Rambam
1. How does one translate the word “Tamim”? He states that the usual translation of “perfection” applies. Just as by Karbanos, perfection means without a “mum”, a physical imperfection. Here, the word indicates a lack of intellectual imperfection. One needs to be “perfect, complete with G-d.
2. How does one fulfill this Mitzvah? This is a general Mitzvah, that one should not be drawn after even one vanity or false premise in the world but strive for complete connection to HaShem.
3. Why does the Torah place this Mitzvah in this section? One needs to understand that the soothsayers, sorcery, and other such socially acceptable actions are examples of items of non-truth which disconnect one from HaShem. This is a general principal which applies to how one functions with all Mitzvos.
Ramban
1. How does one translate the word “Tamim”? He translates as “completeness” in one aspect, which is Emunah, faith in HaShem.
2. How does one fulfill this Mitzvah? One must strive to reach complete faith in one’s service and not need signs from the Heavens. One would apply this complete Emunah to how one does all Mitzvos.
3. Why does the Torah place this Mitzvah in this section? This completeness in one’s Emunah in HaShem completely negates the false activities of other gods. The Torah forbade fortune-telling since only HaShem knows the future, so the words of those humans cannot be true. One needs to be complete in our faith. Thus, since fortune-telling is false and unreliable, HaShem gave us prophecy as a reliable alternative.
Rashi
1. How does one translate the word “Tamim”? He translates as “simple-heartedness.” This is similar to the word “tam”, used to describe Yaacov, a simple, honest person.
2. How does one fulfill this Mitzvah? The Torah is commanding one not to seek knowledge of the future, but to enjoy a complete sense of security in the faith and conviction that the future is safely in the hands of HaShem.
3. Why does the Torah place this Mitzvah in this section? The Torah does not allow fortune-telling because a Jew should be “simple-heartedness” and not even attempt to forecast future events. However, the Torah prohibits a person making intensive efforts to investigate the future. But a person is permitted to consult a prophet (or other such tested methods such as the Urim u’Tumim). In this way a person can use knowledge to forecast to assist physically and spiritually in one’s service of HaShem, which maintaining a spirting of “simple-heartedness”, innocence and trust in the benevolent Divine Providence.
