“Do not cheat one another, but fear your God” (Leviticus 25:18)
Second Reading: Self-Integrity
On the verse, “You shall not cheat one another, but fear your God; for I am Havayah your God,” Rebbe Bunim of Peshischa commented:
The intent is that a person should not cheat himself of his own truth, for the letter ayin (ע) in the word “another” (עמיתו), can be exchanged with the letter alef (א), transforming it into the word “his truth” (אמתו).
He further added that the Torah forbids cheating others, but a pious and God-fearing person goes beyond the letter of the law, striving not to deceive himself either, and does not entertain thoughts that would lead him to imagine that he is of a greater stature than he truly is.
The source for this innovative teaching from Rebbe Bunim seems to be from the following story:
Once, Rebbe Bunim of Peshischa came to the study hall and found the chasidim...
