When Yosaif’s brothers plotted to kill him, Reuvain stepped in and tried to stop them. "Do not shed blood," he urged them. "Throw him into this pit here in the desert, but do not lay a hand on him." The Torah then reveals his true motive: "Reuvain suggested this in order to rescue him from their hands and bring him back later to his father." (Genesis 37:22)
Rashi comments that only Hashem could confirm Reuvain’s true motives, because to an outsider, his suggestion seemed just as cruel as his brothers’ actions. He proposed putting Yosaif into a pit that Rashi says contained snakes and scorpions. On the surface, it looked like he was simply choosing a different way to kill Yosaif. But only Hashem knew what was really in Reuvain’s heart. Only Hashem could point out that Reuvain’s harsh words hid a plan to rescue his brother. He meant to come back later, pull Yosaif from the pit, and bring him home.
This story teaches us about the essence of integrity, it doesn’t depend on appearances, but on what is truly in our hearts. Someone might do something that looks good while secretly having bad motives or do something that looks questionable while actually aiming for something noble. Ultimately, only Hashem knows where true integrity lies.
Rashi adds further explanation by explaining that Reuvain, as the firstborn, felt especially responsible for Yosaif. He knew the blame would fall mostly on him, so he could not just follow the crowd and do whatever the rest of his brothers wanted.
This sense of taking personal responsibility to do the right thing is also crucial for integrity. Reuvain didn’t say, “I am only one person – all of my brothers are against me – what can I do?” Instead, he recognized his unique position as the firstborn and acted accordingly.
Still, the story carries a sobering warning. The Torah says that Reuvain returned to the pit and did not find Yosaif. Rashi says that he was not there when the brothers sold Yosaif because he was either caring for his father or repenting for a past transgression. Either way, he should have remained by the pit and saved Yosaif as soon as he had the chance.
So, while good intentions are important, they are not enough by themselves. Reuvain meant well, but without seeing his plan through, tragedy resulted. True integrity, as Hashem desires, matches pure intent with decisive, persistent action. It is not enough to have righteous plans—we need to be present and committed until the end. This is the intent of “HaMaschil b’Mitzvah Omrim Lo Gemor” – one who begins a Mitzvah is told to finish it.
Reuvain’s story is both an aspiration and a caution: strive for a sincere heart that even Hashem would vouch for but pair your intentions with the resolve to complete your mission. May we achieve both: intentions worthy of Divine approval and the perseverance to fulfill them promptly.
