In this week’s parsha, one of the Malachim (angels) that visited Avrohom informs him that Sara would have a son despite her advanced age. Sara overheard the prophecy and did not believe it. The Possuk says, “Now Avrohom and Sara were old, coming on in years; Sara had ceased to have the way of the women. Sarah laughed within herself, saying, ‘After I have become worn out, will I have smooth flesh...’” (Bereishis 18:11-12)
How could Sara, who was on an even greater level than Avrohom in regards to prophecy, deny the truth of the prophecy?
Rabbi Avrohom Reuvain Sofer from Prague, author of the Yalkut Reuveini, a Kabbalistic work from the 1600’s, explains that Sara took stock of herself and due to her exceptional humility, could not find a merit that, in her opinion, was deserving of the miracle of having a child at her advanced age. Therefore, Sara erroneously concluded that the prophecy must not be true.
This gives us a remarkable insight into the interplay between humility and truth. The Kochvei Ohr explains that many people entertain the erroneous notion that the trait of humility requires a person to deny the truth of where one really stands on a spiritual level. This, however, is incorrect. Truth is something that should never be obscured – not because of humility and not because of self-deception.
Humility is a great Middah. However, as great as it is, it should not be permitted to obscure the truth. Sara should have believed the truth about the prophecy and not let her humility get in the way.
Although the following lesson may not originate from the above, it’s important to mention nonetheless. Humility should not lead us to undervalue our abilities; at the same time, it is essential to maintain an accurate assessment of our merits and avoid overestimation. Striking the balance between the two requires careful self-reflection and ongoing vigilance.
