Ponderings of the Perkei Avot 3:11-13

RaYBaSH’s Ponderings of the Perkei Avot

Chapter 3:11-13

By: Yehudah ben Shomeyr

“Rabbi Chanina the son of Dosa would say: One whose fear of sin takes precedence to his wisdom, his wisdom endures. But one whose wisdom takes precedence to his fear of sin, his wisdom does not endure.

He would also say: One whose deeds exceed his wisdom, his wisdom endures. But one whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, his wisdom does not endure.

He would also say: One who is pleasing to his fellow men, is pleasing to God. But one who is not pleasing to his fellow men, is not pleasing to God.”

In other words, Use it or loose it and practice what you preach.


Prov. 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Luke 2:52 And Jesus (Yeshua) increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Prov. 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

The key is to Hear, Fear and Obey the Torah. This is the key to life and peace. For unless a government or a people are evil, even if they are not Jews, their laws reflect the Torah and so if one is Torah observant, one will automatically please man when they obey God.

Shalom,

-- Yehudah ben Shomeyr