Musar for Numbers 6:11

One who follows this course is called a "sinner", for lo it is said of a Nazarite: "and make expiation on his behalf for the guilt that he has incurred through the corpse" (Numbers 6:11). The Sages said, "If one who denies himself only wine is called a sinner how much more he who denies himself all pleasure" (Ta'anith 11a). The Sages said, "Is it not enough for you that the Torah has forbidden that you wish to forbid yourself other things?" (T.P. Nedarim 9:1). And on this subject and similar ones, Solomon said, "Be not righteous overmuch: neither make thyself overwise; why shouldest thou destroy thyself?" (Eccl. 7:16).

וכפר עליו מאשר חטא על הנפש . Rashi says on this verse (6,11), that this procedure was necessary in the event the Nazirite had inadvertently defiled himself with a corpse. Rabbi Eliezer Hakappor says that the atonement was necessary because the Nazirite had caused himself unnecessary pain by vowing not to drink wine, something that the Torah had permitted him to do. Many people who read this statement by Rabbi Eliezer Hakappor use it as an excuse to indulge in wine, quoting the great scholar Rabbi Eliezer in support of their lifestyle. As a result, they are liable to die in a state of sinful befuddlement. I believe therefore that it is in order for me to clarify this matter in order to open the door to repentance.