Talmud zu Mischlej 22:17

BARAITHA. Be like a split bottle which does not⁷¹The negative is doubtful. For the reading cf. DEZ I, p. 567, n. 8. The thought is that the student of Torah must keep his mind open to receive instruction. The ‘bottle’ mentioned here is made of skin which is liable to crack. open and let in the air, like a deep garden-bed which retains its waters,⁷²This and the following images point to the necessity of a retentive memory. like a jar daubed with pitch which retains its wine, and like a sponge which absorbs all.
GEMARA. What is meant by ‘all’? As it is written, Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,⁷³Prov. 22, 17, the word My being interpreted as referring to God. and it continues, And apply thy heart unto My knowledge. It is not stated ‘unto their knowledge’ but unto My knowledge. Even if the wise sin and do what is unseemly, act not like them but in accordance with My knowledge.⁷⁴Cf. Ḥag. 15b (Sonc. ed., p. 97). [53a]