RSRH Zatzal says that “surely such a struggle as Noach had to endure does not remain without some weakening influence on one’s character. But surely, even a somewhat lesser degree of morality and honesty attained and kept in such times, weighs incomparably heavier on Hashem’s scales than a greater amount in any better times” (end quote).
He says that especially being moral is unusually difficult during immoral times. This is a major: מֵלִיץ יוֹשֶר validation for so many of us who suffer from Kedusha issues. Noach was a Tzaddik in Kedusha because of: בְדֹרֹתָיו “his peers” who were so much worse than him! (R’ Shlomo Wolbe Zatzal says that we have to be Dan ourselves L'kaf Zechus).
Everything is relative. With such a difficult background/ environment/ hot nature, etc. you may be considered a Tzaddik Yesod Olam despite your severe shortcomings. And the pure person that you envy, is a zero compared to you! עֶלְיוֹנִים לְמַטָה וְתַחְתוֹנִים לְמַעְלָה It’s an upside-down world; those who seem Chashuv are really not, and vice versa!
It is indeed very hard to believe that you are really Gevaldig and superior to those pure Tzaddikim; but it’s 1,000% true. And you’ve got the Ma'ala of a Lev Nishbar as well! In the world of truth, they’d say: “This fellow has got it all.” And you’re actually the envy of all those pure types!
The German Jews were known for being very straight and truthful. RSRH Zatzal was surely total truth with all its purity. Yet, he stuck up for Noach and praised him, despite the fact that he may have been much inferior in morality issues, since it was the fault of his environment (בְדֹרֹתָיו).
What a boost for those who come from a difficult background, or a youth where criticism was rampant, or have painful learning issues, insomnia, etc. Some people simply cannot perform as well as others, in Ruchaniyus and in Gashmiyus, because of various reasons, like bad influences, or a depressing or anxious nature, etc.
They need to remember the words of RSRH Zatzal (בְדֹרֹתָיו). In all probability, they are far greater Tzaddikim than loads of their friends whom they envy needlessly. They can indeed be considered Gedolim, despite their sins and weaknesses.
These people have no idea how great they really are. I have spoken to many of these types, and have consoled them with this Yesod (of (בְדֹרֹתָיו which is well known, and is endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel. Yet, it is still very hard for them to really believe that they are actually great people, that Klal Yisroel needs them, and that their unique (although distasteful) form of Avodas Hashem is of paramount importance to us all!
This exact “difficulty” makes their Schar a million times more since they have so much pain, and: לְפוּם צַעֲרָא אַגְרָא אבות ה כב “the reward increases according to your effort”. With constant repetitions of the truths of Yiddishkeit, and believing in Chazal who say: מִמֵאָה שֶל א בְצַעַר טוֹב פַעַם אַחַת בְצַעַר “It’s worth way more when it’s harder”, they can calm down more and more, and actually become B'simcha.
Of course, they need to try their best to get out of their unfortunate mode (through lots of Avoda and Tefila) despite the tremendous Ma'ala in it. This Yesod (that the one who struggles is on top) applies to all kinds of struggles; like Ka'as, learning difficulties, a rough personality, Bain Adam La'chaveiro problems, Emuna issues, eating disorders, etc.
As usual, for all kinds of problems I highly recommend Shaar HaBitachon and other Sifrei Bitachon. Being constantly involved in Sifrei Bitachon (especially a K’viyus (set time) reading from a Sefer, since: אוֹתִיוֹת מוֹתְיוֹת seeing the letters makes you wiser) gives you a much higher Madrega and a relaxed happy life, and makes you prone to the most unreal miracles, with Hashem’s help.
