© 2006 by Robert Lepor. All rights reserved.
From [the following teaching] we are able to understand of our great laxity in [learning] Torah and [performance of] mitzvos, in our many sins. For it is self-evident that everyone constantly sets his thoughts in matters [involving] his dealings and commerce, [in order] to enhance and enlarge [his business. The owner of the business] will also eliminate any source of potential loss [to his business]. No person with intelligence would come to imagine that he would personally inflict damage on [the] transactions and business from which he financially sustains himself. However, [concerning] matters of the desired objective[1], the complete converse [of the business outlook] is true. For it is not sufficient that our [evil] inclination has strengthened itself over us every single day [in order] to increase inadvertent and rebellious sins, [for] we even provide rationale and [bring up] issues that lead to deleterious effects on the [small] remnant of Torah [study] and prayer of which we are currently in possession.
HaShem should move our eyes from focusing on vanity, and [bring] us to [achieve] merit, [attaining] the recognition of the great value of the holiness of The Torah. By [understanding that the Torah is truly that which is important], our souls will be healed and the words of [The Torah] will become sweeter than honey in our mouths, as it is written, “It is more pleasant than gold and an abundance of pure gold and [it is] sweeter than honey [and the sweetness of honeycomb].[2]” (Tehillim: 19; 11)
[1] The “desired objective” refers to Torah learning and following The Torah by performing its mitzvos, thus greatly assisting one to successfully achieve their goal and purpose in this world, that being to fear HaShem and follow the mitzvos, as Shlomo advised at the end of Sefer Koheles (12; 13). By doing so, the individual will not only improve himself and otherwise benefit in this world, but will benefit in The World to Come.
[2] Once one understands concerning the great superiority of Torah over one’s business dealings, much of his focus will shift from improving one’s business to spending time becoming better acquainted with The Torah and following the mitzvos. King David is telling us in the above verse quoted from Tehillim, that one’s desire should be in The Torah to the extent that he should find it sweeter than honey and more pleasant than gold. The three prior pesukim (Tehillim: 19: 8 – 10) mention the following six types of Torah teachings and commandments, the explanation of which is based on the MaLBI”M (119; 1):
1) Torah – Refers to the Torah of HaShem. The Torah teaches one truth, knowledge, proper character traits and teaches how one should behave in life.
2) Mitzvos – Include all of the Torah’s commandments.
3) Chukim – Mitzvos that have no reason known to man.
4) Mishpatim – The commandments between man and his fellow.
5) Edus – That which is related in The Torah that testifies to the greatness of HaShem and His control over the universe.
6) Pikudim – The commandments that one is commanded in order to remember specific matters.
According to Metzudas David, one who desires Torah and its mitzvos will realize that nothing compares to the value and greatness inherent in The Torah, for Torah is “more pleasant for the person than is gold… and it is sweeter for him than is honey…” (Tehillim: 19; 11)
RaDa”K explains that the intelligent people will desire Torah and wisdom more than valuables such as gold and gems, for physical wealth exists only in this world and carries the possibility of being lost or stolen. However, Torah exists both in this world and The World to Come and cannot be stolen. It is sweeter than honey and honeycomb for eating such food has temporary benefits. If one consumes too much food there can be negative repercussions. In contrast, the benefits of Torah learning are eternal and one who increases in their acquisition of wisdom brings increased benefit to himself for eternity.
HaShem should move our eyes from focusing on vanity, and [bring] us to [achieve] merit, [attaining] the recognition of the great value of the holiness of The Torah. By [understanding that the Torah is truly that which is important], our souls will be healed and the words of [The Torah] will become sweeter than honey in our mouths, as it is written, “It is more pleasant than gold and an abundance of pure gold and [it is] sweeter than honey [and the sweetness of honeycomb].[2]” (Tehillim: 19; 11)
[1] The “desired objective” refers to Torah learning and following The Torah by performing its mitzvos, thus greatly assisting one to successfully achieve their goal and purpose in this world, that being to fear HaShem and follow the mitzvos, as Shlomo advised at the end of Sefer Koheles (12; 13). By doing so, the individual will not only improve himself and otherwise benefit in this world, but will benefit in The World to Come.
[2] Once one understands concerning the great superiority of Torah over one’s business dealings, much of his focus will shift from improving one’s business to spending time becoming better acquainted with The Torah and following the mitzvos. King David is telling us in the above verse quoted from Tehillim, that one’s desire should be in The Torah to the extent that he should find it sweeter than honey and more pleasant than gold. The three prior pesukim (Tehillim: 19: 8 – 10) mention the following six types of Torah teachings and commandments, the explanation of which is based on the MaLBI”M (119; 1):
1) Torah – Refers to the Torah of HaShem. The Torah teaches one truth, knowledge, proper character traits and teaches how one should behave in life.
2) Mitzvos – Include all of the Torah’s commandments.
3) Chukim – Mitzvos that have no reason known to man.
4) Mishpatim – The commandments between man and his fellow.
5) Edus – That which is related in The Torah that testifies to the greatness of HaShem and His control over the universe.
6) Pikudim – The commandments that one is commanded in order to remember specific matters.
According to Metzudas David, one who desires Torah and its mitzvos will realize that nothing compares to the value and greatness inherent in The Torah, for Torah is “more pleasant for the person than is gold… and it is sweeter for him than is honey…” (Tehillim: 19; 11)
RaDa”K explains that the intelligent people will desire Torah and wisdom more than valuables such as gold and gems, for physical wealth exists only in this world and carries the possibility of being lost or stolen. However, Torah exists both in this world and The World to Come and cannot be stolen. It is sweeter than honey and honeycomb for eating such food has temporary benefits. If one consumes too much food there can be negative repercussions. In contrast, the benefits of Torah learning are eternal and one who increases in their acquisition of wisdom brings increased benefit to himself for eternity.
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