Ponderings of the Perkei Avot Chapter 4:16

RaYBaSH’s Ponderings of the Perkei Avot

Chapter 4:16

By: Yehudah ben Shomeyr

“Rabbi Yehudah said: Be meticulous in study, for a careless 

misinterpretation is considered tantamount to willful transgression."

No one likes being lied to whether by commission or omission and no one 

likes to be mislead whether intentionally or unintentionally. 

In so doing one could get seriously hurt by their actions taken in 

ignorance and yet on the supposed good word of someone.

I have been in situations where this has happened to me and I have also 

been on the other end where I would have to publicly correct something 

I have previously taught. We are all connected my actions effect you and 

visa versa.

“A misinterpretation is judged so harshly only if it was due to the 

student’s failure to apply himself according to his capacity. 

A sincere mistake is regarded as an unintentional error.” 

– Perkei Avot Commentary

The Scriptures tell us that a teacher is held more accountable:

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive 

the greater condemnation. 

Messiah warns us of being blind and teaching:

Matt. 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. 

And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Shalom,

-- Yehudah ben Shomeyr