Though humility is a tremendous trait which G-d finds endearing, we are told that we should be like children and like sheep. We are not to only have the character of submissive sheep, and also not merely have the character of a child who is loved by his parent for who he is. G-d wants us to employ both of these methods of service.
The manner of serving G-d as a son, is expressed in the way that we connect to Him through learning Torah.
Studying Torah is about understanding what one learns through his rational mind. Hence, by its very definition, when one learns Torah, they are, in a sense, trapped in the confines of their personal identity—as the only way for a person to understand something is through doing so in their own paradigm.
Although one’s learning must be accomplished by means of understanding, it must also be prefaced by humility towards the Almighty. For, if one is not humble before G-d, he will not properly understand the Torah that he is learning.
We see this idea expressed at the end of the silent prayer that is recited thrice daily. There, we ask G-d to open our hearts to Torah, but we also ask for humility. The Talmud tells us,
Text 7
Mar the son of Ravina, on concluding his prayer added the following: “My G-d, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. May my soul be silent to them that curse me and may my soul be as the dust to all. Open my heart in Your Torah, and may my soul pursue Your commandments.”
Talmud, Brachos 17a
While we must learn using our own minds, in order for us to merit to come to the truth of G-d’s Torah—which transcends mortal intellect—we must first be nullified before Him. Only then is it possible to properly comprehend G-d’s wisdom.
