Midras Amsal 3:16: Ein Yaakov (Glick Edition), Midrash Tehillim, Shir HaShirim Rabbah & Bamidbar Rabbah

R. Isaac said: "He who desires to become a scholar shall recite his prayer facing due south; and he who desires to become rich shall pray due north; and a sign for this [can be taken the fact] that the golden table was placed in the north [of the Tabernacle] and the candelabrum, which gives light (wisdom) — on the south." R. Joshua b. Levi, however, said: "One shall always recite his prayers facing due south, for when wisdom increased one becomes, also rich; as it is said (Prov. 3, 16) Length of days in her right hand: in her left are riches and honor." But did not R. Joshua b. Levi say that the Shechina is in the west? He also means that one should stand turning sideways, as to face both sides. R. Chanina said to R. Ashi: "Ye who are located to the north of Palestine must recite your prayers facing due south, [in order to face Jerusalem]." And whence do we know that Babylon was situated to the north of Palestine? (Jer. 1, 14) Out of the north shall the evil break forth," etc.

Another explanation of the inheritance: That which the verse says (Proverbs 8:21), "To cause those who love me to inherit substance." Rabbi Chanina said, "The Torah says (Proverbs 3:16), 'In her left hand, riches and honor, and in her right hand, length of days.' And for the poor." And the Holy Spirit responds and says, "To cause those who love me to inherit substance." Why are they poor in this world? So that they should not occupy themselves with frivolous matters and forget the Torah. And so it says (Proverbs 8:22), "The Lord acquired me as the beginning of His way."

(Fol. 63a) R. Cahana said: "When I was about eighteen years old, I was well versed in the whole Talmud, and did not know until now that a (Biblical) passage cannot be taken out of its literal sense." What does he intend to inform us by this statement? That a man must first study the whole Torah and then reason upon it.R. Jeremiah in the name of R. Elazar said: "The Holy One, praised be He! will cause to prosper two scholars who [argue the law in order to] sharpen each other's mind in the law, as is said (Ps. 45, 45.) And thy majesty. Do not read it Vehadarcha (majesty) but read it Vechadadcha (thy sharpness). Moreover they will rise to distinction, for it is said further (Ib. ib.) Be prosperous ride long. One might say that this would be the case even if one studies the Torah, not for its own sake; therefore the passage says further (Ib. ib. 5) For the cause of truth. One might say that this would include, even those who become arrogant and proud. It says further (Ib. ib. ib.) And meekness and righteousness. And if they do so, they will be privileged to [the clear knowledge of] the Torah. which was given with the right hand [of God], as it is stated (Ib. ib. ib.) And fearful things shall thy right hand teach. R. Nachman b. Isaac said. "They will be privileged to the things which were said [to be in the possession of] the right hand of the Torah; for Raba b. Shila, and according to some, R. Joseph b. Chama in the name of R. Shesheth said: "What is meant by that which is written (Pr. 3, 16.) Length of days is in her right hand; in her left are riches and honor. Is it possible that in her right hand is only length of days and not riches and honor? But it is intended thus: for those who study the Torah in the right way (for her sake) there is longevity and as a matter of course riches and honor, but for those who study the Torah in the wrong way (for their own sake) riches and honor may be given to them but not longevity.'" R. Jeremiah in the name of R. Simon b. Lakish said: "The Holy One, praised be He, hearken to two scholars who quietly discourse an Halacha (Law) between themselves, as it is said (Mal. 3, 10.) Then conversed (nidbcru) they that feared the Lord, one with the other, etc., and Dibbur applies to a modest conversation, for it is said (Ps. (47, 4.) He will lead (Yadber) people under us." What means And for those who thought of His name (Mal. 3, 10)? R. Ami said: "When one only intended to fulfill a commandment, but was accidentally prevented and could not accomplish it, the Scripture credits him as if he had actually observed it." R. Chanina b. Ide said: "Whoever executes a divine command as it has been ordained, will not be the recipient of bad tidings, for it is said (Ecc. 8, 5.) Whose keepeth the commandments will experience no evil things." R. Assi, or, as some say, R. Chanina, said: "Even if the Holy One, praised be He! has already decreed an evil dispensation [against such a man], He will annul it; as it is said (Ib. ib. 4.) Because the words of a king are powerful, and who may say unto Him 'What doest thou do?' And after it follows: Whoso keepeth the commandment will experience no evil thing." R. Abba in the name of R. Simon b. Lakish said: "The Holy One, praised be He! hearkeneth to the voices of two scholars who patiently listen to each other in discussions of the Halacha (Law), as it is said (Songs 8, 13.) Thou that dwelleth in the gardens, thy companions listen for thy voice; Oh, let me hear it. But if they do not do so, they will cause the Shechina to depart from Israel, as it is said (Ib. ib. 14.) Flee away my friend." etc. R. Abba in name of R. Simon b. Lakish said: "Two scholars who discuss the Halacha (Law) with modesty will deserve the love of the Holy One, praised be He! as it is said (Ib. 2, 4.) And His banner of love is waving over me," Raba said: This implies only when they possess some knowledge of the law and also when there is no teacher in the town from whom to learn."'