Natural Talents, Good Looks, And Capabilities Which People Are Born With, Are Just Gifts from Hashem Who Gave It to Them
This is the second time Sara was abducted to the king’s palace (Avimelech). The first time this happened (by Paroh) it says: Vayehalelu osah el Paroh – they praised her that she is befitting for Paroh. R’ Avigdor Miller Zatzal points out that “Hallel” means getting excited in praise. This shows us how a Goy gets excited over Gashmiyus. Actually, the Gemara says that this is the difference between Yidden and Goyim. When Yidden get together, they sing praises to Hashem, but when Goyim (like Achashverosh) get together, they discuss their Ta'avos (which eventually caused Vashti to be killed).
A Goy gets excited and praises a person for his physical beauty. He will also get excited over natural talents and phenomenal capabilities which people are born with. Actually, they deserve zero for their abilities and good looks, which is from Hashem who gave it to them. A person should praise the struggles & Ameilus (toil) that even a “nebach” has to overcome.
In The World of Truth, The Nebach Who Struggles and Toils Is Greater
In the world of truth, the nebach is by far greater, since he tries to overcome his difficult, or slow, or mediocre, nature. Unfortunately, even the most Chashuv among us can have major weaknesses in being infatuated with big Baalei Kish’ron who have an easier time in Torah and Avoda. This isn’t really fair, and it’s not really a true Hashkafa.
In a way, it’s just like the Etz HaDaas which was: taavah hu la’einayim v’nechmad l’haskil – beautiful and desirable. When you “fall” for Chitzoniyus, albeit in Ruchaniyus'dik qualities, you are actually falling into Sheker, and: sheker ein lo raglayim – Sheker has no “feet” i.e., basis. When a person is proud and feels good about his Ruchaniyus accomplishments (since Hashem gave him the abilities and surroundings which allow him to flourish); as soon as his situation changes (like old age) he’s in hot soup....
He was never taught to have respect for the effort and the Ratzon itself, so he suffers loads, Rachmana Litzlan. Chazal say that: sheker hachein v’hevel hayofi – “Beauty & charm is nothing more than an exterior show” can also mean in Ruchaniyus, and the later generations who struggled more, are actually greater than the earlier generations who had tons more Torah & Yiras Shamayim.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying Geshmak and capable people, and cute, adorable, sweet kids. But remember! They are all Nifla’os HaBorei. “Being real” means exercising Gadlus HaAdam; we must mainly learn how to appreciate the Adam, whose job it is to learn how to enjoy becoming great like Hashem.
The more you struggle with your shortcomings, the more it’s Gadlus HaAdam and you deserve indescribable credit. But the more it’s all “easy street”, and natural talents & abilities, the more it’s Nifla’os HaBorei and the less credit you get. However, these days, if you are having an easy time Shteiging in learning, and you have lots of Yichus, good connections, and a “smooth sailing life”; you are still plenty Chashuv in Shamayim (so don’t look for trouble).
