Love and Righteousness: From Judaism’s The Talmud, Part 1 of 2

Today we are delighted to present selections from the Tract Derech Eretz-Zuta in the Talmud on the importance of love and humbleness.

“The qualities of the sages are modesty, meekness, eagerness, courage, bearing wrongs done to them, and being endeared to everyone; submission to the members of their household, fear of sin, and judging everyone according to his deeds. Their thought concerning this world is: All that is in this world is of no importance to me, for this world is not mine.”

“One shall always be like an airbag that is open to receive the air, and as a deep excavation which preserves the water therein contained, and as a sponge that absorbs everything. Be as the lower threshold that all tread upon and as a nail in the wall that is within the reach of everyone to hang his clothes on. If you have sustained a loss of your property, remember that Job lost his property, children, and health. Be careful about all that you see with your eyes, for the principal deception is by the eye. Be careful with your teeth (with your meals), that you should not eat too much.”

“If others say something bad about thee, though it be of a serious nature, treat it as insignificant. But, on the other hand, if thou say something bad about others, though it be insignificant, thou should regard it as serious and have no rest until thou beg pardon. Let your behavior be good, for this is a praise for the Torah.”

“Love the law, and respect it; love all creatures, and respect them. Subject your will to the will of others. But ignore your will, and even the will of others, for the will of Heaven.”

“Let all thy ways be for the sake of Heaven. Love Heaven, and at the same time rejoice over, all commandments.”

“Do everything for the sake of the Creator, and talk of thy deeds in the same sense. Do not make thy merits as a crown to be glorified by it, and not as a hatchet to cleave with it, nor a spade to dig with it.”

“Accept the words of law, even when you are in affliction. Do not seek to wrong him who wronged you. Let thy accounts always be correct and thy conduct excellent. Keep thy promise. Love the law, righteousness, rebukes, and straightforwardness.”