From our Sages & Moshiach Now!
Justice, justice you shall follow (Deut. 16:20)
Contrary to popular opinion, the end never justifies the means, no matter how noble or virtuous. Even the pursuit of justice must be carried out in a just and honest manner.
(Rebbe Reb Bunim)
You shall be perfect with the L-rd your G-d (Deut. 18:13)
Some people behave in a G-d-fearing manner only when there are others around to observe them. When they're alone, however, it's another story. This verse teaches that we must strive to be "perfect" even when our only audience is "the L-rd our G-d." For what difference does it make if humans see us, when G-d scrutinizes all our actions at all times?
(Alshich)
But if any man be an enemy to his neighbor, and lie in wait for him (Deut. 19:11)
In the literal sense, this verse concerns a person who kills another person intentionally. But allegorically, it refers to the Evil Inclination, the Jew's true enemy that perpetually "lies in wait" for him. In the beginning the Evil Inclination may present itself as "a neighbor" and friend, but its ultimate goal is to cause the person to fail...
(Ohr HaChayim)
What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house (Deut. 20:8)
Moses said this to those who were to wage war. Rabbi Yosi Haglili said: This means one who is afraid because of his sins.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov added another insight: The worst thing is when a person dwells on his transgressions and sinks into a depression. When the Evil Inclination tries to entice a person to sin, it is more interested in the depression following the wrongdoing than the sin itself. The damage done by depression is greater than the damage done by the gravest transgression.
From our Sages & Moshiach Now! reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC
