Today’s Pillows on Avos comes from Pirkei Avot 5:22 Whosoever possesses these three qualities belongs to the disciples of Abraham our father: a generous eye, a humble spirit, and a meek soul. But he who possesses the three opposite qualities--an evil eye, a proud spirit, and a haughty soul--is of the disciples of Balaam the wicked. How do the disciples of Abraham differ from the disciples of Balaam? The disciples of Abraham enjoy this world and inherit the world to come, as it is written (Proverbs 8:21) "Endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries." The disciples of Balaam inherit Gehenna and go down to the pit of destruction, as it is written (Psalm 55:23) "But you, O G-d, will cast them down into the lowest pit; the bloodthirsty and treacherous shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you." The Rambam wrote that the three traits attributed to Abraham can be explained as one who is exceedingly humble and one who is satisfied with what they have, no matter how limited it might be, and doesn’t let their instinctual desires lead them. The opposite of these traits are found in the wicked. Obviously today there are no disciples of Abraham or Balaam. The two leaders have long since passed as have all of their students. But the Rambam wrote that while they and their students might’ve passed on their teachings and personal examples have not. We look to our ancestors and historical figures not as mere teachers but as personal exemplars of the lessons they taught. We strive not to be like Abraham, nor avoid being a Balaam, but we strive to lead our lives according to the teachings of Abraham and avoid the lifestyle of Balaam. In this way we perfect ourselves and become models for those around us.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:08:33 +0000
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