1)

What do we learn from "Ekev Anavah Yir'as Hashem"?

1.

Yerushalmi (Shabbos 1:3): What Chachmah made a crown for its head ("Reishis Chachmah Yir'as Hashem" - Tehilim 111:10), it is the heel of humility.

2.

Rashi #1: Yir'as Hashem comes due to humility.

3.

Rashi #2: Humility is primary; fear is secondary to it, and a heel for its legs to step on.

4.

R. Yonah: Humility is a greater attribute than wealth, Gevurah and Chachmah mentioned above. It brings to Yir'as Hashem - the highest attribute.

5.

Malbim: The source of humility stems from understanding the grandeur of the One who formed Bereishis, and His great power and the existence that He created. He understands that he is nothing in front of some of His creations. Even if he attains in this world kingship, Chachmah, Gevurah and all attributes, he knows that he is like a small ant in front of the great King who stands over him. He is not important in front of the smallest of Hashem's angels. Amidst this thought, in the end Yir'as Hashem will enter his heart; he will fear to act against His will 1 , and all the more so when he puts to his heart that the King of kings, ha'Kadosh Baruch Hu, stands over him and sees his deeds. One who has humility, he gets wealth and honor, for Hashem will raise him, Midah k'Neged Midah. He will get eternal life via being careful from evil, and life in this world through Hashem's Hashgachah. He is the opposite of a haughty person, who removes Yir'as Hashem from his face and his ways are ways of death.


1

Malbim: This is like the Rema writes (OC 1:1) "Shivisi Hashem l'Negdi Tamid" (Tehilim 16:8) - the way one sits, [moves and acts when he is alone in his house is unlike when he is in front of a great king].

2)

Why does the verse mention wealth, honor and life?

1.

R. Yonah #1: Via humility, one merits also success in these worldly matters.

2.

R. Yonah #2: A humble person has wealth, for he rejoices in his portion and does not desire excesses. He gets honor - "u'Shfal Ru'ach Yismoch Kavod" (29:23). He gets also life, for he is not concerned to buy Kinyanim of this world and is not agonized over them, like is known from the ways of humility.

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