעְתֻּעִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כְּאִלּוּ עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה. הֵבִיאוּ הַדִּמְיוֹן עַל קָצֶה אֶחָד כִּי הוּא נִסְתָּר בַּשֶּׁקֶר וְנֶעֱזַר בַּשָּׁוְא.
And the third section: One that comes with deception and deceptive words to prevent good from someone and to bring the good to himself. It is not to rob his fellow of something that is his nor to extort him. Rather he puts his eye upon a good that will be coming to his fellow in the future, and ambushes it to bring it to himself by the falsehood of his words; or his lying words cause his fellow to give it to him as a gift. And the main punishment is for the lie. Indeed, the punishment of the lie is enlarged if it causes a loss to someone besides himself, even though the main part of the punishment is not for the loss [here] - for he did not cause him to lose something that he had acquired. It is like the matter that our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sanhedrin 92a), “Anyone who alters [the truth in] his speech, it is as though he worships idols. As, it is stated (Genesis 27:12), ‘Maybe my father will feel me, and I shall seem to him a deceiver (metate’a)’; and it is written there (Jeremiah 10:15) [regarding idolatry], ‘They are vanity, the work of deception [tatuim].’” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said that it was as if he worshipped idolatry [here] - they brought it to the extreme and other (and it appears to me that it needs to say, to the final extreme). For he is (traded) (it needs to say, hidden - and it is from the usage of the verse [Isaiah 28:15], “We have hidden in falsehood” - and so is it found in the Chapter on Falsehood in the Paths of the Righteous, the chapters of which are built upon the pearls of this holy book Y. B.) in falsehood and girded in vanity.
הַחֵלֶק הָרְבִיעִי – הַמְּשַׁקֵּר בְּסִפּוּר הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר שָׁמַע וּמַחְלִיף קְצָתָם בְּמִתְכַּוֵּן, וְאֵין לוֹ תּוֹעֶלֶת בִּשְׁקָרָיו וְלֹא הֶפְסֵד לְזוּלָתוֹ. אֲבָל כִּי מִשְׁפָּטוֹ מֵאַהֲבָתוֹ שֶׁקֶר מִדַּבֵּר צֶדֶק סֶלָה. וּפְעָמִים שֶׁהוּא בּוֹדֶה מִלִּבּוֹ סִפּוּר הַדְּבָרִים כֻּלּוֹ. וְהָאִישׁ הַזֶּה יֵקַל עָנְשׁוֹ מִצַּד אֶחָד. עַל כִּי אֵין הֶפְסֵד לְאִישׁ בִּשְׁקָרָיו וּפַחֲזוּתוֹ אֲבָל גָּדוֹל מְאֹד עָנְשׁוֹ בְּעֹז פָּנָיו וְאַהֲבַת הַשֶּׁקֶר. וְיִכְבַּד עֲוֹנוֹ כִּי יֹאהֲבֵהוּ לִבְלִי תּוֹעֶלֶת. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי ו':י"ט) יָפִיחַ כְּזָבִים עֵד שָׁקֶר. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – אִם תִּרְאֶה אָדָם אֲשֶׁר יָפִיחַ כְּזָבִים בְּשִׂיחָתוֹ וְסִפּוּר דְּבָרָיו. תֵּדַע כִּי תְּבִיאֵהוּ הַמִּדָּה הַזֹּאת לְהָעִיד שֶׁקֶר בְּאָחִיו וְלַעֲנוֹת בּוֹ סָרָה אַחֲרֵי אַהֲבָתוֹ הַשֶּׁקֶר. וְזֶה הַחֵלֶק הִתִּירוּהוּ לְקַיֵּם מִצְוֹת וּדְרִישַׁת טוֹבָה וְשָׁלוֹם. וְאָמְרוּ כִּי מֻתָּר לְשַׁבֵּחַ הַכַּלָּה לִפְנֵי הֶחָתָן וְלֵאמֹר שֶׁהִיא נָאָה וַחֲסוּדָה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ כֵן. וְאָמְרוּ מֻתָּר לְשַׁנּוֹת בְּדִבְרֵי שָׁלוֹם. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית נ':ט"ז-י"ז) אָבִיךָ צִוָּה לִפְנֵי מוֹתוֹ לֵאמֹר כֹּה תֹאמְרוּ לְיוֹסֵף אָנָּא שָׂא נָא וְגוֹ'. וְיֵשׁ אֲנָשִׁים יַחֲלִיפוּ מִקְצָת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר שָׁמְעוּ בִּבְלִי דַּעַת. כִּי לֹא יָשִׁיתוּ לִבָּם לְחָקְרוֹ בְּעֵת שָׁמְעָם. גַּם מִדָּה זֹאת רָעָה. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"א:כ"ח) וְאִישׁ שׁוֹמֵעַ לָנֶצַח יְדַבֵּר. פֵּרוּשׁ – אִישׁ נוֹתֵן לֵב לִשְׁמֹעַ וּלְהַאֲזִין עַד תְּכוּנַת הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר יְדַבְּרוּ בְּאָזְנָיו לְמַעַן יְסַפֵּר אוֹתָם עַל נָכוֹן. וְלֹא יִמָּצֵא בְּפִיו לְשׁוֹן תַּרְמִית לָנֶצַח יְדַבֵּר. כִּי יֹאהֲבוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם לִשְׁמֹעַ דְּבָרָיו. וְלֹא יֹאמְרוּ לוֹ לְעוֹלָם לָמָּה תְּדַבֵּר עוֹד דְּבָרֶיךָ.
The fourth section: One who lies in recounting things that he heard and alters some of them on purpose, yet he does not have any benefit from his lies, nor does he cause a loss to anyone else. Rather his characterization is that [it is] from his love of falsehood over just words, forever. And sometimes he will invent a whole story of words from his heart. And the punishment of this person will be lighter from one angle, since there was no loss to [another] person from his lies and from his wantonness. But his punishment will be very big due to his brazenness and his love of falsehood. And his punishment will be weighty, for he loved it without a benefit. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 6:19), “He breathes lies, a false witness.” Its explanation is [that] if you see a man that breathes lies in his speech and in recounting his words - know that this trait will bring him to testify falsely against his brothers and testify that which is wrong against him, from his love of falsehood. And they permitted this section in order to fulfill a commandment and to seek good and peace. And they said (Ketuvot 17a) that it is permissible to praise the bride in front of the groom and to say that she is fair and attractive, even though it is not so. And they said (Yevamot 65b) [that] it is permissible to alter [the truth] for matters of peace, as it is stated, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, ‘So you shall say to Joseph, “Please pardon, etc.”’” And there are some people that change some of the things they have heard unintentionally, as they did not place it into their hearts to analyze it when they heard it. This too is a bad trait. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 22:28), “But one who really heard will speak forever.” Its explanation is that a man who puts into his heart to listen and audit to the essence of the words that they speak into his ears - in order that he can tell them correctly to others, and not have a treacherous tongue in his mouth - “will speak forever.” For people will love to hear his words, and they will not say, “Why are you still speaking your words?”
הַחֵלֶק הַחֲמִישִׁי – הָאוֹמֵר לַחֲבֵרוֹ כִּי יֵיטִיב עִמּוֹ וְיִתֵּן לוֹ מַתָּת. וְעוֹדֶנּוּ מְדַבֵּר. עִם לְבָבוֹ יָשִׂיחַ שֶׁלֹּא לָתֵת. וְנֶאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ד:י"ד) נְצֹר לְשׁוֹנְךָ מֵרָע וּשְׂפָתֶיךָ מִדַּבֵּר מִרְמָה. וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (בבא מציעא מט.) שֶׁלֹּא יְדַבֵּר אֶחָד בַּפֶּה וְאֶחָד בַּלֵּב. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ דְּבָרִים יֵשׁ בָּהֶם מִשּׁוּם מְחֻסְּרֵי אֲמָנָה אִם יַחֲזֹר מִדְּבָרָיו, וּבִלְבַד שֶׁיְּהֵא אוֹמֵר בַּפֶּה וְגוֹמֵר בַּדַּעַת.
The fifth section: One who says to his fellow that he will benefit him and give him a gift; but as he is still speaking, he tells his heart that he will not give [it]. And it is stated (Psalms 34:14), “Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained it (Bava Metzia 49a) [as saying that] one should not speak one way with the mouth and [another way] with the heart. And they also said (Yerushalmi Bava Metzia 4:2) [that] there are words that, if he goes back on them, are considered bad faith - but only if he says it with the mouth, and decides upon it with the mind. (It appears [correct] to me to explain the words, “and only (oubilvad),” as being in the place of the word, “rather.” And he means to say that the word of a man should only be in such a way that he says it with the mouth and decides upon it with the mind, which is the opposite of, one thing with the mouth and [another] with the heart.
הַחֵלֶק הַשִּׁשִּׁי – הַמַּבְטִיחַ אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ לְהֵטִיב עִמּוֹ וִישַׁקֵּר דְּבָרָיו וְיָשֵׂם לְאַל מִלָּתוֹ. כִּי אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר אָמַר לְהֵטִיב עִמּוֹ עַל [בלשון] הַבְטָחָה וּבָטַח בּוֹ לֵב חֲבֵרוֹ. אֵין לוֹ לְחַלֵּל הַבְטָחָתוֹ כִּי זֶה דֶּרֶךְ שֶׁקֶר. וְהוּא כְּאָדָם עָבַר בְּרִית שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (צפניה ג':י"ג) שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא יַעֲשׂוּ עַוְלָה וְלֹא יְדַבְּרוּ כָזָב וְלֹא יִמָּצֵא בְּפִיהֶם לְשׁוֹן תַּרְמִית. וְכֵן הָאוֹמֵר לָתֵת לַחֲבֵרוֹ מַתָּנָה מוּעֶטֶת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הִזְכִּיר לְשׁוֹן הַבְטָחָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי [יש] בּוֹ [משום] מְחֻסַּר אֲמָנָה. כִּי לֵב חֲבֵרוֹ סוֹמֵךְ עָלָיו וּבוֹטֵחַ בּוֹ אַחֲרֵי שֶׁהַמַּתָּנָה מוּעֶטֶת, כִּי נָתוֹן יִתֵּן. וְאִם אִישׁ עָנִי הוּא אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהַמַּתָּנָה מְרֻבָּה. אִם יַחֲזֹר בּוֹ רָעָתוֹ רַבָּה. כִּי נֶדֶר נָדַר וְנֶאֱמַר (במדבר ל':ג') לֹא יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ. וְכֵן מִי שֶׁיִּתְפָּאֵר בִּפְנֵי רַבִּים לָתֵת מַתָּנָה לְאָדָם. וְהִנֵּה הוּא כְּמִתְהַלֵּל עַל נְדִיבוּתוֹ בָּזֶה. וְהִנֵּה זֹאת כְּמוֹ הַבְטָחָה וְלֹא נָכוֹן שֶׁיָּשׁוּב מִדְּבָרָיו אַחֲרֵי שֶׁהִתְכַּבֵּד וְהִתְהַלֵּל בַּדָּבָר. כְּעִנְיַן שֶׁכָּתוּב (משלי כ"ה:י"ד) נְשִׂיאִים וְרוּחַ וְגֶשֶׁם אָיִן אִישׁ מִתְהַלֵּל בְּמַתַּת שָׁקֶר. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּצְטַעֲרוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם אַחֲרֵי בּוֹא סִימָנֵי הַגֶּשֶׁם וְלֹא בָּא הַגֶּשֶׁם כֵּן עִנְיַן אִישׁ הַמִּתְהַלֵּל בְּמַתַּת שֶׁקֶר. כִּי מָה שֶׁהִתְהַלֵּל בַּדָּבָר הוּא סִימָן קִיּוּם הַדָּבָר. עַל כֵּן יִצְטַעֵר הָאִישׁ שֶׁהִבְטִיחָהוּ עַל הַמַּתָּנָה בְּהַכְזִיב תּוֹחַלְתּוֹ.
The sixth section: One who promises his fellow to benefit him, but falsifies his speech and makes his word worthless. Since after he said to benefit him (upon) [with an expression of] a promise, and his fellow’s heart depended on it, he should not profane his promise - as this is the way of falsehood. And it is like a man who broke a covenant, as it is stated (Zephaniah 3:13), “The remnant of Israel shall do no wrong, and speak no falsehood; a deceitful tongue shall not be in their mouths.” And likewise one who says that he will give his fellow a small gift, even though he does not mention any expression of promise. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Metzia 49a) it is because [there is] bad faith with this. As since the gift is small, his fellow counts on it; that he will surely give it. And if it is to a poor person, his evil is great even if the gift was large - for he surely vowed it (since charity is like a vow); and it is stated (Numbers 30:3), “he shall not profane his word.” And likewise one who glorifies himself in public by [announcing that] he will give a gift to someone. And see that he is like one who praises himself about his generosity with this. And this is surely like a promise, so it is not proper that he should go back on his words once he honored himself and boasted about the thing; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 25:14), “Like clouds and wind - but no rain - is one who boasts of gifts not given.” Its explanation is, just like people are distressed after signs of rain come, but rain does not come; so too is the matter of the man who boasts about a false gift. For that which he boasted about the thing is a sign about the fulfillment of the thing. Hence the man to whom he promised the gift will be distressed when his expectation is disappointed.
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁבִיעִי – מִי שֶׁמַּתְעֶה אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ לֵאמֹר כִּי עָשָׂה עִמּוֹ טוֹבָה אוֹ דִּבֵּר טוֹב עָלָיו וְלֹא עָשָׂה. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה אָסוּר לִגְנֹב דַּעַת הַבְּרִיּוֹת. וְהִנֵּה הַחֵטְא הַזֶּה חָמוּר אֵצֶל חַכְמֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל יוֹתֵר מִגָּזֵל יַעַן וּבְיַעַן כִּי שְׂפַת שֶׁקֶר אַשְׁמָה רַבָּה. וְנִתְחַיַּבְנוּ עַל גִּדְרֵי הָאֱמֶת כִּי הוּא מִיְּסוֹדֵי הַנֶּפֶשׁ.
The seventh section: One who fools his fellow, saying that he did him a favor or spoke favorably about him, but he did not do [so]. Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Chullin 94a) [that] it is forbidden to deceive (literally, steal the mind of) people. And note that this was more weighty among the Sages of Israel than theft. For lying lips is certainly [a cause of] great guilt. And we have been obligated about the fences of truth because [truth] is from the principles of the soul.
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁמִינִי – מִי שֶׁמִּשְׁתַּבֵּחַ בְּמַעֲלוֹת שֶׁאֵינָן נִמְצָאוֹת בּוֹ. אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי י"ז:ז') לֹא נָאוָה לְנָבָל שְׂפַת יֶתֶר אַף כִּי לְנָדִיב שְׂפַת שָׁקֶר, פֵּרוּשׁ – אֵין לְנָבָל לְהִתְגָּאוֹת וּלְהִתְנַשֵּׂא בְּמַעֲלַת אֲבוֹתָיו. כִּי אָמְרוּ בַּמִּקְרָא שֶׁלְּמַעְלָה מִזֶּה (משלי י"ז:ו') וְתִפְאֶרֶת בָּנִים אֲבוֹתָם. אַף כִּי אֵין לְנָדִיב לְהִתְכַּבֵּד בְּשֶׁקֶר. וְלֵאמֹר כֹּה עָשִׂיתִי וּפִזַּרְתִּי וְנָתַתִּי וְלֹא כֵן עָשָׂה. וְזֶה גְּנַאי לְכָל אָדָם וְכָל שֶׁכֵּן לְנָדִיב. וְגִנָּה נִדְבוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה כִּי חִלֵּל נַפְשׁוֹ עַל מָה שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂה, כִּי זֹאת תִּהְיֶה לְעֵדָה כִּי לִבּוֹ בְּכָל צִדְקֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה [אך] לְשֵׁם וְלִתְהִלָּה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי מִי שֶׁמְּכַבְּדִים אוֹתוֹ בְּמַדְרֵגוֹת הַכָּבוֹד הָרְאוּיוֹת לָתֵת לְמִי שֶׁהוּא יוֹדֵעַ שְׁתֵּי מַסֶּכְתּוֹת וְהוּא אֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ זוּלָתִי אַחַת. עָלָיו שֶׁיֹּאמַר לָהֶם – אַחַת לְבַדָּהּ אֲנִי יוֹדֵעַ. כָּל שֶׁכֵּן כִּי אָסוּר לְכַזֵּב וּלְהִתְפָּאֵר לֵאמֹר שָׁמַעְנוּ כְּאֵלֶּה רַבּוֹת.
The eighth section: One who praises himself about virtues that are not found in him. King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 17:7), “Lofty words are not fitting for a villain; much less lying words for a great man.” Its explanation is [that] a villain should not act proudly and raise himself up due to the virtues of his ancestors. For he said in the verse above this (Proverbs 17:6), “and the glory of children is their parents.” Much less should a great man honor himself with lies and say, “I did so, and spread and gave [gifts],” when he did not do so. And this is a disgrace for any person, but all the more so, a great man. And he disgraces the generosity that he has done; for he profaned his soul with what he did not do. For this will testify that all of the righteous deeds that he did were [only] for fame and praise. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Shevi’t 10:3 at the end) that one who is honored according to the level of one who knows two tractates, but knows only one, must tell them - “I know only one.” All the more so is it forbidden to lie and boast, saying, “I have learned many like these.”
הַחֵלֶק הַתְּשִׁיעִי – בָּנִים לֹא יְשַׁקֵּרוּ בְּסִפּוּר דְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁמְעוּ וְהַגָּדַת מְאֹרָעוֹת. אֲבָל יַחֲלִיפוּ דְּבָרִים עַל אוֹדוֹת חֶפְצֵיהֶם מֵאֵין הֶפְסֵד לְאָדָם בַּדָּבָר. אַךְ יִמְצְאוּ כִּמְעַט הֲנָאָה בְּשִׁקְרוּתָם אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינָם מַרְוִיחִים מָמוֹן בְּכָךְ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי גַּם זֶה אָסוּר הוּא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיהו ט':ד') לִמְּדוּ לְשׁוֹנָם דַּבֶּר שֶׁקֶר. אַךְ אֵין עָנְשָׁם כְּעֹנֶשׁ הַמְּשַׁקְּרִים לְלֹא דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר זָכַרְנוּ עִנְיָנָם בַּחֵלֶק הַחֲמִישִׁי (צ"ל הָרְבִיעִי) הִנֵּה אֵלֶּה חֶלְקֵי כַּת שֶׁל שַׁקָּרִים. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ עִקָּרִים. בְּדַרְכֵי אִישׁ אֱמוּנִים. וְכִי הֵמָּה יְסוֹדוֹת לַנֶּפֶשׁ.
The ninth section: Children who do not lie in recounting things that they heard and telling over events, but switch the words according to the circumstances of their wishes, [yet it is] without hurting any person through it. However they find a little benefit with their lies, even though they do not make money from it. And our Rabbis said (Yevamot 63a) that this is also forbidden, as it is stated (Jeremiah 9:4), “they have trained their tongues to speak falsely.” However their punishment is not like those that lie about something that [did not happen], the nature of which we discussed in the fifth (it should say fourth) section. Behold these are the sections of the group of liers; and we have already mentioned their centrality to you for the ways of faithful people, and that they are fundamental for the soul.
וְזֶה דְּבַר כַּת הַחֲנֵפִים. עִנְיַן הַכַּת הַזֹּאת נֶחְלָק לְתִשְׁעָה חֲלָקִים – הַחֵלֶק הָרִאשׁוֹן – הֶחָנֵף אֲשֶׁר הִכִּיר אוֹ רָאָה אוֹ יָדָע כִּי יֵשׁ עָוֶל בְּכַף חֲבֵרוֹ וְכִי הֶחֱזִיק בְּתַרְמִית. אוֹ כִּי חָטָא אִישׁ לְאִישׁ בְּלָשׁוֹן הָרַע אוֹ בְּאוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים. וְיַחֲלִיק לוֹ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע [לאמר] לֹא פָּעַלְתָּ אָוֶן. הַמְעַט מִמֶּנּוּ עֲוֹן הַנִּמְנָע מִן הַתּוֹכָחָה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז) הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת עֲמִיתֶךָ וְלֹא תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא. וְיוֹסֵף לַחֲטוֹא עַל אָמְרוֹ לֹא חָטָאתָ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיהו כ"ג:י"ד) וְחִזְּקוּ יְדֵי מְרֵעִים. וְהִנֵּה זֶה בְּיַד הֶחָנֵף הָאֱוִיל עָוֹן פְּלִילִי. כִּי לֹא יְקַנֵּא לָאֱמֶת. אֲבָל יַעֲזֹר אַחֲרֵי הַשֶּׁקֶר. וְיֹאמַר לָרַע טוֹב. וְיָשֵׂם חֹשֶׁךְ לְאוֹר. גַּם נָתַן מִכְשׁוֹל לִפְנֵי הַחוֹטֵא מִשְּׁנֵי פָּנִים. הָאֶחָד. כִּי אֵינוֹ נִחָם עַל רָעָתוֹ. וְהַשֵּׁנִי. כִּי יִשְׁנֶה בְּאִוַּלְתּוֹ בְּיוֹם מָחָר. כִּי הִלֵּל רָשָׁע הֶחָנֵף אוֹתוֹ עַל תַּאֲוַת נַפְשׁוֹ. מִלְּבַד כִּי יִשָּׂא עֹנֶשׁ עַל הַנֶּזֶק אֲשֶׁר הִזִּיק לַאֲשֶׁר אָשַׁם לוֹ הַחוֹטֵא עַל צַדְּקוֹ מִי אֲשֶׁר חָטָא לוֹ. מִלְּבַד כִּי יֵעָנֵשׁ עַל דְּבַר שֶׁקֶר. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ה':ז') תְּאַבֵּד דּוֹבְרֵי כָזָב. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ז:ט"ו) מַצְדִּיק רָשָׁע וּמַרְשִׁיעַ צַדִּיק תּוֹעֲבַת ה' גַּם שְׁנֵיהֶם. כָּל שֶׁכֵּן אִם הָעָוֶל אֲשֶׁר בְּכַף רָשָׁע חֲבֵרוֹ גָּלוּי לָרַבִּים. כִּי בֶּאֱמֹר אֵלָיו הֶחָנֵף לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם זַךְ אַתָּה בְּלִי פָשַׁע. חִלֵּל וּבִזָּה דָּת וָדִין.
And this is the thing about the group of flatterers - the content of this group is divided into nine sections:
The first section: The flatterer who recognizes or sees or knows that there is injustice in the hand of his fellow, and that he is holding fast to deception; or that he sinned to another person with evil speech or verbal abuse - and he blandishes him [with] improper speech, saying, “You did not do evil.” The sin of one who refrains from reprimand - as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him” - is too small for him; so he increased the sin by saying, “You did not sin.” It is like the matter that is stated (Jeremiah 23:14), “they encourage evildoers.” And behold this is a criminal offense in the hand of the foolish flatterer, for he was not zealous against falsehood, but rather assisted the falsehood, and said about the bad, “Good,” and made darkness, light. He also placed a stumbling block in front of the sinner in two aspects. The first one is that he will not regret his evil. And the second is that he will repeat his evil on the next day. For the one who flatters the other one about his desire praises [that] evildoer. Besides that he will carry the punishment for the damage that he caused to the one towards whom the sinner was guilty, by justifying [the sinner]; he will [also] be punished for the false words, as it is stated (Psalms 5:7), “You doom those who speak lies.” And it is stated (Proverbs 17:15), “To acquit the guilty and convict the innocent; both are an abomination to the Lord.” All the more so if the injustice in the hand of his fellow, the evildoer, is revealed to the public. For when he, the flatterer, said to him in front of people, “You are pure, without transgression” - he has profaned and disgraced the religion and the law.
וְחַיָּב הָאָדָם לִמְסֹר עַצְמוֹ לְסַכָּנָה וְאַל יַשִּׂיא אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ עֲוֹן אַשְׁמָה כָּזֹאת. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ עַל עִנְיַן אַגְרִיפַּס שֶׁהָיָה קוֹרֵא בַּתּוֹרָה וּכְשֶׁהִגִּיעַ לְפָסוּק זֶה (דברים י"ז:ט"ו) לֹא תוּכַל לָתֵת עָלֶיךָ אִישׁ נָכְרִי זָלְגוּ עֵינָיו דְּמָעוֹת וְאָמְרוּ לוֹ אָחִינוּ אַתָּה בְּאוֹתָהּ שָׁעָה נִתְחַיְּבוּ שׂוֹנְאֵיהֶם שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּלָיָה שֶׁחָנְפוּ לוֹ לְאַגְרִיפַּס. אַף כִּי הַיּוֹשֵׁב עַל הַמִּשְׁפָּט אֵין לוֹ לְפַחֵד מֵאֱנוֹשׁ יָמוּת. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים א':י"ז) לֹא תָגוּרוּ מִפְּנֵי אִישׁ. וְהַחֵלֶק הַזֶּה שֶׁהִזְכַּרְנוּ הוּא חֵלֶק אָדָם רָשָׁע הַנִּמְנֶה עִם שְׁתֵּי כִּתּוֹת הָרָעוֹת מִן הִתְחַבְּרוּת אֵלָיו הַשֶּׁקֶר וְהַחֲנֻפָּה. וְיֵשׁ בְּחֶלְקֵי כַּת חֲנֵפִים. אֲשֶׁר בָּם הֶחָנֵף נִסְפֶּה וְאָבֵד בַּעֲוֹן הַחֲנֻפָּה לְבַד. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְבָּאֵר.
And a person is obligated to give himself over to danger, and not to place guilt like this upon his soul. And our Rabbis said about the matter of Agrippa (Sotah 41a-b) that when he read from the Torah [and] “arrived at [the verse], ‘You may not appoint a foreigner over you’ (Deuteronomy 17:15), tears flowed from his eyes. And they said to him, ‘You are our brother.’ [...] At that moment the enemies of the Jewish people (a euphemism for the Jewish people) were sentenced to destruction for flattering Agrippa.” Especially should one who sits in judgement not fear mortal men, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:17), “Fear no man.” And among the sections of the group of flatterers, there are some in which the flatterer is destroyed and lost just for the iniquity of flattery, as will be explained.
הַחֵלֶק הַשֵּׁנִי – הֶחָנֵף אֲשֶׁר יְהַלֵּל רָשָׁע לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם אִם בְּפָנָיו אִם שֶׁלֹּא בְּפָנָיו. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא יַצְדִּיקֶנּוּ עַל חֲמָסוֹ וְלֹא יְכַזֵּב עַל מִשְׁפָּטוֹ. אֲבָל יֹאמַר עָלָיו כִּי אִישׁ טוֹב הוּא. עַל זֶה נֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ח:ד') עֹזְבֵי תוֹרָה יְהַלְלוּ רָשָׁע. כִּי לוּלֵא אֲשֶׁר עָזַב אֶת הַתּוֹרָה. לֹא הִלֵּל הָעוֹבֵר עַל דְּבָרֶיהָ. וּמֵפֵר מִצְווֹתֶיהָ. וְגַם כִּי לֹא יְשַׁבַּח אֶת הָרָשָׁע זוּלָתִי בַּמֶּה שֶׁנִּמְצָא בּוֹ מִן הַטּוֹב. וְיָלִיץ עָלָיו בִּפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם לְהַגִּיד לָאָדָם יָשְׁרוֹ. גַּם זוֹ רָעָה חוֹלָה. כִּי בְּזָכְרוֹ אֶת הַטּוֹב. וְאֶת הָרַע לֹא יִזְכֹּר. וְעַל כָּל פְּשָׁעָיו יְכַסֶּה. צַדִּיק יֵחָשֵׁב אֵצֶל הַשּׁוֹמְעִים וְיִתְּנוּ לוֹ יְקָר וְיָרִים יָדוֹ וְגָבַר. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְהוֹדִיעֲךָ הַמִּכְשׁוֹלוֹת וְהַשְּׁחִיתוֹת הַנִּמְצָאוֹת בִּכְבוֹד הָרְשָׁעִים. עַל כֵּן לֹא נָכוֹן לְהַזְכִּיר צִדְקָתָם בִּלְתִּי אִם יַזְכִּיר רִשְׁעָם וְכִסְלָם. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י':ז') וְשֵׁם רְשָׁעִים יִרְקָב. וְנֶאֱמַר (ישעיהו נ"ז:י"ב) אֲנִי אַגִּיד צִדְקָתֵךְ וְאֶת מַעֲשַׂיִךְ וְלֹא יוֹעִילוּךְ. פֵּרוּשׁ לֹא יוֹעִילוּךְ מַעֲשִׂים הַטּוֹבִים לְהַצִּילֵךְ מֵרָעָתֵךְ בְּקוּמִי לַמִּשְׁפָּט. בְּעָרְכִי לְעֻמָּתָם רֹב פְּשָׁעַיִךְ וּמַעֲשֵׂה תַּעְתּוּעַיִךְ. כִּי דִּבְרֵי עֲוֹנוֹתַיִךְ גָּבְרוּ מֵהֶם. וּכְמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי מִי שֶׁעֲוֹנֹתָיו מְרֻבִּין מִזְּכֻיּוֹתָיו נִכְתָּב וְנֶחְתָּם לְמִיתָה. וְהָרְשָׁעִים נִכָּרִים הֵם בְּשִׂיחָתָם וְהַנְהָגָתָם כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ בְּשַׁעֲרֵי יִרְאַת חֵטְא.
The second section: The flatterer who praises the evildoer in front of people - whether in front of him or not in front of him - even though he does not justify him for his extortion or lie about his trial, but says about him that he is a good man. About this is it stated (Proverbs 28:4), “Those who forsake Torah praise the wicked.” For had he not forsaken the Torah, he would not have praised one who transgressed its words and breached its commandments. Even if he only praises the evildoer for that which he finds that is good about him and he defends him to people to tell them of his righteousness, but he does not mention the bad - this too is a sore evil. For in his mentioning the good and not mentioning the bad and covering up all of his transgression, he will be thought of as a righteous man by those listening and they will give him honor and elevate him. And we have already mentioned [and] let you know the stumbling blocks and the destruction that is found in honoring evildoers. Hence it is incorrect to mention their righteousness without mentioning their evil and foolishness as well, as it is stated (Proverbs 10:7), “But the fame of the wicked rots.” And it is [also] stated (Isaiah 57:12), “I hereby pronounce judgment upon your deeds; your deeds shall not help you.” The explanation is [that] your good deeds will not help to save you from your evil when you will come to judgement and in My evaluation for eternity - since the matters of your iniquities finished off [their merit]. And it is like our Rabbis said (Rosh Hashanah 16b), “One whose iniquities are greater than his merits is written and sealed for death.” And evildoers are recognizable by their speech and behavior, as we discussed earlier with you, in the Gates of the Fear of Sin (no longer extant).
וְהִנֵּה הַצַּדִּיקִם יְתַעֲבוּ הָרָשָׁע. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ט:כ"ו) תּוֹעֲבַת צַדִּיקִים אִישׁ עָוֶל. וַאֲשֶׁר בְּסוֹד הַצַּדִּיקִים לֹא יִהְיֶה. אִם תַּעֵב לֹא יְתַעֲבֶנּוּ. גַּם קֹב לֹא יִקֳּבֶנּוּ. גַּם בָּרֵךְ לֹא יְבָרְכֶנּוּ.
And behold the righteous abominate the evildoer, as it is stated (Proverbs 29:26), “The unjust man is an abomination to the righteous.” And with one who is not in the counsel of the sages - if he does not surely abominate him, nor surely curse him; he should also surely not bless him.
וְיִתָּכֵן כִּי יִקֶר מִקְרֶה הַמְשַׁבֵּחַ אֶת הָרָשָׁע מִדֶּרֶךְ פְּתַיּוּת. כִּי הַפֶּתִי אוֹמֵר לְשַׁבֵּחַ טוֹב הוּא, אִם הָיוֹ יִהְיֶה עַל דְּבַר אֱמֶת, וְאִם תִּהְיֶה תְּמוּרָתוֹ. וּמִבְּלִי הַדַּעַת שַׁבֵּחַ הוּא אֶת הַמֵּתִים. כִּי אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ עַל הָרְשָׁעִים רְפָאִים יֵחָשְׁבוּ בַּחַיִּים. וּמֵתִים קְרוּיִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (קהלת ט':ה') וְהַמֵּתִים אֵינָם יוֹדְעִים מְאוּמָה. וְהַשְּׁגָגָה הַזֹּאת עוֹלָה זָדוֹן כִּי לֹא יֶאֱהַב הָעֶבֶד אֶל הָאָדוֹן. אִם יֶאֱהַב מְשַׂנְאָיו וִיקָרֵב רְחֵקָיו. הֲלֹא לָהֶם לָדַעַת מִדֶּרֶךְ הַדַּעַת כִּי כֵן. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ג':ל"ה) וּכְסִילִים מֵרִים קָלוֹן. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ פֵּרוּשׁוֹ.
And it is likely that the case of the one praising the evildoers is from foolishness. For the fool (he) intends to praise the good - whether it is about the truth, or whether it is the opposite. And without knowing, he is praising the dead. For our Rabbis said (Berakhot 18b), [that] evildoers are considered like wraiths, as it is stated (Ecclesiastes 9:5). “But the dead know nothing.” But this unintentional sin is considered wanton. For a master would not love a slave, if [the slave] loves [the master’s] enemies and brings close those who he has distanced. Should they not know this from the intellect, that this is so? And it is stated (Proverbs 3:35), “disgrace uplifts dullards.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁלִישִׁי – הֶחָנֵף הַמְשַׁבֵּחַ אֶת הָרָשָׁע בְּפָנָיו. אַף חָכְמָתוֹ עָמְדָה לּוֹ. כִּי לֹא יְשַׁבְּחֶנּוּ בִּפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם פֶּן יִהְיֶה לָהֶם לְמוֹקֵשׁ. גַּם זֶה הֶחָנֵף גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנוֹ. כִּי הֶחֱלִיק אֵלָיו בְּעֵינָיו. וְלֹא יָשׁוּב מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה וְלֹא יִדְאָג לַעֲווֹנָיו. כִּי צַדִּיק הוּא בְּעֵינָיו. וְכָל אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ מֵעֲדַת הַצַּדִּיקִים. אִם יְשַׁבְּחוּהוּ יֹאמַר בְּלִבּוֹ. אָמְנָם יָדַעְתִּי כִי כֵן. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שם יא) בְּפֶה חָנֵף יַשְׁחִת רֵעֵהוּ וּבְדַעַת צַדִּיקִים יֵחָלֵצוּ. פֵּרוּשׁ – הֶחָנֵף מַשְׁחִית רֵעֵהוּ בְּפִיו, כִּי יְשַׁבְּחֶנּוּ וְיַאֲמִין לְדִבְרֵיהֶם. וְיַקְשֶׁה אֶת רוּחוֹ. וְיִרְאֶה אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ בְּיֹקֶר וְלֹא יָבִין אֶת [כִּי] עֻפְּלָה נַפְשׁוֹ. וְהַמַּכְשֵׁלָה הַזֹּאת תַּחַת יָדוֹ. גַּם יָרוּם לְבָבוֹ וְיִפֹּל בְּמִכְמוֹרוֹת גַּאֲוָתוֹ. וְהִנֵּה כִּי הַשְׁחֵת הִשְׁחִיתוֹ בְּחֵלֶק שְׂפָתָיו. וּבְדַעַת צַדִּיקִים יֵחָלֵצוּ. הַצַּדִּיקִים יֵחָלְצוּ בְּדַעְתָּם מִנִּזְקֵי הֶחָנֵף. כִּי אִם יְשַׁבְּחֶנּוּ לֹא יָרוּם לְבָבוֹ לְמַעַן זֹאת. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ אֲפִלּוּ כָּל הָעוֹלָם אוֹמְרִים עָלֶיךָ צַדִּיק אַתָּה הֱוֵי בְּעֵינֶיךָ כְּרָשָׁע. וְאָמְרוּ אִם יֵשׁ עָלֶיךָ רֵעִים מִקְצָתָם מְשַׁבְּחִים וּמִקְצָתָם מוֹכִיחִים. אֱהֹב אֶת הַמּוֹכִיחִים וּשְׂנָא אֶת הַמְשַׁבְּחִים. כִּי אֵלֶּה לְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם יְבִיאוּךָ. וְאֵלֶּה בְּרָעָתְךָ יְשַׂמְּחוּךְ. כִּי יְשַׁבְּחוּךְ. וְיִתָּכֵן גַּם כֵּן לְפָרֵשׁ – וּבְדַעַת צַדִּיקִים יֵחָלְצוּ. רֵעֵיהֶם. כִּי לֹא יַחֲנִיפוּ לָהֶם. אֲבָל יוֹכִיחוּ וְיוֹרוּ אוֹתָם בַּדֶּרֶךְ. בִּתְעוֹתָם בְּתֹהוּ לֹא דָּרֶךְ. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ו:כ"ח) וּפֶה חָלָק יַעֲשֶׂה מִדְחֶה. הִמְשִׁיל פֶּה חָלָק לְדֶרֶךְ חֲלַקְלַקּוֹת. וְאָמַר כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר יִפּוֹל הָאָדָם וְיִדָּחֶה בְּלֶכְתּוֹ בְּדֶרֶךְ חֲלַקְלַקּוֹת, כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ה:ה'-ו') יִהְיוּ כְּמוֹץ וְגוֹמֵר וּמַלְאַךְ ה' דּוֹחֶה יְהִי דַרְכָּם חֹשֶׁךְ וַחֲלַקְלַקּוֹת, כֵּן יִפּוֹל הָאָדָם וְיִדָּחֶה בְּפֶה חָלָק, וְהוּא פֶּה חָנֵף. וְעַל הָעִנְיָן אֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ אָמַר דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים י"ב:ד') יַכְרֵת ה' כָּל שִׂפְתֵי חֲלָקוֹת לָשׁוֹן מְדַבֶּרֶת גְּדֹלוֹת. קִלֵּל פֶּה חָלָק כִּי יַשְׁחִית בּוֹ רֵעֵהוּ. וְהַלָּשׁוֹן הַקָּשָׁה שֶׁהוּא הֶפֶךְ הֶחָלָק. וְהוּא לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְיֵשׁ מִן הַחֲנֵפִים שֶׁמִּתְכַּוְּנִים לְהַחֲנִיף לְאַנְשֵׁי זְרוֹעַ כְּדֵי שֶׁיְּכַבְּדוּ אוֹתָם וִינַשְּׂאוּם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כָּל הַמַּחֲנִיף לַחֲבֵרוֹ לְשֵׁם כָּבוֹד. לַסּוֹף נִפְטָר מִמֶּנּוּ בְּקָלוֹן.
The third section: The flatterer who praises the evildoer to his face, yet his wisdom restrains him - for he does not praise him in front of [other] people, lest he be a stumbling block for them. The sin of this flatterer is also great, as he blandished him in his eyes; such that he will not repent from his evil path and not worry about his iniquities - for he is righteous in his eyes. And when they praise anyone who is not from the congregation of the righteous - he will say in his heart, “Indeed, I knew that it was like this''; like the matter that is stated (Proverbs 11:9), “The flatterer destroys his neighbor through speech; but through knowledge, the righteous is rescued.” The explanation is that the flatterer destroys his neighbor with his mouth, because he will praise him and [the neighbor] will believe [his] words. So he will harden his spirit and he will see himself with honor, and not understand that his soul is murky. And with this stumbling block in his hand, he will fall into the trap of his pride. So behold, he surely destroyed him with his flattering lips. “But through knowledge, the righteous is rescued”: The righteous are saved from the damage of the flatterer through their knowledge. For if he flatters him, his heart will not be elevated as a result, like our Rabbis said (Niddah 30b), “Even [if] all of the world says about you, ‘You are righteous’ - be like an evildoer in your [own] eyes.” And they [also] said (Avot D’Rabbi Natan 29), “If you have companions, some of whom praise [you], and some of whom reprimand [you] - love the ones that reprimand you, and hate the ones that praise [you]. For these are bringing you to life eternal, and those, when they praise you, are gladdening you to your [own] detriment." And it is also possible to explain [it as]: “Through knowledge, the righteous rescue” their neighbors - as they will not flatter them; but will rather reprimand them and show them the path, when they err in the chaos that is not a path. And it is stated (Proverbs 26:28), “and a flattering mouth throws one down.” This compares a flattering mouth with a crooked path; and it says that just like a man falls and is thrown down by walking on a crooked path - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 35:5-6), “Let them be as chaff, etc., the Lord’s angel throwing them down. Let their path be dark and slippery” - so too does a man fall and get thrown down by a flattering mouth. And that is the mouth of the flatterer. And about the matter that we are discussing, King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 12:4), “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, every tongue that speaks arrogance.” He cursed a flattering mouth, since he destroys his neighbor with it; and a harsh tongue - which is the opposite of the smooth [one], and that is evil speech. And among the flatterers, there are those that intend to flatter intimidating people, in order that they should honor them and promote them. And our Rabbis said (Avot D’Rabbi Natan 29), “Anyone that flatters his fellow for the sake of honor will in the end be removed from it in shame.”
הַחֵלֶק הָרְבִיעִי – הַמִּתְחַבֵּר לָרָשָׁע. וְלֹא דַּיּוֹ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יוֹכִיחֵהוּ בְּשֵׁבֶט פִּיו וְהַרְחֵק יַרְחִיקֵהוּ. אֲבָל כְּמוֹ חָבֵר יַקְרִיבֵהוּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (דברי הימים ב כ':ל"ז) בְּהִתְחַבֶּרְךָ וְגוֹ' פָּרַץ ה' אֶת מַעֲשֶׂיךָ. וְהַצַּדִּיקִים מָאוֹס יִמְאָסוּהוּ אֶת הָרָשָׁע. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ט"ו:ד') נִבְזֶה בְעֵינָיו נִמְאָס וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (בבא קמא צב:) לֹא לְחִנָּם הָלַךְ זַרְזִיר אֵצֶל עוֹרֵב אֶלָּא מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא מִינוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ (בן סירא י״ג:י״ד) כָּל עוֹף לְמִינוֹ יִשְׁכֹּן וּבֶן אָדָם לַדּוֹמֶה לוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ (מגילה כח.) אָסוּר לְהִסְתַּכֵּל בִּדְמוּת אָדָם רַע. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (מלכים ב ג':י"ד) לוּלֵי פְּנֵי יְהוֹשָׁפָט מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה אֲנִי נֹשֵׂא אִם אַבִּיט אֵלֶיךָ וְאִם אֶרְאֶךָּ. וְאָמְרוּ כָּל הַמִּסְתַּכֵּל בִּדְמוּת אָדָם רָשָׁע עֵינָיו כֵּהוֹת לְעֵת זִקְנָתוֹ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית כ"ז:א') וַיְהִי כִּי זָקֵן יִצְחָק וַתִּכְהֶיןָ עֵינָיו מֵרְאֹת מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהִסְתַּכֵּל בִּדְמוּת עֵשָׂו, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הָיָה מַכִּיר מַעְבָּדָיו כִּי הָיָה עֵשָׂו מַסְתִּיר מַעֲשָׂיו כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר, וְהָיָה בְמַחְשָׁךְ מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְהוֹדִיעֲךָ בַּאֵר הֵיטֵב כִּי רַבּוּ דַּרְכֵי מָוֶת הַנִּמְצָאִים אֶל הַמִּתְחַבֵּר לָרָשָׁע.
The fourth section: One who attaches himself to an evildoer. It is not enough for him that he does not reprimand him with the rod of his mouth and surely distance him; but he rather brings him close like a friend. And it is stated (II Chronicles 20:37), “As you have made a partnership, etc., the Lord will break up your work.” Whereas the righteous are surely disgusted by the evildoer, as it is stated (Psalms 15:4), “A contemptible man is disgusting in his eyes.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Bava Kamma 92b), “Not for naught did the starling go to the raven, but because it is its kind. And it stated, ‘All fowl will live with its kind, and men with those like him’ (Book of Ben Sira 13:17).” And they said (Megillah 28a), “It is prohibited for a person to gaze at the likeness of a wicked man, as it is stated (II Kings 3:14), ‘Were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judea, I would not look toward you, nor see you.’” And they [continued], “[Any one who gazes at the likeness of an evil man,] his eyes become dim [at the time of his old age], as it is stated (Genesis 27:1), ‘And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim so that he could not see’ - because he gazed at the wicked Esau.” And we have already discussed very well that there are many ways of death found by one who attaches himself to an evildoer.
הַחֵלֶק הַחֲמִישִׁי – אִישׁ כִּי יַאֲמִינוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם בִּדְבָרָיו. וְסָמְכוּ כָּל הַשּׁוֹמְעִים עַל דְּבָרָיו. וְיִתְכַּוֵּן לְנַשֵּׂא אַחַד הָעָם אוֹ גּוֹאֲלוֹ הַקָּרוֹב אֵלָיו בְּאַהֲבָתוֹ אוֹתוֹ. וְיֹאמַר עָלָיו כִּי הוּא אִישׁ חָכָם. וְהוּא בֵן לֹא חָכָם. וְהָיָה לְפוּקָה וְצוּר מִכְשׁוֹל כִּי יִסְמְכוּ עַל הוֹרָאוֹתָיו. וְעַל פִּיו יִהְיֶה כָּל רִיב. וִיעַוֵּת מִשְׁפָּט וְאֶת הָעוֹלָם יַחֲרִיב. וְכֵן כִּי יֹאמַר עַל אִישׁ כִּי הוּא נֶאֱמַן רוּחַ וְלֹא הִכִּירוֹ אִם הוּא אִישׁ אֱמוּנִים. אוֹ בֵּן לֹא אֵמוּן בּוֹ. וְאוּלַי יִשְׁמַע הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ וְיַפְקִדֵהוּ עַל בֵּיתוֹ וְכָל יֶשׁ לוֹ יִתֵּן בְּיָדוֹ, וְכִחֵשׁ בּוֹ [לאמר] לֹא רְאִיתִיךָ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (סנהדרין ז:) כָּל הַמַּעֲמִיד דַּיָּן שֶׁאֵינוֹ הָגוּן כְּאִלּוּ נָטַע אֲשֵׁרָה. וּבִמְקוֹם תַּלְמִיד חָכָם כְּאִלּוּ נָטַע אֵצֶל מִזְבֵּחַ. וְהָיָה מִי שֶׁהֵקִים לְרֹאשׁ בַּיָּמִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים מִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ רָאוּי לְהוֹרוֹת. וְקָרְאוּ עָלָיו מִקְרָא שֶׁכָּתוּב (חבקוק ב':י"ט) הוֹי אֹמֵר לָעֵץ הָקִיצָה עוּרִי לְאֶבֶן דּוּמָם הוּא יוֹרֶה הִנֵּה הוּא תָּפוּשׂ זָהָב וָכֶסֶף וְכָל רוּחַ אֵין בְּקִרְבּוֹ. וְעָתִיד הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא לְהִפָּרַע מִמַּעֲמִידָיו. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (חבקוק ב':כ') וַה' בְּהֵיכַל קָדְשׁוֹ הַס מִפָּנָיו כָּל הָאָרֶץ.
And the fifth section: A man whose words people trust, and everyone relies on his words; and he intends to boost one of the people or his redeeming relative, out of his love for him - and he says about him that he is wise, whereas he is not wise. And this will be [a cause] for faltering and a stone for stumbling; for they will rely upon his rulings: Every dispute will go according to his [decision], he will twist every case and he will destroy the world. And likewise, if he says about a man, that he is trustworthy, but he does not know whether he is trustworthy or someone who cannot be trusted. So perhaps a listener will hear and appoint him over his house and give him everything that he has into his hand (to watch); and he will deny it, saying, “I [never] saw you.” And the Rabbis said (Sanhedrin 7b), “Anyone who appoints a judge who is not fit over the community is as though he plants a tree-idol (ashera); and in a place where there are Torah scholars, it is as though he planted the tree next to the altar.” And in the early days, there was someone who appointed someone who was not fit to make rulings, as the head. And they read this verse about him (Habakkuk 2:19), “Ah, you who say, ‘Wake up’ to wood, ‘Awaken,’ to inert stone; can that give an oracle; why, it is encased in gold and silver, but there is no breath inside it.” And in the future, the Holy One, blessed be He, will repay the ones that appointed him, as it is stated (Habakkuk 2:20), “But the Lord is in His holy Sanctuary; let all the earth be silent before Him.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשִּׁשִּׁי – מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לִמְחוֹת וְאֵינוֹ מוֹחֶה. וְאֵין בְּפִיו תּוֹכָחוֹת. וְעַל מַעֲשֵׂה הַחַטָּאִים לֹא יִלְטֹשׁ עַיִן וְלֹא יַשְׁגִּיחַ. וְלֹא יִהְיֶה לָהֶם לְאִישׁ מוֹכִיחַ וְהִנֵּה נִצְטַוִּינוּ לְבַעֵר הָרָע מִקֶּרֶב עַמֵּנוּ. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ג:ו') וּבִעַרְתָּ הָרָע מִקִּרְבֶּךָ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ – כָּל מִי שֶׁיֵּשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לִמְחוֹת בְּאַנְשֵׁי בֵיתוֹ וְאֵינוֹ מוֹחֶה נִתְפָּשׂ עַל אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתוֹ. יֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לִמְחוֹת בְּאַנְשֵׁי עִירוֹ וְאֵינוֹ מוֹחֶה נִתְפָּשׂ עַל אַנְשֵׁי עִירוֹ. יֵשׁ בְּיָדוֹ לִמְחוֹת בְּכָל הָעוֹלָם וְאֵינוֹ מוֹחֶה נִתְפָּשׂ עַל כָּל הָעוֹלָם. וְנֶאֱמַר (ויקרא כ"ו:ל"ז) וְכָשְׁלוּ אִישׁ בְּאָחִיו וְדָרְשׁוּ בּוֹ זַ"ל (סנהדרין כז:) אִישׁ בַּעֲוֹן אָחִיו וְאָמְרוּ (שבועות לט.) כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲרֵבִים זֶה לָזֶה.
The sixth section: One who has the ability to protest, but does not protest and has no words of reprimand in his mouth; and does not use the swords of his eyes and does not take responsibility for the deeds of sinners. So he will not be a man of reprimand, whereas we were commanded to destroy the evil from within our nation - as it is stated (Deuteronomy 13:6), “and you shall destroy the evil within you.” And our Rabbis said (Shabbat 54b), “Anyone who is in a position to protest against the members of his household and does not protest, is apprehended for the members of his household; if he is in a position to protest against the people of his city, and does not protest, he is apprehended for the people of his city; if he is in a position to protest the whole world, and does not protest, he is apprehended for the whole world.” And it is stated (Leviticus 26:37), “A man shall stumble over his brother.” And they, may their memory be blessed, expounded (Sanhedrin 27b), “‘A man over’ the iniquity of ‘his brother.’” And they said that all of Israel is responsible for one another.
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁבִיעִי – הָרוֹאֶה אֶת אַנְשֵׁי מְקוֹמוֹ עַם קְשֵׁה עֹרֶף. וְאוֹמֵר בְּלִבּוֹ אוּלַי לֹא יַקְשִׁיבוּ אִם אֲדַבֵּר לָהֶם נְכוֹחוֹת. וּפִי אֲמַלֵּא תּוֹכָחוֹת. עַל כֵּן יַחְשֹׂךְ פִּיו. וְהִנֵּה עֲוֹנוֹ יִשָּׂא. כִּי לֹא נִסָּה לְהוֹכִיחַ וּלְהַזְהִיר. אוּלָם [אולי] אִם רוּחָם הֵעִיר, יֵעוֹרוּ מִשְּׁנַת אִוַּלְתָּם. וְלֹא תָּלִין אִתָּם מְשׁוּגָתָם. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (שבת נה.) בְּעִנְיָן מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב (יחזקאל ט':ד') וְהִתְוִיתָ תָּו עַל מִצְחוֹת הָאֲנָשִׁים הַנֶּאֱנָחִים וְהַנֶּאֱנָקִים וְגוֹ'. אָמְרָה מִדַּת הַדִּין אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהַלָּלוּ צַדִּיקִים גְּמוּרִים וְקִיְּמוּ אֶת הַתּוֹרָה הָיָה לָהֶם לְמַחוֹת וְלֹא מִחוּ, אָמַר הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא גָּלוּי וְיָדוּעַ לְפָנַי שֶׁאִם הָיוּ מוֹחִין לֹא הָיוּ מְקַבְּלִין מֵהֶן. אָמְרָה מִדַּת הַדִּין רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם, אִם לְפָנֶיךָ גָּלוּי, הֵם לֹא יָדְעוּ אִם יִשְׁמְעוּ הָעָם לְקוֹלָם וְאִם יֶחְדָּלוּ. וְצִוָּה הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ אַחֲרֵי כֵן (יחזקאל ט':ו') וּמִמִּקְדָּשִׁי תָּחֵלּוּ. וְהֵם הַצַּדִּיקִים הַמְקֻדָּשִׁים. כִּי נֶעֶנְשׁוּ עַל דְּבַר שֶׁלֹּא מִחוּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז) הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת עֲמִיתֶךָ וְלֹא תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא. וְאִם הַדָּבָר גָּלוּי לַכֹּל. וְיָדוּעַ וְנִבְחַן וְנֶחְקַר. כִּי הַחוֹטֵא שׂוֹנֵא מוּסָר וְלֹא יִשְׁמַע לְקוֹל מוֹרָיו. וְלִמְלַמְּדָיו לֹא יַטֶּה אָזְנוֹ. עַל זֶה נֶאֱמַר (משלי ט':ח') אַל תּוֹכַח לֵץ פֶּן יִשְׂנָאֶךָּ. וְאָמְרוּ (יבמות סה:) כְּשֵׁם שֶׁמִּצְוָה לוֹמַר דָּבָר הַנִּשְׁמָע. כָּךְ מִצְוָה שֶׁלֹּא לוֹמַר דָּבָר שֶׁאֵינוֹ נִשְׁמָע. וְאָמְרוּ (ביצה ל.) מוּטָב שֶׁיְּהוּ שׁוֹגְגִין וְאַל יִהְיוּ מְזִידִין.
The seventh section: One who sees the people of his place [being] a stiff-necked people, and says in his heart, “Perhaps they will not listen if I speak [words of] integrity with them and fill my mouth with reprimands.” Hence he saves his mouth [from speaking]. Yet he surely bears his sin, for he did not try to reprimand and warn [them] - (indeed) [maybe] if the city is pitied, they will awake from the slumber of their stupidity and their error will not [continue to] lay with them. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 55a) about that which is written (Ezekiel 9:4), “and set a mark (tav) upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry, etc.”: The attribute of justice said, “[Even though these are full-fledged righteous people and keep the Torah,] it was in their hands to protest, and they did not protest. [The Holy One, blessed be He,] said, “It is revealed and known before Me that had they protested, they would not have accepted [it] from them.” [The attribute of justice] said, “Master of the Universe, if it is revealed before You, [they did not know if the people would listen to their voice or ignore them].” So afterwards God, may He be blessed, commanded (Ezekiel 9:4), “and begin from My Temple (Mikdash)” - and that is the dedicated (mekudash) righteous ones. And it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.” But if the matter is revealed to all, known, tested and analyzed that the sinner hates rebuke and will not listen to the voice of his teachers and will not bend his ear to his instructors - about this is it stated (Proverbs 9:8), “Do not rebuke a scoffer, for he will hate you.” And they said (Yevamot 55b), “Just as it is a commandment to say something that will be heard, so is it a commandment to not say something that will not be heard.” And they said (Beitzah 30a), “It is better that they be inadvertent, and not be intentional.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁמִינִי – אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁמַע אֶת דִּבְרֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם מְדַבְּרִים לְשׁוֹן הָרַע. אוֹ כִּי יִשְׁמַע כָּל פֶּה דּוֹבֵר נְבָלָה, אוֹ יֵשֵׁב בְּסוֹד מְשַׂחֲקִים בּוֹזִים תּוֹרָה וּמִצְוֹת. וְיוֹדֵעַ כִּי הֵם סָרָבִים וְסַלּוֹנִים וְאִם יוֹכִיחֵם לֹא יַקְשִׁיבוּ אֶל דְּבָרָיו. עַל כֵּן יָשִׂים יָד עַל פֶּה. גַּם זֶה יֵעָנֵשׁ כִּי לֹא יַעֲנֶה כְּסִילִים בְּאִוַּלְתָּם. פֶּן יֹאמְרוּ לוֹ כִּי הוּא כְּמוֹ הֵם. וְכִי הוֹדָה עַל דִּבְרֵיהֶם. אַף כִּי יִתְחַיֵּב לַעֲנוֹת וְלִגְעֹר בָּהֶם לָתֵת גֹּדֶל לַתּוֹרָה וְלַמִּצְוֹת אֲשֶׁר בָּזוּ לָעֲגוּ לָהֶם. וּלְקַנֵּא לִכְבוֹד נָקִי וְצַדִּיק אֲשֶׁר יָשִׂיחוּ בּוֹ.
And the eighth section: Someone who hears the words of the people saying evil speech, or hears every mouth speaking fouly or sits among a group of jokers disgracing the Torah and the commandments - and he knows that they are stubborn and [like] thorns. So if he would reprimand them, they will not listen to his words - hence he puts his hand to his mouth (does not speak). This one will also be punished, since he did not answer fools about their foolishness - lest they say that he is like them and that he concedes to their words. Rather, he becomes obligated to answer and scold them, to give greatness to the Torah and the commandments which they disgraced and made light of. He should be zealous for the honor of the Clean and Righteous One about whom they are speaking.
וְזֶה אֶחָד מִן הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר יִתְחַיֵּב הָאָדָם לַעֲזֹב בַּעֲבוּרָם חֶבְרַת הָרֶשַׁע. כִּי יֵעָנֵשׁ בְּשָׁמְעוֹ דִּבְרֵיהֶם הָרָעִים תָּמִיד וְיִלְאֶה לַעֲנוֹתָם. וְזֶה הַדָּבָר מְפֹרָשׁ בְּדִבְרֵי שְׁלֹמֹה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ד:א) אַל תְּקַנֵּא בְּאַנְשֵׁי רָעָה וְאַל תִּתְאָיו לִהְיוֹת אִתָּם. כִּי שֹׁד יֶהְגֶּה לִבָּם וְעָמָל שִׂפְתֵיהֶם תְּדַבֵּרְנָה. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי תִשָּׂא עָוֹן בְּחַטָּאתָם. כִּי תִּשְׁמַע דִּבְרֵיהֶם הָרָעִים תָּמִיד וּתְהִי כְּמַחֲרִישׁ.
This is one of the things for which a person becomes obligated to leave the group of evildoers. For he will be punished for hearing their evil words and being too listless to answer them. And this is something explicit in the words of Solomon, as it is stated (Proverbs 24:1-2), “Do not envy evil men; do not desire to be with them. For their hearts talk violence, and their lips speak mischief.” And he meant to say [it is] because you will bear the iniquity when they sin. For you will constantly hear their evil words and you will be silent.
הַחֵלֶק הַתְּשִׁיעִי – הַמְכַבֵּד אֶת הָרְשָׁעִים מִדֶּרֶךְ שָׁלוֹם. אָמְנָם לֹא יְדַבֵּר טוֹב עַל הָרָשָׁע. וְלֹא יִתְנַהֵג בִּכְבוֹדוֹ עַל דֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר יַחְשְׁבוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם כִּי יְכַבְּדֶנּוּ מֵאֲשֶׁר יָקָר בְּעֵינָיו נִכְבָּד. כִּי לֹא יַחֲלֹק לוֹ כָּבוֹד זוּלָתִי כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁמְּכַבְּדִים בְּנֵי הָאָדָם אֶת הָעֲשִׁירִים. מִדֶּרֶךְ סִלְסוּל. וּלְתִקְוַת תּוֹעֶלֶת. בַּעֲבוּר כִּי צָלְחָה דַּרְכָּם וְלֹא מִפְּנֵי חִין עֶרְכָּם. וְאַף גַּם זֹאת יֵשׁ חֵטְא וְאַשְׁמָה בַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה כִּי אִם הֻתַּר לְכַבֵּד הָעֲשִׁירִים. לֹא כֵן הָרְשָׁעִים. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (איוב מ':י"א-י"ב) וּרְאֵה כָל גֵּאֶה וְהַשְׁפִּילֵהוּ. רְאֵה כָל גֵּאֶה הַכְנִיעֵהוּ וַהֲדֹךְ רְשָׁעִים תַּחְתָּם. אַךְ הַחֵלֶק הַזֶּה הֻתַּר. מִדְּאָגָה מִדָּבָר פֶּן יַזִּיק הָרָשָׁע וְיִגְרֹם הֶפְסֵד בִּזְמַן שֶׁיַּד הָרָשָׁע תַּקִּיפָה. וּשְׁעָתוֹ חֲצוּפָה. וְאֵין בְּיָדֵנוּ לְהַכְנִיעוֹ (ובחליו) [וּבְחֵילֵנוּ] לַהֲנִיעוֹ. עַל כֵּן הֻתַּר לְכַבְּדוֹ כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁמְּכַבְּדִים בְּנֵי הָאָדָם אַנְשֵׁי זְרוֹעַ רָמָה. מִפַּחַד וְאֵימָה. בְּקִימָה וְהִדּוּר וְדוֹמֶה לָהֶם. אַךְ לֹא יְשַׁבְּחֶנּוּ וְלֹא יְדַבֵּר טוֹב עָלָיו לִבְנֵי אָדָם. וְכֵן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל (סוטה מא:) מֻתָּר לְהַחֲנִיף אֶת הָרְשָׁעִים בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה.
The ninth section: One who honors evildoers in a way of peace. However he does not speak well about the evildoer and does not act to honor him in a way in which people will think that he is honoring him because he is honorable and precious in his eyes. Rather he only shows him respect in the way that people honor the rich, in the way of dignification; and with the hope of benefit, since their path has been successful - and not because of the grace of his arrangement. Nevertheless there is a sin and guilt in this thing. If it is permitted to honor the rich, it is not so with the evildoers - as it is stated (Job 40:11-12), “see every proud man and bring him low. See every proud man and humble him, and bring down the evildoers where they stand.” Nevertheless this section is permitted in the case of worry about something - lest the evildoer injure him and cause him a loss, at the time when the evildoer is strong and his time is brazen; and we do not have the ability to humble him, and to put him him down [with our soldiers]. Hence it is permitted to honor him in the way we honor very intimidating people out of fear and terror, by rising for them, noting them and that which is similar to these. However, one should not praise him, nor speak well about him to people. And likewise did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, say (Sotah 41b), “It is permissible to flatter evildoers in this world.”
וְזֶה דְּבַר כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל (ערכין טו:) כָּל הַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע כְּאִלּוּ כָּפַר בָּעִקָּר. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים י"ב:ה') אֲשֶׁר אָמְרוּ לִלְשֹׁנֵנוּ נַגְבִּיר שְׂפָתֵינוּ אִתָּנוּ מִי אָדוֹן לָנוּ. וְעַל כֵּן חֲשָׁבוּהוּ כְּאִלּוּ כָּפַר בָּעִקָּר. כִּי הוּא מְסַבֵּב וְגוֹרֵם נֶזֶק גָּדוֹל וְרָעָה רַבָּה לַחֲבֵרָיו. בְּהַבְאִישׁוֹ אֶת רֵיחָם בְּעֵינֵי הָעָם. אוֹ בִּשְׁאָר דַּרְכֵי הֶפְסֵד. וְלֹא יִתָּכֵן אֲשֶׁר יָכִין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ כְּלִי מַשְׁחִית וְנֶזֶק מַר מִמָּוֶת. מִבְּלִי שֶׁיּוֹעִיל לְעַצְמוֹ בָּזֶה תּוֹעֶלֶת וְרֶוַח מָמוֹן. בִּלְתִּי אִם לָכַד יִצְרוֹ אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ וּפָרַק עֹל שָׁמַיִם מֵעָלָיו וְנִתֵּק הַמּוֹסֵרוֹת. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בְּמִזְמוֹר בְּבוֹא הַזִּיפִים וַיֹּאמְרוּ לְשָׁאוּל וְגוֹ'. אֱלֹקִים זֵדִים קָמוּ עָלַי וַעֲדַת עָרִיצִים בִּקְשׁוּ נַפְשִׁי וְלֹא שָׂמוּךָ לְנֶגְדָּם. וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה וְלֹא שָׂמוּךָ לְנֶגְדָּם – כִּי נִתְכַּוְּנוּ שֶׁיְּבָרֵךְ אוֹתָם שָׁאוּל, כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמַר לָהֶם (שמואל א כ"ג:כ"א) בְּרוּכִים אַתֶּם לַה' כִּי חֲמַלְתֶּם עַל אֲדוֹנֵיכֶם. וְלֹא שָׂמוּ אֱלֹקִים לְנֶגְדָּם. שֶׁכָּתַב בְּתוֹרָתוֹ (דברים כ"ז:כ"ד) אָרוּר מַכֵּה רֵעֵהוּ בַּסָּתֶר, וְנֶאֱמַר (קהלת י':י"א) וּמָה יִתְרוֹן לְבַעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן, וְנֶאֱמַר עַל דּוֹאֵג (תהילים נ"ב:ה') הַוּוֹת תַּחְשֹׁב לְשׁוֹנֶךָ וְגוֹ' אָהַבְתָּ רָּע מִטּוֹב שֶׁקֶר מִדַּבֵּר צֶדֶק סֶלָה, וּפֵרְשׁוּ בְּמִדְרַשׁ תְּהִלִּים מָה יִתְרוֹן לְךָ וּמָה בֶּצַע כִּי סִפַּרְתָּ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. הֲלֹא לְמָמוֹן לֹא הָיִיתָ צָרִיךְ אַךְ עָשַׁרְתָּ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר עָלָיו (שמואל א כ"א:ח') אַבִּיר הָרֹעִים אֲשֶׁר לְשָׁאוּל. אֵין זֶה כִּי אִם אָהַבְתָּ אֶת הָרַע מִן הַטּוֹב, וְשֶׁקֶר מִדַּבֵּר צֶדֶק. כִּי פָּרַקְתָּ עֻלּוֹ. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ו':ל') לֹא יָבוּזוּ לַגַּנָּב כִּי יִגְנוֹב וְגוֹ' וְנֶאֱמַר אַחֲרָיו נֹאֵף אִשָּׁה חֲסַר לֵב וְגוֹ' רוֹצֶה לוֹמַר כִּי הוּא רַע מִן הַגַּנָּב שֶׁהוּא צָרִיךְ לְמַלֵּא נַפְשׁוֹ כִּי יִרְעָב, וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי בַּעַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע, מִשְּׁנֵיהֶם רַע, כִּי יֶחֱטָא חֲטָאָה גְּדוֹלָה מִבְּלִי הֲנָאָה כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ק"כ:ג') מַה יִּתֵּן לְךָ וּמַה יֹּסִיף לָךְ לָשׁוֹן רְמִיָּה.
And this is the thing about the group of slanderers:
Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Arakhin 15b), “Anyone who speaks evil speech is as though he denied a fundamental principle [of faith] - as it is stated (Psalms 12:5), ‘Who have said, “we will make our tongue mighty; our lips are with us; who is lord over us?”’” Therefore, they considered him as if he denied a fundamental principle. For he causes and brings about great damage and much evil to his fellows by making them foul in the eyes of people or by other ways of [causing them] loss. And it is not likely that a man would prepare a mechanism of destruction and damage that is more bitter than death without it benefitting himself monetarily, unless it is to have his [evil] impulse honor himself and remove the yoke of the Heavens from upon him - to remove ethical constraints - as it is stated in the Psalm, “when the Ziphites came and told Saul, etc., O God, arrogant men have risen against me; a band of ruthless men seek my life; they are not mindful of You.” (This is a scribal error, as there is some difference between the verse brought down by the author, may his memory be blessed, [and his source]. As [in the source], it is written, “For strangers have risen against me, etc.” And the verse that he wrote here is found in Psalms 86:14; but it needs to be corrected and replaced with the verse as it is written there in Psalms 54:5.) And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 54) that they intended that Saul would bless them, as he said to them (I Samuel 23:21), “May you be blessed of the Lord for the compassion you have shown me!” But they did not place God in front of them - as it is written in His Torah (Deuteronomy 27:24), “Cursed be he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.” And it is written (Ecclesiastes 10:11), “no advantage is gained by the master of the tongue!” And it is stated about Doeg (Psalms 52:4-5), “Your tongue devises mischief… You prefer evil to good; the lie, to speaking truthfully. Selah.” And they explained in Midrash Tehillim 52, “What do you benefit and what do you gain when you say evil speech? Is it not that you did not need money, for you had [already] become wealthy - as it is stated about him (I Samuel 21:8), ‘Saul’s chief herdsman.’ It was only because you preferred the evil to the good, and ‘the lie, to speaking truthfully’ - as you have removed His yoke.” And it is stated (Proverbs 6:30), “A thief is not held in contempt for stealing [to fill his hunger]; and it is written after it (Proverbs 6:32), “He who commits adultery is devoid of sense, etc.” This is meaning to say that he is worse than a thief, for [the former] needs to “fill his hunger.” Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Midrash Tehillim 120) that one involved in evil speech is worse than both of them. For he does a great sin without benefit, as it is stated (Psalms 120:3), “What can you profit, what can you gain, O deceitful tongue?”
וְהַשֵּׁנִית – עַל כֵּן נֶחְשָׁב הַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרָע כְּאִלּוּ כָּפַר בָּעִקָּר. לְפִי שֶׁאוֹמֵר בִּלְבָבוֹ כִּי שְׂפָתָיו בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ וּמִפְּנֵי שֶׁאֵין בָּהּ מַעֲשֶׂה וְכִי הוּא הַשַּׁלִּיט עַל לְשׁוֹנוֹ. וְגָמַר בְּדַעְתּוֹ, כִּי אֵין לוֹ לִכְלוֹא אֶת רוּחַ שְׂפָתָיו מִדָּבָר הָעוֹלֶה עַל רוּחוֹ. וְכִי הָאֵיבָרִים הֵמָּה לְבַדָּם אֵינָם בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ לַחֲטֹא בָּהֶם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהלים י"ב:ה') שְׂפָתֵינוּ אִתָּנוּ מִי אָדוֹן לָנוּ. וְלֹא יֹאמַר אַיֵּה אֱלֹהֵי עוֹשָׂי אֲשֶׁר כָּל תְּנוּעוֹת יְצִירוֹתָיו נְתוּנוֹת נְתוּנוֹת הֵמָּה לוֹ. אַחַת מֵהֵנָּה לֹא נֶעְדָּרָה. כֻּלָּם לַעֲשׂוֹת רְצוֹנוֹ מְשֻׁעְבָּדוֹת. רַק אֵין דָּבָר. וַאֲרֶשֶׁת שָׂפָה בִּרְשׁוּתֵנוּ. לֹא כֵן הָרְשָׁעִים הַחוֹטְאִים בִּשְׁאָר עֲבֵרוֹת. כִּי יוֹדְעִים הֵם כִּי רַע וָמָר עָזְבָם אֶת הַשֵּׁם. אַךְ נִמְשָׁכִים אַחַר תַּאֲוָתָם וְיִצְרָם הַמִּתְגַּבֵּר. וְצַר לָהֶם עַל זֶה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ שָׁקוּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כְּנֶגֶד שָׁלֹשׁ עֲבֵרוֹת. וְאֵלּוּ הֵן עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה וְגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת וּשְׁפִיכוּת דָּמִים. בַּעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה נֶאֱמַר (שמות ל"ב:ל"א) אָנָּא חָטָא הָעָם הַזֶּה חֲטָאָה גְדֹלָה. בְּגִלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת נֶאֱמַר (בראשית ל"ט:ט') וְאֵיךְ אֶעֱשֶׂה הָרָעָה הַגְּדֹלָה הַזֹּאת. בִּשְׁפִיכוּת דָּמִים נֶאֱמַר (בראשית ד':י"ג) גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנִי מִנְּשֹׁא. וְאִלּוּ עַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע נֶאֱמַר (תהילים י"ב:ד') יַכְרֵת ה' כָּל שִׂפְתֵי חֲלָקוֹת לָשׁוֹן מְדַבֶּרֶת גְּדֹלוֹת.
And secondly, for this [too] is one who speaks evil speech considered as if he denied a fundamental principle: For he says in his heart that his lips are in his [own] control; and because they do not do an action and he is in charge of his tongue, he determined in his heart that he should not restrain the spirit of his lips from saying that which comes to his spirit; and that only all the other limbs are not in his control to sin with them - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 12:5), “They say, “with lips such as ours, who can be our master?” And they do not say, “Where is the God that made me, to whom all the movements of His creations are given - not one is lacking. They are all subjected to doing His will. Rather, it is no matter - the petitions about the lips are in our control.” The evildoers that sin with other sins are not like this. For they know that their leaving God is bad and bitter, however they were pulled after their desire and their overpowering [evil] impulse; yet they are pained by this. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15b), “Evil speech [...] corresponds to three transgressions [and these are them]: Idol worship, forbidden sexual relations and bloodshed. [...] With regard to idol worship, it is stated (Exodus 32:31), ‘Oh, this people have sinned a great sin.’ With regard to forbidden sexual relations, it is stated (Genesis 39:9), ‘How can I do this great wickedness.’ With regard to bloodshed it is stated (Genesis 4:13), ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear.’ [And with regard to evil speech,] it is stated (Psalms 12:4), “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things.”
וְהִנֵּה אָנוּ צְרִיכִין לְפָרֵשׁ לְךָ. הֵיאַךְ יִתָּכֵן כִּי יִהְיֶה עֲוֹן לָשׁוֹן הָרַע יָתֵר עַל הַשָּׁלֹשׁ הָאֵלֶּה. הֲלֹא כָּל אַחַת מֵהֶן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה יֵהָרֵג אָדָם וְאַל יַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶם. וְאָמְרוּ חֲמוּרָה עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה שֶׁכָּל הַמּוֹדֶה בָּהּ כְּכוֹפֵר בְּכָל הַתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ כִּי הַמְּשֻׁמָּד לַעֲבוֹדָה זָרָה מְשֻׁמָּד לְכָל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ. וְכַאֲשֶׁר תָּשִׂים לִבְּךָ לְמַאֲמָרָם זַ"ל תִּמְצָא לוֹ כַּמָּה שָׁרָשִׁים וְכַמָּה פָּנִים.
And behold we must explain to you how it is possible that the iniquity of evil speech can be more than these three. Did our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, not say about each one of them (Sanhedrin 74a), “Let a man be killed and not transgress them?” And they said [that] idolatry is weighty, for anyone that concedes to it is like one who denies all of the Torah. And they [also] said (Chullin 5a) that one who is an apostate [only] for idolatry is like one who is an apostate for all of the entire Torah. And when you put your heart to these statements of theirs, may their memory be blessed, you will find several roots [to them] and several aspects.
הָאֶחָד – כִּי בַּעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן הוּא שׁוֹנֶה בְּאִוַּלְתּוֹ. עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִים בַּיּוֹם יַכְלִים וְיַבְאִישׁ וְיַחְפִּיר. וִידַבֵּר שְׂפַת יֶתֶר. וְיַכֶּה בַּסֵּתֶר. וּמִי יִתֵּן קֵץ לְעָנְשׁוֹ. כִּי בַּעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן לֹא יָשִׂים קִנְצֵי לְמִלִּין. בְּשַׁגַּם עֲבֵרָה קַלָּה כְּבֵדָה מְאֹד עַל הִשָּׁנוֹת הָאִוֶּלֶת פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ. אַף כִּי חֲטָאָה גְּדוֹלָה. וְרָעָה חוֹלָה. וּכְאָמְרָם זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה שָׁקוּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כְּנֶגֶד שָׁלֹשׁ עֲבֵרוֹת. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כְּנֶגֶד עוֹבֵר אוֹתָן לְעֵת שֶׁיִּתְקְפוֹ יִצְרוֹ. לֹא כְּנֶגֶד הַמְּשֻׁמָּד וְהַיּוֹצֵא מִן הַכְּלָל לַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶן בְּכָל עֵת.
The first is because the one involved in evil speech repeats his stupidity - he will embarrass, sully and shame ten times a day. He will speak superfluously and strike in secret. So who can measure his punishment? For one involved in evil speech does not put an end to [his] words. And even a light sin is very weighty when the stupidity is repeated many times - as we discussed earlier - all the more so, when it is a big sin and a grievous evil. And when our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said, “Evil speech [...] corresponds to three transgressions,” they meant to say, corresponding to one who transgresses them at a time when his impulse attacks him - not corresponding to an habitual sinner or one who has left the congregation to transgress them all the time.
וְהַשֵּׁנִי – כִּי בַּעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן תְּשׁוּבָתוֹ קָשָׁה. אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר לִמֵּד לְשׁוֹנוֹ דַּבֶּר שֶׁקֶר. וּפִיו שָׁלַח בְּרָעָה. מֵרֹב הַהֶרְגֵּל אֵינֶנּוּ שַׁלִּיט בְּרוּחוֹ. וּכְאִלּוּ לְשׁוֹנוֹ גּוֹרֵם הַמַּחְשָׁבָה כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים נ"ב:ד') הַוּוֹת תַּחְשֹׁב לְשׁוֹנֶךָ. וְנֶאֱמַר (קהלת י':י"ב) וְשִׂפְתוֹת כְּסִיל תְּבַלְּעֶנּוּ וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ח:ז') פִּי כְסִיל מְחִתָּה לוֹ. וּמְחִתָּה לְשׁוֹן יִרְאָה וּמָגוֹר. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי הַכְּסִיל יִירָא וְיָגוּר מִזַּעַם לְשׁוֹנוֹ פֶּן יִוָּקֵשׁ בּוֹ. כַּאֲשֶׁר יִירָא מֵאוֹיְבוֹ. כִּי אֵין שְׂפָתָיו בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ.
The second is because the repentance of one involved in evil speech is difficult, since he has taught his tongue to speak falsehood, and sent his mouth to evil. From so much habit, he does not control his spirit, and it is as if his mouth causes the thought - like the matter that is stated (Psalms 52:4), “Your tongue devises mischief”; and it is stated (Ecclesiastes 10:12), “but a fool’s lips will swallow him up”; and it is stated.(Proverbs 18:7), “The fool’s speech is his ruin (mechitah).” And mechitah is an expression of fear and trepidation. It means to say that the fool is afraid and in trepidation from the rage of his tongue, lest he be ensnared - like he fears from his enemy - as his lips are not in his control.
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁי – בַּעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן חֶטְאוֹ נָקֵל בְּעֵינָיו. כִּי יֹאמַר אַךְ דְּבַר שְׂפָתַיִם הוּא וְלֹא פָּנָה אֶל נְזָקָיו הָרַבִּים. עַל כֵּן לֹא יָשׁוּב מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה. וְאִם שׁוֹב יָשׁוּב אֵין תְּשׁוּבָתוֹ שְׁלֵמָה. כִּי לֹא יַכִּיר גֹּדֶל חֶטְאוֹ. כִּי הַתְּשׁוּבָה הַשְּׁלֵמָה לְהִנָּקוֹת מִפֶּשַׁע רַב. כִּי יֵקַד יְקוֹד הַיָּגוֹן בְּנַפְשׁוֹ. כִּיקוֹד אֵשׁ.
And the third is because the sin of the one involved in evil speech is light in his eyes - as he says it is only something of the lips, and he does not pay attention to its damaging the many. Hence he does not repent from his evil path. And if he does repent, his repentance will not be complete - as he will not recognize the greatness of his sin. For complete repentance to be cleansed from [such a] great transgression is when a fire of anguish is surely lit and there is like a fire burning inside his soul.
וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"א:כ"ד) זֵד יָהִיר לֵץ שְׁמוֹ עוֹשֶׂה בְּעֶבְרַת זָדוֹן. פֵּרוּשׁ – הַלֵּץ אֲשֶׁר גָּבַר זְדוֹנוֹ. לְהַכּוֹת בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ. בְּגַאֲוָתוֹ וּגְאוֹנוֹ. וְעֶבְרָתוֹ וַחֲרוֹנוֹ. אַל תֹּאמַר כִּי בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ לְבַד יַכֶּה. וְלֹא בְּמַעֲשֶׂה כִּי יָדוֹעַ תֵּדַע. כִּי הוּא עוֹשֶׂה בְּעֶבְרַת זָדוֹן. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי אִם לֹא יוּכַל לְהַכּוֹת אֶת אוֹיְבָיו בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ. וְיוּכַל הַכּוֹת בּוֹ בְּמַעֲשֶׂה. יַכֶּה בַּעֲבֵרָה וְלֹא יַחְמֹל. כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה בְּעִנְיַן דּוֹאֵג. כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה שָׁאוּל לְהַכּוֹת בַּכֹּהֲנִים. וַיְמָאֲנוּ אֲנָשָׁיו לְהַכּוֹתָם. אָמַר לְדוֹאֵג אַתָּה הִכִּיתָ בַּלָּשׁוֹן אַתָּה תַּכֶּה בַּחֶרֶב. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמואל א כ"ב:י"ח) סֹב אַתָּה וּפְגַע בַּכֹּהֲנִים.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 21:24), “The violent, proud man, scoffer is his name, acts in a frenzy of violence.” The explanation is that the scoffer whose violence is great to strike with his tongue in his pride and his loftiness, his anger and his rage - do not say [about him] that he only strikes with his tongue, and not with a deed. For you should surely know that he “acts in a frenzy of violence.” He means to say that if he could not strike his enemies with his tongue and he could strike them with a deed, he would strike them with a frenzy and have no pity. [It is] like our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said regarding Doeg (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10:2) that when Saul commanded that the priests be smitten but his people refused to strike them, he said to Doeg, “You struck them with the tongue, you strike them with the sword,” as it is stated (I Samuel 22:18), “You, go and strike down the priests.”
וְהָרְבִיעִי – אִם יָשׁוּב בַּעַל הַלָּשׁוֹן בִּתְשׁוּבָה. צָרִיךְ לְבַקֵּשׁ מְחִילָה לַאֲשֶׁר מוּצָק לוֹ מִזַּעַם לְשׁוֹנוֹ. וְהוּא לֹא יִזְכֹּר מִסְפַּר כֻּלָּם. כִּי רַבִּים מַכְאוֹבִים הִכְאִיב. וְכַמָּה נְפָשׁוֹת הִדְאִיב. גַּם רַבִּים מֵאֲשֶׁר זָכַר. כִּי אוֹתָם עָכַר. וְהֵם לֹא יָדְעוּ כִּי הִדִּיחַ עֲלֵיהֶם אֶת הָרָעָה. יִתְבַּיֵּשׁ לְהוֹדִיעָם וּלְגַלּוֹת אָזְנָם עַל אֲשֶׁר גְּמָלָם רָעָה. כִּי הוּא מַכֶּה וְאֵין מַכָּתוֹ יְדוּעָה כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ק"כ:ג'-ד') מַה יִּתֵּן לְךָ וּמַה יֹּסִיף לָךְ לָשׁוֹן רְמִיָּה חִצֵּי גִבּוֹר שְׁנוּנִים. עַל כֵּן נִמְשָׁל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע לְחֵץ. כִּי הַמּוֹשֵׁךְ בַּקֶּשֶׁת פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת יִשְׁלַח חִצָּיו בְּאָדָם וְלֹא נוֹדַע מִי הִכָּהוּ.
And the fourth is that if the one involved in evil speech does repent, he will need to request forgiveness from those upon whom he poured the fury of his tongue, but he will not remember all of them. As he generated much pain and saddened many souls - also more than he remembered that he sullied. And they did not know that he sent the evil to them, [so] he will be ashamed to inform them and open their ears to that which he did evil to them. For he strikes, but his strike is not known, like the matter that is stated (Psalms 120:3-4), “What can you profit, what can you gain, O deceitful tongue? A warrior’s sharp arrows.” Therefore evil speech is compared to an arrow - for many times, one who pulls the bow sends forth his arrows but does not know who he struck.
וְעוֹד עַל עִנְיָן אַחֵר נִמְשָׁל לְחֵץ. כִּי שׁוֹלֵף הַחֶרֶב אִם נִכְמְרוּ רַחֲמָיו עַל הָאָדָם בְּהִתְחַנְנוֹ אֵלָיו. יָשִׁיב חַרְבּוֹ אֶל נְדָנָהּ. לֹא כֵן זוֹרֵק הַחֵץ כִּי אֵין בְּיָדוֹ לַהֲשִׁיבָהּ. כֵּן בַּעַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. אַחַר אֲשֶׁר יָצָא הַדָּבָר מִפִּיו לֹא יוּכַל לִתְקֹן. וּפְעָמִים שֶׁיְּדַבֵּר עַל פְּגַם מִשְׁפָּחָה. וְהִזִּיק כָּל הַדּוֹרוֹת הַבָּאִים אַחֲרָיו. וְלֹא תַּגִּיעַ אֵלָיו מְחִילָה מִזֶּה. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי הַמְדַבֵּר בִּפְגַם הַמִּשְׁפָּחָה אֵין לוֹ כַּפָּרָה עוֹלָמִית. וְהִנֵּה הַמְשַׁלֵּחַ לְשׁוֹנוֹ. גַּם עַל הַקְּדוֹשִׁים אֲשֶׁר בָּאָרֶץ הֵמָּה יְדַבֵּר. כִּי עַל מִי לֹא עָבְרָה רָעָתוֹ תָּמִיד. וּכְבָר אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי הָאֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.
And it was also compared to an arrow for another reason. For one who draws his sword can put it back in its sheath if he has mercy on someone who pleads with him. Not so is one who sends forth an arrow - he is not able to bring it back. Such is one involved in evil speech - once the word came out of his mouth, he is not able to repair [it]. And sometimes he will speak about a family blemish and injure all of the generations that come after [the one he insults]; and he cannot get forgiveness for this. Therefore our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Bava Kamma 8) that one who speaks about a family blemish does not ever have atonement. And behold one who sends out his tongue, also speaks about the holy ones in the land. For upon whom has his constant evil not expressed itself? And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, already said (Sanhedrin 90a) that [one who disgraces the Torah scholars] has no share in the world to come.
וְהַחֲמִישִׁי – כִּי לָשׁוֹן הָרַע יָבִיא אֶת בְּעָלָיו לָתֵת אֶת פִּיו לְדַבֵּר אֶל הַשֵּׁם תּוֹעָה וּכְמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ע"ג:ט') שַׁתּוּ בַשָּׁמַיִם פִּיהֶם וּלְשׁוֹנָם תִּהֲלַךְ בָּאָרֶץ. וְאֵין בְּכָל הָעֲבֵרוֹת אֲשֶׁר יַשִּׂיג עָנְשָׁם לְעֹנֶשׁ הַמֵּטִיחַ דְּבָרִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ – עֶשֶׂר נִסְיוֹנוֹת נִסּוּ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וּבְכֻלָּם לֹא נִתְחַתֵּם גְּזַר דִּינָם אֶלָּא עַל לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר י"ד:כ"ח) אִם לֹא כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתֶּם בְּאָזְנָי כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה לָכֶם וְגוֹ' וְנֶאֱמַר (דברים א':ל"ד) וַיִּשְׁמַע ה' אֶת קוֹל דִּבְרֵיכֶם וַיִּקְצֹף וַיִּשָּׁבַע לֵאמֹר וְגוֹ', וְנֶאֱמַר (מלאכי ב':י"ז) הוֹגַעְתֶּם ה' בְּדִבְרֵיכֶם. וְאָמַר דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים נ':ט"ז-כ') וְלָרָשָׁע אָמַר אֱלֹקִים מַה לְּךָ לְסַפֵּר חֻקָּי וַתִּשָּׂא בְרִיתִי עֲלֵי פִיךָ אִם רָאִיתָ גַנָּב וַתִּרֶץ עִמּוֹ וְגוֹ' פִּיךָ שָׁלַחְתָּ בְרָעָה וּלְשׁוֹנְךָ תַּצְמִיד מִרְמָה תֵּשֵׁב בְּאָחִיךָ תְדַבֵּר. הִנֵּה לָמַדְתָּ מִזֶּה כִּי אֵין הַתּוֹרָה מְגִנָּה עַל בַּעֲלֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וְעַל הַמְּשֻׁמָּד לִגְנֹב וְלִנְאֹף. וְכִי אֵינָם רְאוּיִים לַעֲסֹק בַּתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה דּוֹאֵג כֵּיוָן שֶׁסִּפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע אַף חָכְמָתוֹ לֹא עָמְדָה לוֹ וְלֹא הֵגֵנָּה עָלָיו תּוֹרָתוֹ. וּמָה שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עֲבֵרָה מְכַבָּה מִצְוָה וְאֵין עֲבֵרָה מְכַבָּה תּוֹרָה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ו':כ"ג) כִּי נֵר מִצְוָה וְתוֹרָה אוֹר. עַל הָעוֹבֵר עֲבֵרָה דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה אָמְרוּ. וְלֹא עַל הַפּוֹרֵק עוֹל אַזְהָרַת הָעֲבֵרָה מֵעָלָיו.
And the fifth is that evil speech brings one involved with it to put his mouth to speaking wrongly about God - and as it is stated (Psalms 73:9), “They set their mouths against Heaven, and their tongues range over the earth.” And there is none among all of the sins the punishment for which reaches the punishment for flinging [accusations at God]. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15a), “Our ancestors tried the Holy One, Blessed be He with ten trials, but their sentence was sealed only due to the evil speech.” For it is stated (Numbers 14:28), “I will do to you just as you have urged Me, etc.”; and it is stated (Deuteronomy 1:34), “When the Lord heard your loud complaint, He was angry; and He vowed”; and it is stated (Malachi 2:17), “You have wearied the Lord with your talk.” And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 50:16-20), “And to the wicked, God said, ‘Who are you to recite My laws, and mouth the terms of My covenant. [...] When you see a thief, you fall in with him, etc. You devote your mouth to evil, and yoke your tongue to deceit. You are busy maligning your brother.’“ Behold you have learned from this that Torah [study] does not protect those involved with evil speech or one accustomed to steal or to engage in forbidden sexual relations; and that they are not fit to be involved with Torah. And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Sotah 21a) [that] because Doeg spoke evil speech, his wisdom did not stand him in. And that which our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said - “Sin extinguishes a commandment, but sin does not extinguish Torah, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:23), ‘For the commandment is a lamp, and the Torah is a light’” - they said about someone who sins by chance, and not about one who removes the yoke of the warning of a sin from upon him.
וְהִתְבּוֹנֵן כַּמָּה יִגְדַּל עֲוֹן בְּנֵי אָדָם הַמְסַפְּרִים לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. הַמְעַט מֵהֶם עֲוֹנָם הַגָּדוֹל כִּי יִכְלְאוּ שִׂפְתֵיהֶם וְחָשְׂכוּ לְשׁוֹנָם מִדַּבֵּר בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה. כִּי עוֹד הַשְׁחֵת יַשְׁחִיתוּן לְדַבֵּר בְּלָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְאָמַר דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (תהילים קי"ט:כ"ג) גַּם יָשְׁבוּ שָׂרִים בִּי נִדְבָּרוּ עַבְדְּךָ יָשִׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּיךָ. פֵּרוּשׁ – הֵם בְּטֵלִים מִלָּשִׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּיךָ וּמְדַבְּרִים לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וְנִדְבָּרִים בִּי. בְּעוֹד אֲשֶׁר אָשִׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּיךָ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ מַרְפֵּא לָשׁוֹן הָרַע לְהִנָּצֵל מִמֶּנּוּ, שֶׁיַּעֲסֹק אָדָם בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט"ו:ד') מַרְפֵּא לָשׁוֹן עֵץ חַיִּים. וְזֶהוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהילים ל"ט:ב') אֶשְׁמְרָה לְפִי מַחְסוֹם וְגוֹ' פֵּרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כִּי הַמַּחְסוֹם הוּא הָעֵסֶק בַּתּוֹרָה. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כְּנֶסֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּקוֹלָהּ אֲהוּבָה וּבְקוֹלָהּ שְׂנוּאָה. בְּקוֹלָהּ אֲהוּבָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שיר השירים ב':י"ד) הַשְׁמִיעִינִי אֶת קוֹלֵךְ כִּי קוֹלֵךְ עָרֵב. וּבְקוֹלָהּ שְׂנוּאָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ירמיה י"ב:ח') נָתְנָה עָלַי בְּקוֹלָהּ עַל כֵּן שְׂנֵאתִיהָ. וְזֶהוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי י"ח:כ"א) מָוֶת וְחַיִּים בְּיַד לָשׁוֹן וְאֹהֲבֶיהָ יֹאכַל פִּרְיָהּ. פֵּרוּשׁ וְאוֹהֲבֶיהָ יֹאכַל פִּרְיָהּ וְאוֹהֵב לָשׁוֹן וְהוּא הָאִישׁ הֶחָפֵץ לְדַבֵּר תָּמִיד. הָעֵצָה הַנְּכוֹנָה אֵלָיו שֶׁיֹּאכַל פִּרְיָהּ שֶׁלֹּא יְדַבֵּר בְּדִבְרֵי בַּטָּלָה. אַךְ בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה וְחָכְמָה וּמוּסָר וַהֲבָאַת שָׁלוֹם בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ. לְהַצְדִּיק הָרַבִּים וּלְשַׁבֵּחַ הַטּוֹב וּלְגַנּוֹת אֶת הָרַע וּלְקַנֵּא אֶל הָאֱמֶת. כִּי זְכֻיּוֹת אֵין קֵץ יוּכַל לִקְנוֹת לְנַפְשׁוֹ בִּלְשׁוֹנוֹ. וְכַאֲשֶׁר הִקְדִּים כִּי חַיִּים בַּלָּשׁוֹן.
And consider how great is the sin of a man who speaks evil speech: Is their sin that they have sealed their lips and quieted their tongues from speaking words of Torah not big enough for them; that they surely [use them to] destroy with evil speech? And King David, peace be upon him, said (Psalms 119:23), “Though princes meet and speak against me, Your servant speaks out Your laws.” The explanation is that they are still from speaking out Your laws and speak evil speech and speak against me, while I am still speaking out Your laws. And our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15a) [that] the cure for evil speech - to save oneself from it - is to be involved with the Torah; as its stated (Proverbs 15:4), “A healing tongue is a tree of life,“ And this is [the meaning of] what is stated (Psalms 39:2), “I would keep my mouth muzzled, etc.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 39) that the muzzle is involvement with Torah. And our Rabbis said (Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 721), “The Congregation of Israel is beloved by her voice and hated by her voice: She is beloved by her voice, as it is stated (Song of Songs 2:14), ‘let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet.’ And she is hated by her voice, as it is stated (Jeremiah 12:8), ‘she raised her voice against Me; therefore I have hated her.’” And this is [the meaning of] what is stated (Proverbs 18:21), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.” And its explanation is: “Those who love it will eat its fruit” - and one who loves the tongue, and that is a man that always wants to talk, for him the proper counsel is that he should, “eat its fruit.” That is, he should not speak idle words but rather words of Torah, wisdom and ethics and the bringing of peace between a man and his fellow; justify the [actions of] the masses; praise the good; disparage the evil; and be zealous about the truth. For there is no end to the merits that he can acquire for himself with his tongue. And [it is] as we discussed earlier, that life is in the tongue.
וְהִנֵּה כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. נֶחֱלָק לְשִׁשָּׁה חֲלָקִים: הַחֵלֶק הָרִאשׁוֹן – כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתֵּן מוּם בָּאָדָם וְהַמּוּם לֹא יִהְיֶה בּוֹ. פְּעָמִים כִּי תַּחַת יֹפִי. יִתֵּן דֹּפִי. וְהִנֵּה זֶה לִבּוֹ יִקְפֹּץ פִּיו מִדַּת [יקבץ און ממדת] שְׁתֵּי הַכִּתּוֹת הָרָעוֹת. שֶׁהֵם כַּת שַׁקָּרִים וְכַת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. וְהִנֵּה הֻזְהַרְנוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא לְקַבֵּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע אוּלַי הִנֵּה הוּא שָׁוְא וּדְבַר כָּזָב. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"ג:א') לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי י"ז:ד') מֵרַע מַקְשִׁיב עַל שְׂפַת אָוֶן שֶׁקֶר מֵזִין עַל לְשׁוֹן הַוֹּת. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – שְׁתֵּי כִּתּוֹת מְקַבְּלוֹת לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. הָאַחַת – אִישׁ מֵרַע וּבַעַל זָדוֹן. מִלְּשׁוֹן (ישעיה ט':ט"ז) כִּי כֻלּוֹ חָנֵף וּמֵרַע. כִּי הוּא חוֹשֵׁד בִּכְשֵׁרִים. וְאוֹהֵב לִמְצֹא פְּגָם וְאָשָׁם עַל חֲבֵרוֹ וְקָלוֹן עַל כְּבוֹדוֹ. וְהָיָה כְּשָׁמְעוֹ כִּי יַגִּיד עָלָיו רֵעוֹ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. זְדוֹן לִבּוֹ הִשִּׁיאוֹ לְהַאֲמִין כִּי הַדְּבָרִים כֵּנִים. וְהַכַּת הַשֵּׁנִית – אִישׁ שֶׁקֶר. גַּם הוּא מַאֲזִין וּמַאֲמִין עַל לְשׁוֹן הַוּוֹת. כִּי אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר לֹא יִרְחַק מִדְּבַר שֶׁקֶר. לֹא יָחוּשׁ אִם תְּקַבֵּל נַפְשׁוֹ כָּזָב. וְאִם תִּשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא. עַל כֵּן יְמַהֵר לְקַבֵּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. שֶׁקֶר מֵזִין. כְּמוֹ אִישׁ שֶׁקֶר. וְכֵן (ירמיה ט':ה') שִׁבְתְּךָ בְּתוֹךְ מִרְמָה. בְּתוֹךְ אַנְשֵׁי מִרְמָה. (תהילים ק"ט:ד') וַאֲנִי תְּפִלָּה. אִישׁ תְּפִלָּה.
And behold this group of slanderers is divided into six sections:
And the first section: When he attributes a blemish to a person and [that person] does not have the blemish. There are times that he will lie against beauty. And behold the heart of this one (has his mouth jump the trait of) [gathers the evil of the traits of] two bad groups - which are the group of the liers and the group of the slanderers. And behold we have been warned by the Torah not to accept evil speech - perhaps it is empty or a false matter - as it is stated (Exodus 23:1), “You must not carry false rumors.” And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 17:4), “An evildoer listens to bad talk; a lie gives ear to malicious words.” Its explanation is - two groups accept evil speech: The first is is a violent evildoing man - from the usage [in] (Isaiah 9:16), “for all are ungodly and doing evil” - for he suspects the innocent, and loves to find a blemish and guilt about his fellow and a disgrace to his honor. And it will be that when he hears someone saying evil speech about his companion, the violence in his heart brings him to believe that the things are true. And the second group is [that of] the lying man. He also listens and believes malicious talk. Since he does not distance himself from false words, he will not be concerned if he accepts a lie, or if he listens to a false rumor. Hence he will be quick to accept evil speech. [The meaning of] “a lie gives ear,” is like a man of lies. And likewise (Jeremiah 9:5), “You dwell in the midst of deceit,” [means] in the midst of people of deceit; [and also] (Psalms 109:4), “and I am prayer,” [means] a man of prayer.
וְדַע כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר יוֹדֶה הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ עַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. אַחַת דָּתוֹ וּמְנָת מִדָּיו [מליצת הכתוב (בירמיה י"ג:כ"ה) גורלך ומנת מדיך] עִם הַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. כִּי יֹאמְרוּ אָמוֹר. הִנֵּה קִבְּלוּ הַשּׁוֹמְעִים אֶת הַדָּבָר. וְאוֹת הוּא כִּי הִנֵּה אֱמֶת הִנֵּה נָכוֹן. גַּם אִם הִטָּה אֹזֶן הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ וְהֶרְאָה אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ כְּמַקְשִׁיב קֶשֶׁב וּמַאֲמִין לַדְּבָרִים [ההם] בִּפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם. גַּם זֶה עוֹזֵר לְרָעָה. וְגוֹרֵם קָלוֹן לַחֲבֵרוֹ. וּמְחַזֵּק יְדֵי הַמֵּבִיא אֶת דִּבָּתוֹ רָעָה אֶל הַבְּרִיּוֹת. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"ה:כ"ג) רוּחַ צָפוֹן תְּחוֹלֵל גָּשֶׁם וּפָנִים נִזְעָמִים לְשׁוֹן סָתֶר. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – כַּאֲשֶׁר רוּחַ צָפוֹן תְּפַזֵּר הֶעָבִים וְתִמְנַע הַגֶּשֶׁם, כֵּן פָּנִים נִזְעָמִים יִמְנְעוּ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. כִּי בִּרְאוֹת הַמַּגִּיד אֶת פְּנֵי הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ וְהִנָּם זוֹעֲפִים. יֶחְדַּל קוֹל הֲמוֹן גֶּשֶׁם דְּבָרָיו. אֲבָל אִם יִרְאֶה כִּי הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ יִשְׁמַע לוֹ. יִשְׁתֶּה כְּמַיִם עַוְלָה. וְלֹא יַחֲשֹׂךְ פִּיו מִשְּׁקָרָיו. וְהָיָה כָזֶה יוֹם מָחָר. כִּי יִשְׁנֶה בְּאִוַּלְתּוֹ לְסַפֵּר תָּמִיד לְשׁוֹן שֶׁקֶר. וְשָׁב לְשׁוֹנוֹ אַחַר גֶּשֶׁם כְּזָבָיו. תְּחוֹלֵל מִלְּשׁוֹן חָלִילָה. וְכֵן (במדבר ל':ג') לֹא יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ, לֹא יִבְטַל. וְכֵן (בראשית ד':כ"ו) אָז הוּחַל לִקְרֹא. אָז נִמְנָע.
And know that when the listener concedes to the evil speech, his lot and measured portion (a scriptural expression [in Jeremiah 13:25], “This shall be your lot, your measured portion”) is with the one who speaks evil speech. For they will surely say, “See, the listeners accepted the thing, and that is a sign that the thing is really true. Even if the listener tilted [his] ear and made himself appear to be listening and believing these words in front of people, this also helps the evil, causes a disgrace to [the subject of the talk], and strengthens the hands of the one who brings his evil speech against people. And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 25:23), “A north wind tehollel rain, and a raging face, a hidden tongue.” Its explanation is, just like a north wind scatters the clouds and prevents the rain, so does a raging face stop evil speech. For when the speaker sees the face of the listener enraged, he will stop the voice of his raining words. But if he sees that the listener is listening to him, he will not stop his mouth from his lies; and tomorrow will be like today. For he will repeat his stupidity, to always speak false speech; and his tongue will follow the rain of his falsehoods. Tehollel is from the expression challilah (forbid or prevent). And likewise (Numbers 30:3), “he shall not annul (yechal) his word”; and also (Genesis 4:26), “it was then huchal to call,” [which means] it was then prevented.
עוֹד אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"ו:כ"ח) לְשׁוֹן שֶׁקֶר יִשְׂנָא דַכָּיו. פֵּרוּשׁ הָאִישׁ הֶעָנָיו וְדַכָּא וּשְׁפַל רוּחַ. יִשְׂנָא אֶת לְשׁוֹן שֶׁקֶר. לֹא יֹאבֶה לוֹ וְלֹא יִשְׁמַע אֵלָיו. כִּי הֶעָנָיו חָפֵץ בְּיֹקֶר הַבְּרִיּוֹת וְצַר לוֹ עַל בָּשְׁתָּם וּקְלוֹנָם. וָי"ו דַּכָּיו בִּמְקוֹם הֵ"א הַשֹּׁרֶשׁ. כְּוָי"ו עָנָיו. וְיֵשׁ מְפָרְשִׁים בַּעַל לָשׁוֹן שֶׁקֶר יִשְׂנָא מְדַכָּיו וּמוֹכִיחָיו. וְלֹא יוֹסִיף לְהָבִיא אֲלֵיהֶם דִּבַּת בְּנֵי אָדָם רָעָה. וְהִנֵּה הֻזְהַרְנוּ בַּמֶּה שֶׁכָּתוּב (שמות כ"ג:א') לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא. שֶׁלֹּא נַאֲמִין בְּלִבֵּנוּ סִפּוּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע לְהַחְזִיק בְּמַחְשַׁבְתֵּנוּ כִּי הַדְּבָרִים אֱמֶת. לְהַבְזוֹת בְּעֵינֵינוּ אֶת מִי שֶׁנֶּאֶמְרוּ עָלָיו.
King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 26:28), “A lying tongue does a dakav hate.” The explanation is that a humble, contrite and lowly person hates a lying tongue - he will not seek it nor listen to it. For a humble person desires people’s worth, and is pained by their embarrassment and disgrace. The [letter,] vav, is in place of a hay in the root, like the vav, in [the word,] anav. And some explain [the verse as,] someone with a lying tongue will hate those who make him contrite and reprimand him, so he will not bring them more evil slander against people. And behold we have been warned by that which is written (Exodus 23:1), “You must not carry false rumors,” not to believe in our hearts the telling of evil speech - to hold in our thoughts that the things are true, such as to demean in our eyes the one about whom it is spoken.
הַחֵלֶק הַשֵּׁנִי – הַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְיִרְחַק בּוֹ מִדְּבַר שֶׁקֶר. וְאֶל זֶה כִּוְּנוּ בְּאָמְרָם כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינָם מִן הַכַּת שֶׁל שַׁקָּרִים. וְהִנֵּה אִם יַזְכִּיר אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ בֵּינוֹ לְבֵין עַצְמוֹ מַעֲשֵׂה אֲבוֹתָיו הָרָעִים. הִנֵּה הוּא עוֹבֵר עַל מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז) לֹא תוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ. בְּאוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים דִּבֵּר הַכָּתוּב כְּמוֹ שֶׁהִקְדַּמְנוּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (יחזקאל י"ח:כ') בֵּן לֹא יִשָּׂא בַּעֲוֹן הָאָב. וְאִם יַכְלִימֵהוּ עַל מַעֲשֵׂה אֲבוֹתָיו בִּפְנֵי אֲחֵרִים. עַל זֶה אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי הַמַּלְבִּין פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ מִן הַיּוֹרְדִין לְגֵיהִנֹּם וְאֵינָן עוֹלִין. וְאִם יְסַפֵּר וְיוֹדִיעַ אֶת תּוֹעֲבוֹת אֲבוֹתָיו בִּפְנֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם שֶׁלֹּא בְּפָנָיו לְהַבְאִישׁ אֶת רֵיחוֹ. וּלְהַבְזוֹתוֹ בְּעֵינֵי בְּנֵי עַמּוֹ. עַל זֶה אָמְרוּ אֲשֶׁר כַּת מְסַפֶּרֶת לָשׁוֹן הָרַע אֵין מְקַבְּלִין פְּנֵי הַשְּׁכִינָה. וְכֵן אִם הָיָה בַּעַל תְּשׁוּבָה. וְהוּא מְסַפֵּר עָלָיו עֲוֹנוֹת רִאשׁוֹנִים.
The second section: The one who speaks evil speech, but distances himself from a false matter. And this is what they meant when they spoke of the group of slanderers, even though they are not from the group of liers. And behold, if someone mentions to his fellow - between the two of them - the bad deeds of his ancestors, he transgresses that which is written in the Torah (Leviticus 25:17), “A man may not abuse his countryman.” [For] the verse is speaking about verbal abuse, as we mentioned earlier. And it is stated (Ezekiel 18:20), “a child shall not bear the iniquity of a parent.” And if he embarrasses him in front of others about the deeds of his ancestors - about this our Rabbis said (Bava Metzia 58b) that one who whitens the face of his fellow in public is from those that descend to Gehinnom and never ascend [from it]. And if he speaks about and makes known the abominations of his forefathers in front of people - but not in front of him - about this they said, this is the group of slanderers that does not receive the Divine Presence. And likewise if [the one he spoke about] was a penitent, and he speaks about his earlier deeds.
וְדַע כִּי אִם יִרְאֶה אִישׁ כִּי עָבַר חֲבֵרוֹ עַל דְּבַר תּוֹרָה בַּסֵּתֶר. וְהוּא גִּלָּה עַל חַטֹּאתָיו עַל שַׁעַר בַּת רַבִּים. אָשֹׁם אָשַׁם עַל זֶה. כִּי אוּלַי הַחוֹטֵא הַהוּא שָׁב מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה. וִיגוֹנָיו בְּרַעְיוֹנָיו. וְלֵב יוֹדֵעַ מָרַּת נַפְשׁוֹ. וְלֹא נָכוֹן לְגַלּוֹתָם זוּלָתִי לְחָכָם צָנוּעַ. אֲשֶׁר לֹא יְסַפֵּר לְיֶתֶר הֶהָמוֹן. רַק הַרְחֵק יַרְחִיק מֵחֶבְרָתוֹ. עַד אֲשֶׁר יִוָּדַע אֵלָיו כִּי שָׁב מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה. וְאִם הַחוֹטֵא תַּלְמִיד חָכָם וְאִישׁ יְרֵא חֵטְא רָאוּי לַחְשֹׁב עָלָיו כִּי בֶּאֱמֶת עָשָׂה תְּשׁוּבָה. וְאִם יִתְקְפוֹ יִצְרוֹ פַּעַם אַחַת. נַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ אַחֲרֵי כֵן.
And know that if a man sees that his fellow has transgressed against an item in the Torah privately, and [the former] reveals his sins at the public gate, he will surely be guilty about this. For maybe that sinner repented from his evil way and his anguish [about it] is in his thoughts. And the heart knows the bitterness of his soul. So it is incorrect to reveal them, except to a discreet sage, who will not tell the rest of the masses. He will only distance himself from [the sinner’s] company until he knows that he has repented from his evil way. And if the sinner is a Torah scholar and a man who fears sin, it is fitting to think that he has [already] truly repented. And if his [evil] impulse attacked him once, his soul causes him bitterness [about it] afterwards.
וְהַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. שְׁתַּיִם הִנֵּה קוֹרְאוֹתָיו. הַנֶּזֶק וְהַבֹּשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר יִגְרֹם לַחֲבֵרוֹ. וּבְחִירָתוֹ לְחַיֵּב וּלְהַרְשִׁיעַ אֶת חֲבֵרָיו וְשִׂמְחָתוֹ לְאֵידָם. וְעַל צַד אֶחָד יִגְדַּל עֲוֹן הַמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע עַל דְּבַר אֱמֶת. מִן הַמְסַפֵּר עַל דְּבַר שֶׁקֶר. כִּי יַאֲמִין הָעָם בְּסַפְּרוֹ עַל חֲבֵרוֹ דְּבָרִים כֵּנִים. וְיַעֲלֶה בָּאְשׁוֹ לִפְנֵיהֶם. וְיִהְיֶה לָבוּז בְּעֵינֵיהֶם. אַחַר אֲשֶׁר נִחַם עַל רָעָתוֹ וְנִסְלַח לוֹ מֵחַטָּאתוֹ.
There are two things that the speaker of evil speech brings about: The damage and embarrassment that he causes his fellow; and his [own] decision to condemn and prosecute his fellows and his joy at their calamity. And from one angle, the iniquity of the one who speaks evil speech about something true is greater than one who speaks about something false. For the people will believe his saying true things about his fellow, and [that fellow] will go up in flames in front of them. So he will be disgraced in their eyes [even] after he regrets his evil and is forgiven for his sins.
וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי י"ד:ט'-י') אֱוִלִים יָלִיץ אָשָׁם וּבֵין יְשָׁרִים רָצוֹן. לֵב יוֹדֵעַ מָרַּת נַפְשׁוֹ וּבְשִׂמְחָתוֹ לֹא יִתְעָרַב זָר. פֵּרוּשׁ – הָאֱוִיל יָלִיץ חוֹבָה. כִּי יְחַפֵּשׂ מוּמֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם וְאַשְׁמָתָם וְיִתֵּן בָּהֶם דֹּפִי. וְלֹא יְדַבֵּר לְעוֹלָם בְּשֶׁבַח וְדָבָר טוֹב הַנִּמְצָא בָּם. וְהַמָּשָׁל עַל זֶה כִּי הַזְּבוּבִים לְעוֹלָם בָּאוּ וְנָחוּ כֻּלָּם עַל מְקוֹמוֹת הַלִּכְלוּךְ. וְאָמַר אֱוִילִים יָלִיץ לְשׁוֹן יָחִיד עַל כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד מִן הָאֱוִילִים. כְּמוֹ (בראשית מ"ט:כ"ב) בָּנוֹת צָעֲדָה עֲלֵי שׁוּר. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כָּל הַפָּסוּל פּוֹסֵל וְאֵינוֹ מְדַבֵּר בְּשִׁבְחוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם. וְדַרְכּוֹ לִפְסֹל בְּנֵי אָדָם בְּמוּמוֹ. וּבֵין יְשָׁרִים רָצוֹן. כִּי דֶּרֶךְ הַיְשָׁרִים לְכַסּוֹת עַל כָּל פְּשָׁעִים וּלְשַׁבֵּחַ הָאָדָם כִּי נִמְצָא בוֹ דָּבָר טוֹב. וְזָכְרוּ בַּמּוּסָר. כִּי אָדָם אֶחָד וְחָכָם עָבְרוּ עַל הַנְּבֵלָה. אָמַר הָאָדָם כַּמָּה מֻסְרַחַת נְבֵלָה זוֹ. אָמַר הֶחָכָם כַּמָּה לְבָנִים שִׁנֶּיהָ. וְאָמַר אַחֲרֵי זֶה לֵב יוֹדֵעַ מָרַּת נַפְשׁוֹ. וְכָל חָכָם יוֹדֵעַ כִּי לֹא הֵבִיא שְׁלֹמֹה בְּתוֹךְ הַמּוּסָרִים הַנִּבְחָרִים דְּבָרִים אֵין בָּם מוֹעִיל. אֲבָל בָּא הָעִנְיָן עַל דְּבַר הַפָּסוּק הָרִאשׁוֹן. לְהַגִּיד רָעַת הָאֱוִיל הַמֵּלִיץ אָשָׁם. כִּי יִתָּכֵן שֶׁהַחוֹטֵא שָׁב מִדַּרְכּוֹ. וְנַפְשׁוֹ מָרָה לוֹ. וְאֵין יוֹדֵעַ מָרַת נֶפֶשׁ הָאָדָם וְלֹא שִׂמְחָתוֹ זוּלָתוֹ. וְהוּא נְשׂוּא עָוֹן. כִּי עִקַּר הַתְּשׁוּבָה לְפִי מְרִירוּת הַלֵּב. עַל כֵּן יֶחֱטָא וְאָשֵׁם הָאֱוִיל הַמַּזְכִּיר עֲוֹנוֹ.
And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 14:9-10), “Fools will advocate guilt; among the upright, good will. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider can share in its joy.” Its explanation is - the fool advocates guilt, since he searches for the blemishes of people and their guilt. So he will attribute defects to them and never speak about their praise or about something good that is found with them. And the analogy for this is that flies always all land on dirty places. And his saying, “fools will advocate (literally, fools advocates),” in the singular is [to address] each and every one of the fools, like (in Genesis 49:22), “(literally) daughters treads on the wall.” And our Rabbis said (Kiddushin 70a), “Anyone who is of flawed lineage never speaks in praise of [others]. And [his way is to] disqualify them with his own flaw.” “Among the upright, good will” - for it is the way of the just to cover over transgressions, and to praise a man when a good thing is found with him. And they spoke in ethics about a [simple] man and a sage who were walking past a carcass. The [former] said, “That carcass is so rotten!” The sage said, “How white are its teeth!” And [Solomon] said after this, “The heart knows its own bitterness.” And every sage knows that Solomon did not bring words that are not useful among his chosen teachings (Proverbs). Rather the matter is coming with regard to the first verse - to say that the evil of the fool that advocates guilt is because it is probable that the sinner has repented from his way. And no one knows the bitterness of the soul of a person, and its joy, besides him. And that lifts up the sin, for the essentials of repentance are according to the bitterness of his soul. Therefore the fool that mentions his iniquity sins and is guilty.
וְעָלֶיךָ לָדַעַת כִּי עֹנֶשׁ הָאֱוִיל הַמֵּלִיץ אָשָׁם אֵינֶנּוּ זוּלָתִי כִּי יִתֵּן דֹּפִי בְּאִישׁ יְרֵא חֵטְא אֲשֶׁר יִתְקְפוֹ יִצְרוֹ וַיַּעֲבֹר וְאָשֵׁם. כִּי מִנְהָגוֹ וְדַרְכּוֹ לְהִתְחָרֵט עַל חֲטָאָיו. כָּל שֶׁכֵּן אִם נוֹדַע הַדָּבָר כִּי חָזַר בִּתְשׁוּבָה. אֲבָל הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר תֵּדַע וּבָחַנְתָּ אֶת דַּרְכּוֹ כִּי אֵין פַּחַד אֱלֹהִים לְנֶגֶד עֵינָיו, וְתָמִיד יִתְיַצֵּב עַל דֶּרֶךְ לֹא טוֹב. מִצְוָה לְסַפֵּר בִּגְנוּתוֹ וּלְגַלּוֹת עַל חַטֹּאתָיו. לְהַבְאִישׁ בַּעֲלֵי עֲבֵרוֹת בְּעֵינֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם. וּלְמַעַן תִּגְעַל נֶפֶשׁ הַשּׁוֹמְעִים אֶת הַמַּעֲשִׂים הָרָעִים. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ט:כ"ז) תּוֹעֲבַת צַדִּיקִים אִישׁ עָוֶל. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי ח':י"ג) יִרְאַת ה' שְׂנֹאת רָע. וְאָמְרוּ רָשָׁע בֶּן צַדִּיק מֻתָּר לִקְרוֹתוֹ רָשָׁע בֶּן רָשָׁע. צַדִּיק בֶּן רָשָׁע מֻתָּר לִקְרוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק בֶּן צַדִּיק. וְהִנֵּה כִּי תִרְאֶה אָדָם אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר דָּבָר אוֹ יַעֲשֶׂה מַעֲשֶׂה. וְיֵשׁ לִשְׁפֹּט דְּבָרוֹ וּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ לְצַד חוֹבָה וּלְצַד הַזְּכוּת. אִם הָאִישׁ הַהוּא יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים. נִתְחַיַּבְתָּ לָדוּן אוֹתוֹ לְכַף זְכוּת עַל דֶּרֶךְ אֱמֶת. גַּם כִּי יִהְיֶה הַדָּבָר קָרוֹב וְנוֹטֶה יוֹתֵר אֵצֶל הַדַּעַת לְכַף חוֹבָה. וְאִם הוּא מִן הַבֵּינוֹנִים אֲשֶׁר יִזָּהֲרוּ מִן הַחֵטְא וּפְעָמִים יִכָּשְׁלוּ בּוֹ. יֵשׁ עָלֶיךָ לְהַטּוֹת הַסָּפֵק וּלְהַכְרִיעוֹ לְכַף הַזְּכוּת. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה הַדָּן אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ לְכַף זְכוּת הַמָּקוֹם יְדִינֵהוּ לְכַף זְכוּת. וְהִיא מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה מִן הַתּוֹרָה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:ט"ו) בְּצֶדֶק תִּשְׁפֹּט עֲמִיתֶךָ. וְאִם הַדָּבָר נוֹטֶה לְכַף חוֹבָה יִהְיֶה הַדָּבָר אֶצְלְךָ כְּמוֹ סָפֵק. וְאַל תַּכְרִיעֵהוּ לְכַף חוֹבָה. וְאִם הָאִישׁ הַהוּא רֹב מַעֲשָׂיו לְרֹעַ אוֹ בְּחַנְתּוֹ כִּי אֵין יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים בִּלְבָבוֹ. תַּכְרִיעַ מַעֲשָׂיו וּדְבָרָיו לְכַף חוֹבָה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר מַשְׂכִּיל צַדִּיק לְבֵית רָשָׁע מְסַלֵּף רְשָׁעִים לָרָע. וּכְבָר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ פֵּרוּשׁוֹ.
And you must know that the punishment of the fool that advocates guilt is only when he attributes a defect in a man who fears sin, [and] whose [evil] impulse seized him and he sinned and was guilty - as his practice and way is to regret his sins. And all the more so if the matter that he repented is known. But [regarding] the man whose path you have examined and he has no fear of God in front of his eyes and is also stationed on the bad path - it is a commandment to speak in his disgrace and to reveal his sins, and to make the ones involved with sin foul in the eyes of people, so that the souls of the ones listening will be revolted from bad deeds. And it is stated (Proverbs 29:27), “The unjust man is an abomination to the righteous.” And it is [also] stated (Proverbs 8:13), “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.” And they said (Sanhedrin 52a), “It is permissible to call an evildoer who is the son of a righteous man, ‘an evildoer, son of an evildoer’; and it is permitted to call a righteous man who is the son of an evildoer, ‘a righteous man, son of a righteous man.’”
And behold when you see a man who is saying something or performing an act, and one can judge the thing as him being guilty or being innocent: If the man is one that fears God, you have been obligated to judge him favorably in truth - even if the thing is closer to, and makes more sense to be, understood unfavorably. And if he is from the [group] in-between, that are careful about sin, but sometimes stumble over it - you must incline the doubt towards judging favorably, as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 127b), “One who judges another favorably is himself judged favorably.” And it is a positive commandment from the Torah, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:15), “you shall judge your countryman justly (betsedek, which can also be understood as, favorably).” And if the matter leans towards guilt - let the matter be a doubt to you, and do not decide it unfavorably. But if most of that man’s actions are evil, or you have examined that he has no fear of God in his heart - judge his actions or his words unfavorably, as it is stated (Proverbs 21:12), “The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked man; he subverts the wicked to their ruin.” And we have already discussed its explanation.
וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ"ד:כ"ח-כ"ט) אַל תְּהִי עֵד חִנָּם בְּרֵעֶךָ וַהֲפִתִּיתָ בִּשְׂפָתֶיךָ. אַל תֹּאמַר כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לִי כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה לּוֹ אָשִׁיב לָאִישׁ כְּפָעֳלוֹ. פֵּרוּשׁ – לֹא הֻצְרַךְ לְהַזְהִיר לֵאמֹר – אַל תְּהִי עֵד שֶׁקֶר, אֲבָל אָמַר – אַל תְּהִי עֵד חִנָּם. כִּי אִם נוֹקָשׁ רֵעֲךָ בְּחֵטְא אַל תָּעִיד עָלָיו וְאַל תְּגַלֶּה עַל חֶטְאוֹ חִנָּם לְלֹא תּוֹכַחַת. כִּי הַאֻמְנָם אִם גָּזַל הָאָדָם אוֹ עָשַׁק אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ חַיָּב לְהָעִיד עַל זֶה כְּדֵי שֶׁיָּשִׁיב הַגְּזֵלָה אֲשֶׁר גָּזַל. עַל פִּי שְׁנַיִם עֵדִים. וְאִם אֵין שָׁם זוּלָתִי עֵד אֶחָד. שְׁבוּעָה תִּהְיֶה בֵּין שְׁנֵיהֶם. אֲבָל אִם רָאָה כִּי נִכְשַׁל חֲבֵרוֹ בִּדְבַר עֶרְוָה אוֹ בְּאַחַת מִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת אֵין רָאוּי שֶׁיָּעִיד עַל זֶה חִנָּם רוֹצֶה לוֹמַר – לְלֹא תּוֹכַחַת. גַּם כִּי יֵשׁ אִתּוֹ עֵד שֵׁנִי לְהָקִים דָּבָר. וְאִם הַחוֹטֵא יְרֵא חֵטְא רָאוּי לוֹ לְדַבֵּר עַל לִבּוֹ. כִּי בֶּאֱמֶת עָשָׂה תְּשׁוּבָה. גַּם כִּי רָאוּי שֶׁיִּירָא לְנַפְשׁוֹ וְיֹאמַר בְּלִבּוֹ. אַחֲרֵי כִּי הָאִישׁ יְרֵא שָׁמַיִם. וְאוּלַי זְכֻיּוֹתָיו מְרֻבִּין מֵעֲוֹנֹתָיו. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר זְכוּיוֹתָיו מְרֻבִּים מֵעֲוֹנֹתָיו הִנֵּה הוּא מֵעֲדַת צַדִּיקִים. אָמְנָם אִם הַחוֹטֵא הוּא מִן הָאֱוִילִים אֲשֶׁר מִשְׁפָּטָם לִשְׁנוֹת בְּאִוַּלְתָּם. טוֹב כִּי יַגִּידוּ אֶל הַשּׁוֹפְטִים לְיַסְּרוֹ לְהַפְרִישׁוֹ מִן הָאִסּוּר. אֲבָל אִם הוּא עֵד אֶחָד. לֹא טוֹב הֱיוֹת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֹ מֵעִיד עַל חֲבֵרוֹ. כִּי עֵדוּתוֹ חִנָּם. לְפִי שֶׁאֵין סוֹמְכִין עָלָיו. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים י"ט:ט"ו) לֹא יָקוּם עֵד אֶחָד בְּאִישׁ לְכָל עָוֹן וּלְכָל חַטָּאת. לָכֵן מוֹצִיא שֵׁם רַע יֵחָשֵׁב. וּמִלַּת וַהֲפִתִּיתָ בְּשֶׁקֶל הֲסִבּוֹתָ. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר כִּי בִּשְׂפָתֶיךָ אַתָּה טוֹחֵן פָּנָיו [מלשון פתות אותה פתים] מֵרֹב כְּלִמָּתוֹ בְּגַלּוֹתְךָ מִסְתַּר עֲוֹנוֹ. וְאָמַר אַחֲרֵי כֵן אַל תֹּאמַר כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לִי כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה לּוֹ. כִּי אִם גִּלָּה עַל חֶטְאֲךָ. לֹא תִקֹּם וְלֹא תִטֹּר לַעֲשׂוֹת לוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לְךָ. וְזֶה מוּסָר נִכְבָּד וּמֵעִקְּרֵי הַיִּרְאָה. וְאִם הַחוֹטֵא אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ יָרֵא מִלִּפְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים. כְּמוֹ הַפּוֹרֵק מֵעָלָיו עֹל מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם. וְאֵינוֹ נִזְהָר מֵעֲבֵרָה אַחַת אֲשֶׁר כָּל שַׁעַר עַמּוֹ יוֹדֵעַ כִּי הִיא עֲבֵרָה. מֻתָּר לְהַכְלִימוֹ וּלְסַפֵּר בִּגְנוּתוֹ. כָּךְ אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (ויקרא כ"ה:י"ז) וְלֹא תוֹנוּ אִישׁ אֶת עֲמִיתוֹ. עַם שֶׁאִתְּךָ בַּתּוֹרָה וּבַמִּצְוֹת אַל תּוֹנֵהוּ בִּדְבָרִים. וַאֲשֶׁר לֹא שָׁת לִבּוֹ אֶל דְּבַר ה' מֻתָּר לְהַכְלִימוֹ בְּמַעֲלָלָיו וּלְהוֹדִיעַ תּוֹעֲבוֹתָיו וְלִשְׁפֹּךְ בּוּז עָלָיו. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ מְפַרְסְמִין אֶת הַחֲנֵפִים מִפְּנֵי חִלּוּל הַשֵּׁם. אֲבָל אִם נִכְשַׁל בְּחֵטְא עַל דֶּרֶךְ מִקְרֶה. וְרֹב הַיָּמִים דַּרְכּוֹ לְהִשְׁתַּמֵּר מֵעֲוֹנוֹ. אֵין לְגַלּוֹת עַל חֶטְאוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר בֵּאַרְנוּ. וְיִתָּכֵן לְפָרֵשׁ אַל תְּהִי עֵד חִנָּם בְּרֵעֶךָ. לְהָעִיד עָלָיו עַל עֲבֵרוֹת אֲשֶׁר גַּם אַתָּה חֻלֵּיתָ בָּהֶם כָּמוֹהוּ. עַל כֵּן יִקָּרֵא רֵעֵהוּ. וְיוֹרֶה עַל זֶה אוֹמְרוֹ אַחֲרֵי כֵן אַל תֹּאמַר כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לִי כֵּן אֶעֱשֶׂה לּוֹ. כִּי אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהִיא מִצְוָה לְפַרְסֵם אֶת הַחֲטָאִים בְּנַפְשׁוֹתָם וְאֶת הַחֲנֵפִים. אֲבָל הַחוֹטֵא. אִם לְאִישׁ כָּמוֹהוּ רִשְׁעוֹ וּלְבֶן אָדָם חַטֹּאתָיו. אֵין לְפַרְסְמוֹ. כִּי אֵין כַּוָּנָתוֹ בְּגַלּוֹתוֹ מִסְתָּרָיו לְטוֹבָה. כִּי אִם לִשְׂמֹחַ לְאֵיד. וְהַשֵּׁנִית כִּי אֵיךְ בּוֹשׁ לֹא יֵבוֹשׁ לְהַזְכִּיר עַל זוּלָתוֹ דֹּפִי הַמַּעֲשִׂים הָהֵם וְהוּא אוֹחֵז בָּהֶם. וְנֶאֱמַר (הושע א':ד') וּפָקַדְתִּי אֶת דְּמֵי יִזְרְעֶאל עַל בֵּית יֵהוּא. הִנֵּה כִּי כִּי אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁעָשָׂה מִצְוָה בְּהַכְרִיתוֹ בֵּית אַחְאָב. נָשָׂא עֲוֹנוֹ. כִּי גַּם הוּא הָיָה רַב פֶּשַׁע.
And King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 24:29-30), “Do not be a vain witness against your companion; would you mislead with your speech? Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me; I will pay the man like what he did.’” Its explanation is: It is not necessary to warn, saying, “Do not be a false witness”; but do say, “Do not be a vain witness.” For if your companion stumbles upon a sin, do not testify about it and do not reveal it in vain, without punishment. For while it is true that if a man stole or extorted his countryman, [a witness] is obligated to testify so that [if] there are two witnesses he will return the theft that he stole; and if there is only one witness, there will be an oath between them; but if he saw his fellow stumble in a matter of a sexual prohibition or one of the sins [that do not involve payment], it is not fitting that he should testify about this in vain - meaning to say without punishment - even if there is another witness with him to authenticate the matter. And if the sinner was someone who fears sin, it is fitting to speak to one’s heart, [to say] that he truly [already] repented. And also because he should fear to himself and say in his heart, “Since this man fears the Heavens, maybe His merits are more numerous than his iniquities; and our Rabbis said (Kiddushin 39a) that a man whose merits are more numerous than his iniquities is surely from the congregation of the righteous.” However if the sinner is from the fools - the way of which is to repeat their foolishness - it is good that they tell the judges, in order to chastise him and separate him from sin. However if he is one witness, it is not good for a man to be alone, testifying about his fellow. For his testimony is vain, since they cannot rely upon it, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 19:15), “A single witness may not validate against a person any guilt or sin.” And therefore he is considered a defamer. And the word, “mislead (fitita) is [in] a causative structure - it means to say that through your lips, you are grinding his face (from the usage [Leviticus 2:6], “You shall break it into bits.”) when you reveal his hidden iniquity. And after this, he said, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me.’” For if he revealed your sins, do not take vengeance or bear a grudge to do to him like what he did to you. [And this is a glorious teaching and from the essence of fear [of God].
But if the sinner is a man that does not fear in front of God - like someone who removes the yoke of the Heavenly kingdom, and is not careful about a commandment which all the rest of his people know is a sin - it is permissible to embarrass him and to speak about his disgrace. Thus did our Rabbis say (Baba Metzia 59a), “‘A man shall not oppress his countryman (amito)’ (Leviticus 25:17). [Meaning, from] his nation (amo) - one that is with you in [observance of] Torah and commandments - he shall you not mistreat. But [regarding] one who did not put his heart to the word of the Lord, it is permissible to embarrass him with his actions, make his abominations known and pour forth disgrace upon him. And they also said (Yoma 86b), “We publicize the hypocrites due to the desecration of [God’s] name.”
But if he stumbled on a sin by chance and it is his habit most of his days to be careful about iniquity, we should not reveal his sin - as we have explained. So it would [then] be possible to explain, “Do not be a vain witness against your companion” - to testify about sins with which you have also fallen sick, like him. Hence he is called his companion. And this is shown by its stating afterwards, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me.’” For even though it is a commandment to publicize the ones that sin to their core and the hypocrites; [in the case of] a sinner - if it is a man like him in his evil and [like other] people with his sins, we should not publicize [his sin]. For [the first one’s] intention to reveal his secrets will not be for the good, but rather to rejoice in his calamity. Secondly, how will he not be embarrassed to mention the defect of these actions in someone else, when he holds on to them [himself]? And it is stated (Hosea 1:4), “I will punish the House of Jehu for the bloody deeds at Jezreel”: Behold even though he did a commandment in cutting off the House of Ahab, [Jehu] bore his sin. For he was also full of transgression.
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי הַמֵּעִיד יְחִידִי עַל חֲבֵרוֹ בִּדְבַר עֲבֵרָה מַלְקִין אוֹתוֹ מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת אַךְ יוּכַל לְגַלּוֹת הַדָּבָר בְּהֶצְנֵעַ לְרַבּוֹ וּלְאִישׁ סוֹדוֹ. אִם יֵדַע כִּי יַאֲמִינוּ דְּבָרָיו כְּדִבְרֵי שְׁנֵי עֵדִים. וְאִם יֵשׁ עֵד שֵׁנִי עִמּוֹ יִשְׁמְעוּ הַשּׁוֹפְטִים דִּבְרֵיהֶם לְיַסֵּר הַחוֹטֵא בְּהֶצְנֵעַ וְלֹא יַלְבִּינוּ פָּנָיו בָּרַבִּים. כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז) הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת עֲמִיתֶךָ וְלֹא תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא.
And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 113b) that we give lashes for rebellion to the one who testifies by himself against his fellow about the matter of a sin. However he may reveal the matter privately to his teacher or to a man who keeps his secret, if he knows that they will believe his words like the words of two witnesses. And if there is a second witness with him, they should have the judges hear their words - in order to discipline the sinner privately, and not to whiten his face in public, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:17), “you shall surely reprimand your countryman and not bear sin because of him.”
וְדַע כִּי בִּדְבָרִים שֶׁבֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ כְּמוֹ גָּזֵל וְעֹשֶׁק וְנֶזֶק וְצַעַר וּבֹשֶׁת וְאוֹנָאַת דְּבָרִים יָכוֹל לְסַפֵּר הַדְּבָרִים לִבְנֵי אָדָם. גַּם הַיָּחִיד אֲשֶׁר יִרְאֶה יַגִּיד כְּדֵי לַעֲזֹר לַאֲשֶׁר אָשַׁם לוֹ וּלְקַנֵּא לָאֱמֶת. וְהִנֵּה אָמְרָה הַתּוֹרָה שֶׁיָּעִיד עֵד אֶחָד בְּבֵית דִּין עַל תְּבִיעַת מָמוֹן לְחַיֵּב אֶת הַנִּתְבָּע שְׁבוּעָה. אָמְנָם יֵשׁ עָלָיו לְהוֹכִיחַ אֶת הָאִישׁ תְּחִלָּה.
And know that regarding things between a man and his fellow - such as robbery, extortion, injury, pain, embarrassment and verbal abuse - one can tell the things to people. Even a single individual who saw [it] may speak, so as to help the person who was mistreated and to be zealous for the truth. And behold the Torah stated that a single witness should testify in court for a monetary claim, to obligate the defendant [to take] an oath. However he should first reprimand the man.
הַחֵלֶק הַשְּׁלִישִׁי – הוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל. וְהֻזְהַרְנוּ עַל זֶה מִן הַתּוֹרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא י"ט:ט"ז) לֹא תֵלֵךְ רָכִיל בְּעַמֶּךָ וְגַם זֶה נִקְרָא לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְהוּא בִּכְלַל כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כְּמוֹ שֶׁזָּכְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עַל דּוֹאֵג הָאֲדוֹמִי שֶׁהָיָה בַּעַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כִּי הִגִּיד לְשָׁאוּל וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ בָּא דָוִד אֶל בֵּית אֲחִימֶלֶךְ. וְנֶזֶק הָרְכִילוּת חָדַל לִסְפֹּר כִּי אֵין מִסְפָּר כִּי הוּא מַרְבֶּה שִׂנְאָה בָּעוֹלָם וּמַכְשִׁיל אֶת בְּנֵי אָדָם לַעֲבֹר עַל מָה שֶׁכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה (ויקרא י"ט:י"ז) לֹא תִשְׂנָא אֶת אָחִיךָ בִּלְבָבֶךָ. וְהִנֵּה הָעוֹלָם קַיָּם עַל הַשָּׁלוֹם וּמִפְּנֵי הַשִּׂנְאָה נְמֹגִים אֶרֶץ וְכָל יֹשְׁבֶיהָ כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ. וּפְעָמִים רַבּוֹת יִתֵּן הָרָכִיל חֶרֶב בְּיַד חֲבֵרוֹ לַהֲרֹג אֶת רֵעֵהוּ כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב (יחזקאל כ':כ"ד) אַנְשֵׁי רָכִיל הָיוּ בָךְ לְמַעַן שְׁפָךְ דָּם. וְנֶאֱמַר (ירמיה ו':כ"ח) כֻּלָּם סָרֵי סוֹרְרִים הֹלְכֵי רָכִיל נְחֹשֶׁת וּבַרְזֶל כֻּלָּם מַשְׁחִיתִים הֵמָּה. וְקָרְאוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ אֶת הָרְכִילוּת לָשׁוֹן שְׁלִישִׁי מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא הוֹרֵג שְׁלֹשָׁה. הָאוֹמְרוֹ וְהַמְּקַבְּלוֹ וּמִי שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר עָלָיו. כְּמוֹ שֶׁיָּדַעְתָּ מֵעִנְיַן דּוֹאֵג שֶׁנִּטְרַד בְּסִבַּת הָרְכִילוּת. וְנֶהֶרְגוּ הַכֹּהֲנִים. וְנֶעֱנַשׁ שָׁאוּל אֲשֶׁר קִבֵּל אֶת הָרְכִילוּת.
The third section: One who goes talebearing. And we were warned about this in the Torah, as it is stated (Leviticus 19:16), “You shall not go talebearing among your people.” And this is also called evil speech. And he is included in the group of slanderers - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, mentioned about Doeg the Edomite that he was involved in evil speech because he told Saul, and said to him that David came to the house of Ahimelech. And there is no counting the damage of talebearing: For it increases hatred in the world and makes people stumble on that which is written in the Torah (Leviticus 19:17), “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” And behold the world stands upon peace (Avot 1:18) - so due to hatred, the world deteriorates, as we have discussed earlier. And many times, the talebearer puts a sword in the hand of his fellow to kill his companion, as it is written (Ezekiel 22:9), “Talebearing men were in your midst, intent on shedding blood.” And it is [also] stated (Jeremiah 6:28), “They are copper and iron - they are all stubbornly defiant; they go talebearing; all of them act corruptly.” And our Rabbis (Arakhin 15b) called talebearing, “Third speech, because it kills three: The one who speaks it, the one who accepts it; and the one about whom it is said” - as you know from the matter of Doeg, such that he was banished [from the world to come] on account of the talebearing; the priests were killed; and Saul was punished for accepting the talebearing.
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה עַל עִנְיַן הָרְכִילוּת. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאָסוּר לְקַבְּלוֹ וְלִשְׂנֹא אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ בִּגְלָלוֹ. אֲבָל אַל יְהִי בָּז לַדָּבָר, אַךְ אֶת נַפְשׁוֹ יִשְׁמֹר וְיָחוּשׁ לַדְּבָרִים. וְאָמְרוּ זַ"ל דּוֹרוֹ שֶׁל שָׁאוּל הָיוּ בָּהֶם דֵּילָטוֹרִין כְּמוֹ דּוֹאֵג וְהַזִּיפִים וְעַל יְדֵי כֵּן הָיוּ יוֹרְדִין לַמִּלְחָמָה וְנוֹפְלִים. דּוֹרוֹ שֶׁל אַחְאָב לֹא הָיוּ בָּהֶם דֵּילָטוֹרִין כְּמוֹ שֶׁיָּדַעְתָּ מֵעִנְיַן הַנְּבִיאִים שֶׁהָיוּ מִתְחַבְּאִים מִפְּנֵי אִיזֶבֶל כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב (מלכים א י"ח:כ"ב) אֲנִי נוֹתַרְתִּי נָבִיא לַה' לְבַדִּי. וְעוֹבַדְיָה הֶחְבִּיא מֵהֶם מֵאָה נְבִיאִים וְלֹא גִּלָּה אָדָם כִּי יֵשׁ נָבִיא בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל זוּלָתִי אֵלִיָּהוּ. וְעַל יְדֵי כֵן הָיוּ יוֹרְדִין לַמִּלְחָמָה וְנוֹצְחִין אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהָיָה אַחְאָב עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה.
And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said about the matter of talebearing (Niddah 61a) [that] even though it is forbidden to accept it and hate one’s fellow as a result, yet one should not belittle the matter. Rather he should guard himself and be concerned about the matter. They, may their memory be blessed, said (Yerushalmi Peah 1:1) [that] the generation of Saul had informers like Doeg and the Ziphites. And as a result, they went to war and fell. [But] the generation of Ahab did not have informers - as you know from the matter of the prophets that hid from Jezebel, as it is written (I Kings 18:22), “I am the only prophet of the Lord left.” Yet Obadiah hid a hundred prophets, but no one revealed that there was a prophet besides Elijah. And as a result of this, they would go to war and be victorious - even though Ahab worshipped idolatry.
וְהַמְּסַכְסֵךְ אַחִים וְאוֹהֲבִים וּמֵבִיא שִׂנְאָה בֵּינֵיהֶם קָשֶׁה מִכָּל חֶלְקֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ו':י"ט) וּמְשַׁלֵּחַ מְדָנִים בֵּין אַחִים. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי הַשְּׁבִיעִית קָשָׁה מִכֻּלָּן כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְדַּמְנוּ לְךָ בְּשַׁעֲרֵי יִרְאַת חֵטְא.
And one who causes disputes between brothers and friends and brings hatred between them is the most severe of all the sections of slander, as it is stated (Proverbs 6:19), “and one who incites brothers to quarrel.” And our Rabbis said (Vayikra Rabbah 17:1), “The seventh is the most severe of all” (meaning the trait of inciting, etc. - which is the seventh of what it says above (Proverbs 6:16), “Six things the Lord hates; the seventh is an abomination to Him.”) - as we have mentioned to you before in the Gates of the Fear of Sin (no longer extant).
וְחַיָּב הָאָדָם לְהַסְתִּיר הַסּוֹד אֲשֶׁר יְגַלֶּה אֵלָיו חֲבֵרוֹ דֶּרֶךְ סֵתֶר אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בְּגִלּוּי הַסּוֹד הַהוּא עִנְיַן רְכִילוּת. כִּי יֵשׁ בְּגִלּוּי הַסּוֹד נֶזֶק לִבְעָלָיו וְסִבָּה לְהָפֵר מַחְשַׁבְתּוֹ כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ט"ו:כ"ב) הָפֵר מַחֲשָׁבוֹת בְּאֵין סוֹד. וְהַשֵּׁנִית כִּי מְגַלֶּה הַסּוֹד אַךְ יָצָא מִדֶּרֶךְ הַצְּנִיעוּת וְהִנֵּה הוּא מַעֲבִיר עַל דַּעַת בַּעַל הַסּוֹד. וְאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי כ':י"ט) גּוֹלֶה סּוֹד הוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – אִם תִּרְאֶה אִישׁ שֶׁאֵינֶנּוּ מוֹשֵׁל בְּרוּחוֹ לִשְׁמוֹר לְשׁוֹנוֹ מִגִּלּוּי הַסּוֹד, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בְּמַחְשׂוֹף הַסּוֹד הַהוּא עִנְיַן רְכִילוּת בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ. תְּבִיאֵהוּ הַמִּדָּה הַזֹּאת לִהְיוֹת הוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל שֶׁהוּא מֵאַרְבַּע כִּתּוֹת הָרָעוֹת אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר אֵין שְׂפָתָיו בִּרְשׁוּתוֹ לְשָׁמְרָן. עוֹד אָמַר (משלי י"א:י"ג) הוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל מְגַלֶּה סּוֹד. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – אַל תַּפְקִיד סוֹד לְמִי שֶׁהוֹלֵךְ רָכִיל. כִּי אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ שׁוֹמֵר שְׂפָתָיו מִן הָרְכִילוּת, אַל תִּבְטַח עָלָיו בְּהֶסְתֵּר סוֹדְךָ, אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁמָּסַרְתָּ דְּבָרֶיךָ בְּיָדוֹ דֶּרֶךְ סוֹד וְסֵתֶר. וְהֻזְהַרְנוּ מִן הַתּוֹרָה שֶׁלֹּא לְקַבֵּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כ"ג:א') לֹא תִשָּׂא שֵׁמַע שָׁוְא. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ט:י"ב) מֹשֵׁל מַקְשִׁיב עַל דְּבַר שָׁקֶר כָּל מְשָׁרְתָיו רְשָׁעִים. וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כַּאֲשֶׁר הַמּוֹשֵׁל מְקַבֵּל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וְדִבְרֵי רְכִילוּת יֵעָשׂוּ מְשָׁרְתָיו רְשָׁעִים וְהוֹלְכֵי רָכִיל לִמְצֹא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי אֲדוֹנֵיהֶם. וְהִנֵּה לְאֵלֶּה שְׁלֹשָׁה הַחֲלָקִים אֲשֶׁר זָכַרְנוּ כִּוְּנוּ בְּזָכְרָם זַ"ל כַּת מְסַפְּרֵי לָשׁוֹן הָרָע.
A man is obligated to hide a secret that is revealed to him confidentially by his fellow, even though there is no matter of talebearing involved in revealing that secret. For there is damage to the holder of the secret [simply] by its being revealed, and it [can cause him] to abort his plan - as it is stated (Proverbs 15:22), “Plans are aborted without a secret.” Secondly - because revealing a secret is even an aberration of the ways of modesty, as he surely violates the will of the holder of the secret. And King Solomon said (Proverbs 20:19), “He who gives away secrets is a talebearer.” He means to say, if you see a man who does not control his spirit, to guard his tongue from revealing a secret - even though there is no issue of talebearing between a man and his friend in revealing that secret - this trait will bring him to go talebearing, which is from the four bad groups, given that his lips are not in his control to guard. He also said (Proverbs 11:13), “A talebearer will reveal secrets.” He means to say, do not confide a secret to someone who goes talebearing. For since he does not guard his lips from talebearing, do not trust him to hide your secret, even though you have given your words over to him in private and in confidentiality. And we have been warned by the Torah not to accept evil speech, as it is stated, (Exodus 23:1), “Do not accept a vain report.” And it is stated (Proverbs 29:12), “A ruler who listens to lies, all his ministers will be evildoers.” And our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, explained (Midrash Tehillim 54) that when a ruler accepts evil speech and words of talebearing, his ministers will become evildoers and talebearers to find favor in the eyes of their master. And behold it is these three groups that we mentioned that they, may their memory be blessed, had in mind when they referred to the group of slanderers.
הַחֵלֶק הָרְבִיעִי – אֲבַק לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ רֹב הָעוֹלָם נִכְשָׁלִים בְּגָזֵל וּמִעוּטָם בַּעֲרָיוֹת וְכֻלָּם בַּאֲבַק לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְאָמְרוּ כִּי עִנְיַן אֲבַק לָשׁוֹן הָרַע כַּאֲשֶׁר יְסַבֵּב הָאָדָם בִּדְבָרָיו שֶׁיְּסַפְּרוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְאָמְרוּ – לְעוֹלָם אַל יְסַפֵּר אָדָם בְּטוֹבָתוֹ שֶׁל חֲבֵרוֹ שֶׁמִּתּוֹךְ טוֹבָתוֹ בָּא לִידֵי גְּנוּתוֹ. וְהִנֵּה אֲנַחְנוּ צְרִיכִים לְבָאֵר הַמַּאֲמָר הַזֶּה. כִּי יָדוּעַ הַדָּבָר כִּי מִן הַמִּדּוֹת הַנָּאוֹת לְסַפֵּר בְּשֶׁבַח הַחֲכָמִים וְהַצַּדִּיקִם כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ"ה:כ"ז) וְחֵקֶר כְּבוֹדָם כָּבוֹד. וְאָמְרוּ עַל הָאֱוִיל שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְדַבֵּר בְּשִׁבְחוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם. אֲבָל זֹאת תְּכוּנַת הָעִנְיָן הַזֶּה כִּי אֵין לְסַפֵּר בְּטוֹבַת הָאָדָם זוּלָתִי בַּד בְּבַד. רוֹצֶה לוֹמַר – כַּאֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר אִישׁ אֶל רֵעֵהוּ וְלֹא בִּקְהַל עַם וּבְמוֹשַׁב רַבִּים. עַד אֲשֶׁר יִוָּדַע אֵלָיו כִּי אֵין בַּמַּעֲמָד הַהוּא שׂוֹנֵא וּמְקַנֵּא לָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר טוֹב עָלָיו. וְאִם יַחְפֹּץ לְשַׁבֵּחַ אָדָם אֲשֶׁר כְּבָר הֻחְזַק לִבְנֵי עַמּוֹ וְנוֹדָע אֲשֶׁר הוּא אָדָם כָּשֵׁר, וְלֹא תִּמָּצֵא בּוֹ רָעָה וְאַשְׁמָה. גַּם עַל פְּנֵי שׂוֹנֵא וּמְקַנֵּא. יֵשׁ לְשַׁבְּחוֹ כִּי לֹא יוּכַל לְגַנּוֹתוֹ. וְאִם יְגַנֵּהוּ יֵדְעוּ הַכֹּל אֲשֶׁר פִּיו דִּבֵּר שָׁוְא וּתְהִי לְשׁוֹנוֹ מוֹקֵשׁ לְנַפְשׁוֹ.
And the fourth section: The dust of evil speech. Our Rabbis said (Bava Batra 165a), “Most of the world stumbles upon theft and a minority upon sexual prohibitions, but all of them [stumble upon] the dust of evil speech.” And they said that the content of the dust of evil speech is when a person causes people to speak evil speech due to his words. And they said (Bava Batra 164b), “A person should never speak favorably of his fellow, as out of his [praise] comes his disgrace.” And behold we need to explain this statement - for it is known that speaking the praises of the sages and the righteous is from the proper traits, as it is stated (Proverbs 25:27), “but it is honorable to peruse honor.” And it is said about a fool that he does not speak the praises of the world. Rather this is the nature of this matter, that one should only speak favorably of a man face to face. That is to say, when a man speaks to his companion - and not to the larger community and in an audience of the masses, unless he knows that there is no one in that grouping who is an enemy of that man whom he wants to praise or one who is jealous of him. And if he wants to praise a man who is already assumed by the people of his nation to be a proper man and no evil or guilt is found about him, he should be praised even in front of his enemy or one jealous - for they will not be able to disgrace him. And [even] if they do disgrace him, everyone will know that [such a man’s] mouth spoke in vain, such that his mouth will be a trap for himself.
עוֹד זָכְרוּ זַ"ל עַל עִנְיַן לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וְאָמְרוּ – הִנֵּה אִם שָׁאֲלָה אִשָּׁה מִשְּׁכֶנְתָּהּ לַחְתּוֹת אֵשׁ מִיָּקוּד. וַתַּעַן וַתֹּאמַר אַיֵּה אֵיפֹה גַּחֲלֵי אֵשׁ כִּי אִם בְּבֵית פְּלוֹנִי אֲשֶׁר תָּמִיד יִצְלֶה בָּשָׂר וְיֹאכַל. זֶה וְהַדּוֹמֶה לוֹ אֲבַק לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ז:י"ד) מְבָרֵךְ רֵעֵהוּ בְּקוֹל גָּדוֹל בַּבֹּקֶר הַשְׁכֵּם קְלָלָה תֵּחָשֵׁב לוֹ. וּפֵרְשׁוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ הַמִּקְרָא הַזֶּה עַל הַמְשַׁבֵּחַ אֶת חֲבֵרוֹ בְּשֶׁבַח הַבָּא לְיַד הֶפְסֵד. בְּעִנְיַן הָאוֹרֵחַ אֲשֶׁר יָצָא אֶל רְחוֹב הָעִיר וַיִּקְרָא בְּקוֹל גָּדוֹל וַיְסַפֵּר אֶת אֲשֶׁר גְּמָלוֹ בַּעַל הַבַּיִת טוֹבָה כִּי טָבַח טֶבַח וְהֵכִין לָאוֹרֵחַ הַבָּא אֵלָיו. וַיְהִי בְּהִשָּׁמַע דְּבַר הָאוֹרֵחַ יִתְלַקְּטוּ אֲנָשִׁים רֵיקִים וְיָסוּרוּ אֶל בֵּית בַּעַל הַבַּיִת. וְחַיָּב הָאָדָם לִשְׁמֹר פִּיו וּלְשׁוֹנוֹ שֶׁלֹּא יֵחָשֵׁד בִּדְבָרָיו וְאַל יִתְּנוּ אוֹתוֹ כִּמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְאִם יָבִיא עַצְמוֹ לִידֵי הַחֲשָׁד בָּזֶה. הִנֵּה הִשְׁחִית מוּסָרוֹ וְיֵחָשֵׁב לָאִישׁ הַזֶּה אֲבַק לָשׁוֹן הָרַע.
They, may their memory be blessed, also mentioned and said about the content of the dust of evil speech (Arakhin 15b) [that] if a woman asked her neighbor to [light a fire] from the hearth, and she answers and says, “Where else is a fire of coals except at so-and-so’s home, who is always roasting meat and eating” - this and what is similar to it is the dust of evil speech. And it is stated (Proverbs 27:14), “He who greets his fellow loudly early in the morning shall have it reckoned to him as a curse.” And our Rabbis explained (Arakhin 16a) this verse about someone who praises his fellow with a praise that brings a loss, to be about a guest who goes out to the town square and calls out in a loud voice and recounts how the householder did him good - since he [prepared] meat and made it for the guest that came to him. But it would be that when they hear the words of the guests, worthless people will assemble and turn aside to the home of the householder. And a person is obligated to guard his mouth and his tongue, such that he not be suspected about his words and that they not account him to be one involved in evil speech. And if he does bring such a suspicion about himself with this, he has surely destroyed his ethical [standing], and it will be considered the dust of evil speech for him.
וְעַתָּה הִשְׁתּוֹנֵן בְּכִלְיוֹתֶיךָ לַעֲמֹד עַל עִקַּר הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה. הִנֵּה הִקְדַּמְנוּ כִּי מֻתָּר לְסַפֵּר בִּגְנוּת הַחוֹטֵא עַל חָמָס אֲשֶׁר בְּכַפָּיו אִם נוֹדַע הַדָּבָר כִּי לֹא עָזַב דַּרְכּוֹ. כְּמוֹ הַגּוֹזֵל וְהַחוֹמֵס. אוֹ הַמַּזִּיק וְהַמֵּצִיק. אוֹ הַמַּלְבִּין פָּנִים וּמַבְאִישׁ וּמַחְפִּיר. וְהַמְּסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וְלֹא הֵשִׁיב אֶת הַגְּזֵלָה, וְלֹא שִׁלֵּם נִזְקוֹ, וְלֹא בִּקֵּשׁ פְּנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ לְהַעֲבִיר אֶת עֲוֹנוֹ. וְאָמְנָם הַמַּבִּיטִים דַּרְכָּם דַּבֵּר יְדַבְּרוּ בָּרִאשׁוֹנָה אֶת הַחוֹטֵא. אוּלַי יוּכְלוּ הוֹעִיל בְּדֶרֶךְ תּוֹכָחָה לַהֲשִׁיבוֹ מִדַּרְכּוֹ הָרָעָה. וְאִם מָאֵן יְמָאֵן אָז יוֹדִיעוּ לָרַבִּים אֶת דְּרָכָיו וּמַעֲלָלָיו. וְעַתָּה כַּאֲשֶׁר יִתְפֹּשׂ אָדָם עַל מַעֲשֵׂה חֲבֵרוֹ עַל דְּבַר אֲשֶׁר הֵזִיד עַל רֵעֵהוּ. וִיסַפֵּר מַעֲשֵׂהוּ לִבְנֵי אָדָם וִיגַלֶּה חוֹבַת הַחוֹטֵא וִיגַנֶּה מַעֲשֵׂהוּ מִטְּעָנוֹת רַבּוֹת. וְהִנֵּה יֵחָשֵׁד הַמְסַפֵּר בָּזֶה וְיִתְּנוּ אוֹתוֹ כִּמְסַפֵּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וְיֹאמְרוּ אָמוֹר. גַּם אִם אֱמֶת הָיָה הַדָּבָר הָיָה רָאוּי לִגְלוֹת אֹזֶן הַחוֹטֵא לַמּוּסָר בַּתְּחִלָּה. וְעַל דְּבַר אֲשֶׁר לֹא קִדֵּם לוֹ תּוֹכָחוֹת יַחְשְׁדֶנּוּ שׁוֹמְעוֹ לֵאמֹר. כִּי לֹא הָיָה אוֹמֵר כָּל אֵלֶּה בִּפְנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ וְכִי הוּא מַחֲנִיף לוֹ. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (הושע ד':ד') אַךְ אִישׁ אַל יָרֵב וְאַל יוֹכַח אִישׁ. וְנֶהֱנָה לְדָבָר בְּאַשְׁמַת הָעָם אֲשֶׁר בְּהַעֲווֹתָם יִשְׂמַח וּבִקְלוֹנָם יִתְכַּבֵּד שֶׁלֹּא בִּפְנֵיהֶם. וְדוֹמֶה לְבַעַל לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. וּבוֹ דָּבַק. מִן הָאָבָק. וְעוֹד יֹאמְרוּ בְּנֵי אָדָם אֵין הַדְּבָרִים כֵּנִים וּמִלִּבּוֹ הוּא בּוֹדְאָם. וְאִם לֹא אֵפוֹא מַדּוּעַ לֹא גִּלָּה עַל עֲוֹנוֹ בְּפָנָיו רִאשׁוֹנָה וְהֶעֱלִים מִמֶּנּוּ. עַל כֵּן אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כָּל דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יֵאָמֵר בִּפְנֵי בְּעָלָיו אֵין בּוֹ דֶּרֶךְ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי אִם הִקְדִּים לַחֲבֵרוֹ תּוֹכַחַת מְגֻלָּה עַל מַעֲשֵׂהוּ וְלֹא הִקְשִׁיב עַל דְּבָרָיו, אַחֲרֵי כֵן יוּכַל לְהוֹדִיעַ לִבְנֵי אָדָם אַשְׁמַת הָאִישׁ וְרֹעַ מוּסָרוֹ. וְאַל יֵחָשֵׁד כִּי יַחְפֹּץ לָתֵת דֹּפִי בַּחֲבֵרוֹ. וְכֵן אִם הַמְסַפֵּר מֻחְזָק לָרַבִּים כִּי לֹא יִשָּׂא פְנֵי אִישׁ וְאֶל אָדָם לֹא יְכַנֶּה. וְאֵת כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר שֶׁלֹּא בִּפְנֵי חֲבֵרוֹ. אוֹתוֹ יְדַבֵּר בְּפָנָיו וְלֹא יָגוּר מִפְּנֵי אִישׁ. וְהֻחְזַק גַּם כֵּן בְּתוֹךְ עַמּוֹ אֲשֶׁר לֹא יְדַבֵּר רַק אֱמֶת, אֵין לְחָשְׁדוֹ בְּדַבְּרוֹ עַל אַשְׁמַת אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ שֶׁלֹּא בְּפָנָיו. וְכֵן זָכְרוּ בְּדִבְרֵיהֶם זַ"ל עַל הָעִנְיָן הַזֶּה וְאָמְרוּ – אָמַר ר' יוֹסֵי מִיָּמַי לֹא אָמַרְתִּי דָּבָר וְחָזַרְתִּי לַאֲחוֹרַי. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – לֹא אָמַרְתִּי דָּבָר עַל אָדָם שֶׁלֹּא בְּפָנָיו וְכָבַשְׁתִּי אוֹתוֹ בִּהְיוֹתִי בְּפָנָיו. עוֹד אָמְרוּ כָּל דָּבָר אֲשֶׁר יֵאָמֵר בִּפְנֵי שְׁלֹשָׁה אֵין בּוֹ דֶּרֶךְ לָשׁוֹן הָרַע. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – אַחֲרֵי כִּי בְּרַבִּים הָיוּ עִמּוֹ בְּעֵת אֲשֶׁר סִפֵּר הַדְּבָרִים. אָכֵן נוֹדַע הַדָּבָר לַחֲבֵרוֹ וְהִנֵּה זֶה כְּאִלּוּ אָמַר הַדְּבָרִים בְּפָנָיו.
And contemplate this well to understand the principle of this matter: Behold we mentioned earlier that it is permissible to speak in disgrace of the sinner about the theft that is in his hands, if it is known that he has not left his path. For example, the robber and the extortionist, the damager and the harasser, the one who whitens the face [of another], the one who makes [others] fowl and shameful and the one who speaks evil speech - [if] he has not returned the theft, or payed for his damage or requested from his fellow to remove his iniquity (to forgive him). However those that see their ways must surely first speak to the sinner - perhaps they will be able to help by way of a reprimand to have him repent from his evil way. And if he surely refuses, they may then inform the public about his ways and deeds.
However a person can be blamed from the deed of his fellow that was wanton against his fellow, when he recounts his deeds to people and reveals the obligations of the sinner and disgraces his acts with various claims: Behold, the recounter will be suspected about this and they will think him one engaged in evil speech. And they will surely say, “Even if the thing was true, it would have been fitting to reveal it to the ear of the sinner as a reprimand first.” And his listeners will suspect him about his not giving him a reprimand first, saying that he would not have said all of this in front of [the sinner] and he is flattering him - like the matter that is stated (Hosea 4:4), “Let no man rebuke, let no man protest!” And [they will further say that] he enjoys speaking about the guilt of the people, the iniquity of which brings him joy and the disgrace of which brings him honor when it is not front of them; and he is similar to someone involved in evil speech and is clinging to its dust. And people will also say, “The things are not true and he made them up from his heart. And, however if not, why did he not reveal his iniquity in front of him first, but rather ignore him?” Hence our Rabbis said (Arakhin 15b), “Any statement that is said in the presence of its master (i.e., the subject of the statement) is not in the way of evil speech. It means to say that if he previously gave an open reprimand to his fellow about his deed, and [the latter] did not pay attention to his words - he may afterwards inform people of that man’s guilt and the evil of his conduct. And he will not be suspected of wanting to give his fellow a defect. And likewise if the teller is assumed by the public not to seek the favor of any man and not to bend to a man; and everything he would say not in front of his fellow, he would [also] say in front of him and not be frightened by any man; and he also be assumed among his people to only speak the truth - he is not to be suspected when he speaks about the guilt of his fellow not in front of him. And so did they mention in their words, may their memory be blessed, about this matter and say, “Rabbi Yose says, ‘From [all of] my days, I have never said a word and turned around behind me.’” He meant to say, “I have never said something about a person not in front of him, but suppressed it when I was in front of him.” They also said, “Anything that is said in front of three is not in the way of evil speech.” It means to say - since there were many [people] with him at the time that he told the thing, hence the thing will be known to his fellow. And behold it is as if he said the words in front of him.
הַחֵלֶק הַחֲמִישִׁי – נַבְלוּת הַפֶּה. אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה כָּל הַמְנַבֵּל אֶת פִּיו אֲפִלּוּ נִגְזַר עָלָיו גְּזַר דִּין שֶׁל שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה לְטוֹבָה נֶהְפָּךְ עָלָיו לְרָעָה. וְאָמַר יְשַׁעְיָה (ט':ט"ז) עַל כֵּן עַל בַּחוּרָיו לֹא יִשְׂמַח ה' וְאֶת יְתֹמָיו וְאֶת אַלְמְנֹתָיו לֹא יְרַחֵם, כִּי כֻלּוֹ חָנֵף וּמֵרַע, וְכָל פֶּה דֹּבֵר נְבָלָה, בְּכָל זֹאת לֹא שָׁב אַפּוֹ וְעוֹד יָדוֹ נְטוּיָה. וּבַעֲבוּר זֹאת הַמְנַבֵּל אֶת פִּיו כְּבַד עָוֹן וְנִתְעָב וְנֶאֱלָח. כִּי עָזַב וְהִנִּיחַ הַבּוּשָׁה וְהַצְּנִיעוּת שֶׁהֵם הַמִּדּוֹת הַיְּדוּעוֹת לְזֶרַע הַקֹּדֶשׁ. וְהָלַךְ עַל שְׁבִילֵי עַזּוּת פָּנִים שֶׁהִיא מִדַּת הַנְּבָלִים הָרָעִים. וְהַשֵּׁנִית – כִּי חִלֵּל אֶת קֹדֶשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ד':ו') וְאָמְרוּ רַק עַם חָכָם וְנָבוֹן הַגּוֹי הַגָּדוֹל הַזֶּה. וְזֶה נָהַג עַל דֶּרֶךְ הַסְּכָלִים הַנִּמְאָסִים הַמַּרְחִיקִים מִדֶּרֶךְ הַשֵּׂכֶל שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ יָפֶה אַף נָעִים. וְעָלָה בָּאְשָׁם וַתַּעַל צַחֲנָתָם וְכָל חָכָם וְנָבוֹן שַׁקֵּץ יְשַׁקְּצֵם וְתַעֵב יְתַעֲבֵם. וְהִנֵּה הוּא מְחַלֵּל כְּלִי הַשֵּׂכֶל אֲשֶׁר הוּא יָקָר מִכָּל כְּלִי חֶמְדָּה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי כ':ט"ו) וּכְלִי יְקָר שִׂפְתֵי דָעַת. וְהַשּׁוֹמֵעַ דְּבַר נַבְלוּת הַפֶּה עָנְשׁוֹ גָּדוֹל כִּי לֹא יֶאֱטֹם אָזְנוֹ וְלֹא יִבָּדֵל מִתּוֹךְ דּוֹבְרֵי נְבָלָה. וְעָלָיו נֶאֱמַר (משלי כ"ב:י"ד) שׁוּחָה עֲמֻקָּה פִּי זָרוֹת [זעום ה' יפול שם].
And the fifth section: Vulgar speech. Our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, said (Shabbat 33a), “Anyone who speaks vulgarly - even if he was sealed for a decree of seventy years of good, it will be reversed to bad.” And Isaiah said (Isaiah 9:16), “That is why my Lord will not spare their youths, nor show compassion to their orphans and widows; for all are ungodly and wicked, and every mouth speaks vulgarity.” And on account of this, one who speaks vulgarly has a heavy iniquity and is ungodly and wicked. For he has abandoned and left shame and modesty, which are the famous traits of the holy seed (of Israel); and went to the paths of brazenness - which is the trait of the evil boors. Secondly - because he has profanced the Holy One of Israel, as it is stated (Deuteronomy 4:6), “and they will say, ‘Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.’” But this one acted like the disgusting foolish ones that are distanced from the ways of the intellect, which is completely beautiful and also pleasant. And their foulness rises and their stink goes up, so every sage and understanding person surely despises and surely abominates them. And behold, he is profaning the tool of the intellect which is more precious than any beloved tool - as it is stated (Proverbs 20:15), “but wise speech is a precious tool.” And the punishment of one who listens to vulgar speech is great, since he does not seal his ear and does not separate from the words of vulgarity. And about him is it said (Proverbs 22:14), “The mouth of a forbidden woman is a deep pit; [He who is doomed by the Lord falls into it].”
וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (פסחים ג.) לְעוֹלָם אַל יוֹצִיא אָדָם דָּבָר מְגֻנֶּה מִפִּיו שֶׁהֲרֵי עִקֵּם הַכָּתוּב שְׁמֹנֶה אוֹתִיּוֹת וְלֹא הוֹצִיא דָּבָר מְגֻנֶּה מִפִּיו שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית ז':ח') וּמִן הַבְּהֵמָה אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנָּה טְהֹרָה. כִּי בָּעֵת הַהִיא הָיְתָה בְּהֵמָה הַטְּמֵאָה מֻתֶּרֶת בַּאֲכִילָה אַךְ לֹא הָיְתָה טְהוֹרָה לְקָרְבָּן. עַל כֵּן נֶחְשָׁב לָשׁוֹן מְגֻנֶּה אִם יְגַנֶּה אָדָם הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר הֵם לְמַאֲכַל אָדָם. וְהִנֵּה חַיָּב הָאָדָם לְהִזָּהֵר שֶׁלֹּא יוֹצִיא מִפִּיו דָּבָר מְגֻנֶּה. גַּם כִּי יְבִיאֶנּוּ הַנָּחָתוֹ לָשׁוֹן מְגֻנֶּה לְהַאֲרִיךְ דְּבָרָיו וּלְהַרְחִיב מַאֲמָרָיו. וְזֶה כְּמוֹ גָּדֵר לְהִזָּהֵר מִנַּבְלוּת הַפֶּה שֶׁהוּא מִן הָעֲבֵרוֹת הַחֲמוּרוֹת. וְגַם גָּדֵר לְהִזָּהֵר מִסִּפּוּר לָשׁוֹן הָרַע וּנְתִינַת דֹּפִי בַּבְּרִיּוֹת. כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה (בבא בתרא קכג.) עַל הַרְחָקַת הַדִּבּוּר בִּגְנוּת, אֲפִלּוּ בִּגְנוּת בְּהֵמָה טְמֵאָה לֹא דִּבֵּר הַכָּתוּב. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ (פסחים ג:) כִּי אֶחָד מִן הַכֹּהֲנִים אָמְרוּ לִפְנֵי רַבָּן יוֹחָנָן בֶּן זַכַּאי הִגִּיעַ לְחֶלְקִי מִלֶּחֶם הַפָּנִים כְּשִׁעוּר זְנַב הַלְּטָאָה וּבָדְקוּ אַחֲרָיו וּמָצְאוּ בּוֹ שֶׁמֶץ פְּסוּל. וְעוֹד אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ כִּי חַיָּב הָאָדָם לִבְחֹר בִּדְבָרָיו לְשׁוֹן כָּבוֹד וּלְהַנִּיחַ לָשׁוֹן שֶׁאֵינוֹ שֶׁל כָּבוֹד גַּם כִּי אֵינָהּ מְגֻנָּה. בֵּין בְּדִבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה וּבֵין בְּשִׂיחַת עִסְקֵי הָעוֹלָם. וּבִלְבַד שֶׁלֹּא יַאֲרִיךְ דְּבָרָיו בַּעֲבוּר זֶה בְּדַבְּרוֹ בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה. כִּי חַיָּב הָאָדָם לִשְׁנוֹת לְתַלְמִידָיו דֶּרֶךְ קְצָרָה. וְעִנְיַן לְשׁוֹן כָּבוֹד הוּא דֶּרֶךְ הַדִּבּוּר וְהַשִּׁיחָה אֲשֶׁר דָּרְכוּ בָּהּ נְקִיֵּי הַדַּעַת וּמְדַבְּרֵי צָחוֹת. וְהֵם שׁוֹקְלִים וּמַכִּירִים אֵי זֶה לְשׁוֹן כָּבוֹד וְאֵי זֶה תְּמוּרָתוֹ כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (איוב ט"ו:ה') וְתִבְחַר לְשׁוֹן עֲרוּמִים וְנֶאֱמַר (איוב ל"ג:ג') וְדַעַת שְׂפָתַי בָּרוּר מִלֵּלוּ. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י':כ') כֶּסֶף נִבְחָר לְשׁוֹן צַדִּיק.
And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 3a), “A person should never put out a disgraceful matter from his mouth; as a verse was distorted by eight letters rather than have it put out a disgraceful matter, as it is stated (Genesis 7:8), ‘From the pure animals and from the animals that are not pure.’” For at that time, the impure animals were permissible to eat but not pure for a sacrifice. Hence it is considered a disgraceful expression if one disgraces things that are for human food. And see that a man must be careful not to put out a disgraceful matter from his mouth - even if by his leaving it, it will bring him to speak at length and add to his statements. And it is like a fence to be careful from vulgar speech - which is one of the weighty sins. And [it is] also a fence from speaking evil speech and the placing of defects upon the creatures - as our Rabbis, may their memory be blessed, have said about the distancing of [disgraceful] speech (Bava Batra 123a), “The verse did not even speak in disgrace of impure animals.” And our Rabbis said (Pesachim 3b) that one of the priests said in front of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, “I received [for] my portion, the size of a lizard’s tail.” They investigated his background, and they found a trace of disqualification about him.
And our Rabbis also said (Pesachim 3a) that a person must choose an honorable phrase [instead of using] a dishonorable phrase - even if it is not disgraceful - whether it is in words of Torah or in speaking about matters of the world. And this is so long as he does not speak at length for its sake when speaking words of Torah. For a person is obligated to teach his students in a terse fashion. And the matter of honorable phrases is the path of words and speech that was tread upon by those of clean intellect and those that speak with clarity. And they weigh and know which phrase is honorable and which is its opposite, as it is stated (Job 15:5), “And you choose the language of the crafty.” And it is stated (Job 33:3), “and that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.” And it is stated (Proverbs 1:20), “The tongue of a righteous man is choice silver.”
הַחֵלֶק הַשִּׁשִּׁי – נִרְגָּן. אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי י"ח:ח') דִּבְרֵי נִרְגָּן כְּמִתְלַהֲמִים וְהֵם יָרְדוּ חַדְרֵי בָטֶן. פֵּרוּשׁוֹ – הַנִּרְגָּן הוּא הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר דַּרְכּוֹ וְחֻקּוֹ לְהִתְאוֹנֵן וּלְהִתְרַעֵם וְיִמְצָא תְּנוּעוֹת [תְּנוּאוֹת] עַל חֲבֵרוֹ תָּמִיד עַל מַעֲשָׂיו וְעַל דְּבָרָיו. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁחֲבֵרוֹ בְּתֻמּוֹ מִתְהַלֵּךְ עִמּוֹ וְלֹא זָד עָלָיו בְּדָבָר. וְיָדוּן כָּל דָּבָר לְחוֹבָה וְלֹא לִזְכוּת וְכָל שְׁגָגָה יָשִׂים לְזָדוֹן. וְהִנֵּה יִתֵּן עַצְמוֹ כְּמוֹ עָשׁוּק וְהָלוּם וּכְאִלּוּ כָּבֵד חַטַּאת חֲבֵרוֹ עָלָיו. וְהוּא הַמַּכֶּה וְהַהוֹלֵם כִּי דְּבָרָיו יוֹרְדִים חַדְרֵי בָטֶן. כִּי מִי שֶׁיָּלִין תְּלוּנוֹת עַל חֲבֵרוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר לֹא נְגָעוֹ וְכַאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה עִמּוֹ רַק טוֹב זֶה סַעַר מִתְחוֹלֵל עַל הַלֵּב. וְהִנֵּה הוּא כְּיוֹרֶה זִקִּים יוֹרְדִים חַדְרֵי בָטֶן. מִלַּת כְּמִתְלַהֲמִים [הפוכה] כְּמוֹ מִתְהַלְּמִים עַל דֶּרֶךְ שִׂמְלָה שַׂלְמָה מִלְּשׁוֹן (משלי כ"ג:ל"ה) הֲלָמוּנִי בַּל יָדָעְתִּי. וּכְאִלּוּ אָמַר דִּבְרֵי נִרְגָּן כְּמִתְהַלֵּם. וְאָמְרוֹ מִתְלַהֲמִים לְשׁוֹן רַבִּים כִּי נִרְגָּן כּוֹלֵל הַנִּרְגָּנִים. כְּמוֹ (ירמיהו י"א:ט"ו) וּבְשַׂר קֹדֶשׁ יַעַבְרוּ מֵעָלָיִךְ. (ישעיהו מ"ה:ח') וְיִפְרוּ יֶשַׁע. עוֹד אָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה הַמֶּלֶךְ עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם (משלי ט"ז:כ"ח) וְנִרְגָּן מַפְרִיד אַלּוּף. רְצוֹנוֹ לוֹמַר – כִּי יַפְרִיד מֵעָלָיו אוֹהֵב וָרֵעַ כִּי לֹא יוּכְלוּן שְׂאֵת חֶבְרָתוֹ. וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ אַל תַּרְבֶּה בְּתַרְעֹמֶת שֶׁלֹּא תָּבֹא לִידֵי חֵטְא. וּפְעָמִים רַבּוֹת הַנִּרְגָּן כְּפוּי טוֹבָה גַּם יַחְשְׁבֶהָ לְרָעָה וְיָשִׁיב רָעָה תַּחַת טוֹבָה. וְנֶאֱמַר (משלי י"ז:י"ג) מֵשִׁיב רָעָה תַּחַת טוֹבָה לֹא תָמוּשׁ רָעָה מִבֵּיתוֹ. וּפְעָמִים יַחְשֹׁב עַל חַסְדֵי ה' כִּי הֵם לְנָקָם וְשִׁלֵּם. כָּעִנְיָן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים א':כ"ז) וַתֵּרָגְנוּ בְאָהֳלֵיכֶם וַתֹּאמְרוּ בְּשִׂנְאַת ה' אֹתָנוּ הוֹצִיאָנוּ וְגוֹ'. עַל כֵּן הִתְרַחֵק מִדֶּרֶךְ הַנִּרְגָּנִים כִּי נְתִיבוֹתֵיהֶם עִקְּשׁוּ לָהֶם. כֹּל דֹּרֵךְ בָּהּ לֹא יָדַע שָׁלוֹם. וְלָדוּן לְכַף זְכוּת לַמֵּד לְשׁוֹנְךָ. וְהָיָה צֶדֶק אֵזוֹר מָתְנֶיךָ.
And the sixth section: The complainer - King Solomon, peace be upon him, said (Proverbs 18:8), “The words of the complainer are like mitlahamim; and they enter the innards of one’s belly.” Its explanation is that a complainer is a man whose way and whose nature is to always complain, get angry and find (movements) [pretexts] about this fellow, regarding his actions and his words - even though his fellow is innocent towards him, and did him no harm in anything. And he judges everything unfavorably, and not favorably; and anything inadvertent he makes volitional. And he surely makes himself like the oppressed and beaten, and as if the sin of his fellow is heavy upon him; whereas he is the hitter and the beater, as his words “enter the innards of one’s belly.” For the one who places complaints in front of his fellow when he did not touch him and only did good to him brings a storm to the heart. And behold he is like one who throws darts that “enter the innards of one’s belly.” The word mitlahamim is [spelled] inverted, [and is as if it were] mithalmim (they are beating); [and like the inversion of] simlah [and] salmah. And it is like the usage (in Proverbs 23:35), “they beat me (halamuni), but I was unaware.” And it is as if he was saying, “It is like the words of the complainer, they are beating me.” And his saying, “They are beating,” in the plural, is because the complainer includes [all] complainers - like (in Jeremiah 11:15), “the sacral flesh will pass away from you” (which is in singular, but refers to the many); [and] (Isaiah 45:8), “triumph sprout.”
King Solomon, peace be upon him, also said (Proverbs 16:28), “and a complainer separates his friend.” He means to say that he separates his friend and his companion from himself, as they cannot endure his friendship. And our Rabbis said (Derekh Eretz Zuta 9), “Do not proliferate complaints, so that you will not come to sin.” And many times, the complainer will be ungrateful for the good and will even consider it bad, so he will return the good with bad. And it is stated (Proverbs 17:13), “He who repays good with evil will not have evil leave his home.” And sometimes he will think about God’s kindnesses, that they are for vengeance and retribution - like that matter that is stated, (Deuteronomy 1:27), “You sulked in your tents and said, ‘It is because the Lord hates us that He brought us out, etc.’” Hence, distance yourself from the path of the complainers, for they have twisted their paths - anyone who walks in it will not know peace. Rather teach your tongue to judge favorably, and justice will be the girdle of your loins.