Musar zu Mischlej 1:5

Seeing that the list of virtues which the Torah tries to teach us both in this portion and in all other portions is very lengthy, I am not able to record more than a tiny fraction of them in my comments on this as well as on the other פרשיות. The reader will no doubt apply to himself the verse from Proverbs 1,5: ישמע חכם ויוסף לקח, "The wise man will hear and increase learning."

But how wondrous was this teacher's virtue and dedication, that he taught for free, even more so, [to resort to] giving him a reward in order that he desired to learn. Indeed, the real worker finds in this place the main purpose for his efforts, work and discernment. For it says about those who desire [to learn], “The wise will hear wisdom and desire to add more ” (Mishlei 1:5), he will be driven by his desire to chase, to achieve and to understand. But the one who strays, when he is insistent of his own thoughts, and does not recognize his deficiencies, or, if it is too hard for him to separate [from his way], [then] if the worker leaves him, it is possible [for him] to descend to the deepest depths where there is no cure for his ailment. Therefore, only one certified in his dedicated service will approach him in conversation, until he recognizes what is before him, until he sees the area [in which] he has made a mistake, until he achieves an inclination of truth, and until he allows himself to clarify to the point of seeking truth all the days of his life. And not to be categorized among so many who merely begin [the path, but do not finish it], but to be of the group that stays strong until completion. Therefore, the moment he adjusts himself to this goal, his merit will be exceedingly great until “You will decree and it will be fulfilled” (Iyov: 22;28).

Behold, up till now I have encompassed many details of the particulars of Cleanliness. What has been stated should serve as an example to all of the other Mitzvot and Traits, "let the wise man hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain counsel" (Mishlei 1:5).

We have also labored and selected from the words of Chazal, with the help of the Blessed L-rd, various stratagems and counsels on how to rescue oneself (from the mouth of the yetzer) from this transgression of the sin of the tongue. Perhaps through these everyone will see to it to become wise in this area and to overcome his yetzer and remove from himself all of the hindrances that keep him from this holy trait of guarding the tongue. For this reason we have called the second gate of this part "The Gate of Understanding," as per (Mishlei 1:5): "And the understanding one will acquire stratagems." I have also explained in this gate many other holy traits which are also essential for the conduct of "the man who wants life." Through them it will be easier for him to arrive at the gate of guarding the tongue. All of this we have explained in the first two gates of this part.

We have explained the main divisions of humility. Their particulars are like all other such matters which expand and branch out depending on the times, places, and circumstances - "let the wise man hear and increase understanding" (Mishlei 1:5).

Therefore he whose eyes are on his head (Kohelet 2:14), should be more watchful to scrutinize the deeds of someone who he wishes to acquire as a friend, advisor, or workers over his household than he is watchful to scrutinize his food and drink. For his food and drink can only damage his body while his friends and workers can destroy his soul, belongings and all of his honor. King David peace be unto him said: "He will not dwell within my house, he who practices deceit. He who follows the way of the innocent, he will serve me" (Tehilim 101:6-7).

But I spoke a bit on each of the particulars of the Beraitha which I based this book on. This may serve as a start and beginning to expand study in these matters. For their ways have been revealed and their paths opened to our eyes so that we may walk in them on the straight path. On such matters it is written: "Let the wise man hear and increase learning. The understanding man shall acquire wise counsels" (Mishlei 1:5), and "if one comes to purify himself, he is helped" (Shabbat 104a), and "for the L-rd gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" (Mishlei 2:6), so that every man may straighten his ways before his Creator.