PIRKEI AVOS OF THE WEEK
Shimon ben Nesanel fears sin
How did he express his fear of sin? Commentaries explain that he was highly stringent regarding the observance of all Mitzvos. He would prohibit for himself permissible things. Why did he do this? Out of fear that he might otherwise come to sin.
Difficulties in Understanding the Mishnah
It is possible to understand the phrase "fear of sin" in two different ways. It can mean one is afraid of the punishment he would receive for his transgression. This would help to deter him from sin. The other way to understand this phrase is that one is not afraid of punishment but fearful of sinning. One weakens his connection with Hashem by not heeding the words of G-d Almighty Himself. This serves as the deterrent which prevents him from sinning. We need to understand the meaning of fear of sin in our Mishnah.
The Explanation
Rabbi Shimon ben Nesanel was afraid of sin rather than punishment. After all, he was one of the five most outstanding students of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai. He served as a link in the chain of the transmission of the Torah down to ours.
We find it explained in the teachings of Chassidus that fear of sin means just that: one is afraid of the sin itself. The Hebrew word for sin, which the Mishnah uses here, is "Chait - חטא." This word also has the connotation of lacking or missing. When a Jew sins (G-d forbid), he damages his connection with the Almighty. That is the true meaning of fear of sin, causing a lack of his relationship with Hashem by sinning.
A Practical Lesson
Fear of sin is a far more significant deterrent to transgressing than fear of punishment. We have an "Evil Inclination" who knows how to tempt us to sin. When it comes to fear of punishment, the Evil Inclination can persuade one to weigh the punishment against his enjoyment of the sin. He can convince the Jew that it's alright to sin despite the punishment because he is having a good time right now. He is willing to tolerate whatever punishment he will receive to enjoy the sin now. Furthermore, the Evil Inclination can convince the Jew that he can always do Teshuvah and repent after sinning. In this manner, he can avoid the punishment altogether.
6. See the commentary of the Bartenura to this Mishnah.
7. See Likkutei Torah to Bamidbar, Page 82, a.
8. See I Melochim, Chapter 1, Verse 21; “... I and my son Shlomo will be missing (חטאים )."
9. This is not at all true, The Sages said (Mishnah Yoma, Chapter 8, Mishnah 9) that “one who says that he will sin ... and will do Teshuvah, is not given the opportunity to do Teshuvah. However, the Evil Inclination can use this as an argument to persuade the person to sin.
