ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף איוב 28:20

First Reason—The subject itself is difficult, subtle and profound, “Far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out?” (Eccles. 7:24). The following words of Job may be applied to it: “Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:20). Instruction should not begin with abstruse and difficult subjects. In one of the similes contained in the Bible, wisdom is compared to water, and amongst other interpretations given by our Sages of this simile, occurs the following: He who can swim may bring up pearls from the depth of the sea, he who is unable to swim will be drowned, therefore only such persons as have had proper instruction should expose themselves to the risk.