The Passuk says that when children follow their father’s evil ways, they will be punished for the sins of their fathers (besides their own sins) up till four generations (the fifth generation won’t be punished for his great-great grandfather’s sin). Perhaps this harsh sentence is only for the sin of Avoda Zara, since this Passuk is discussing Avoda Zara. (Ramban). The next Passuk says: וְעֹ שֶ ה חֶ סֶ ד לַ אֲ לָ פִ ים לְ אֹ הֲ בַ י וּלְ שֹׁ מְ רֵ י מִ צְ וֹתָ י that those who love Hashem (and are not Oved Avoda Zara) their reward continues for 2000 generations. From here we learn: מִ דָ ה טוֹבָ ה מְ רוּבָ ה Hashem’s measure of reward is 500 times more than His measure of punishment (since punishment only lasts 4 generations). This may also be true in regards to other Mitzvos, but our main source that: מִ דָ ה טוֹבָ ה מְ רוּבָ ה Hashem’s goodness is 500 times more than His punishment, is the Passuk that rewards for not doing Avoda Zara.
Not doing Avoda Zara is the epitome of goodness, with unusual reward. The Chovos Halvavos and Ramban both say that worshipping people is a form of Avoda Zara (e.g., Paroh and Nevuchadnetzar HaRasha who were unusually powerful people and were like g-ds (Ramban). Those who work on not being afraid of humans can expect unusual rewards. Notice how the wicked ןלָ זְ גַ (thief who doesn’t hide) does not pay: כֵפֶ ל double, since he’s not afraid of people. (Chazal).
This is obviously the Ikar of Ikarim, and deserves all the goodness in the universe. Both Moshe and Ahron weren’t afraid of Paroh, and look at their everlasting Hatzlacha. Similarly, Yocheved and Miriam were Zoche to Kehuna and Malchus for not being afraid of Paroh. And look at: וּמָ רְ דֳּ כַי ל ֹא יִכְ רַ ע ג ב Mordechai who wouldn’t bow to Haman; he and Esther (who also wasn’t afraid) were Zoche to Purim: לְ דוֹי רֵ דוֹרוֹת for generations. And for all the Torah and Yiddishkeit in the USA, we can thank R’ Ahron Kotler Zatzal and the Satmar Rebbe Zatzal.
They were both involved in very controversial ideals, but they were courageous & fearless; look how Hashem did everlasting wonders for them. For good reason, the Chovos Halvavos calls Middas HaHish'tavus (it is “equal” to you if people praise or criticize you) “Tachlis HaChamudos”, i.e., the #1 desirable Midda!
I know two Rabbonim who have unusual Hatzlacha and a very large following, who are both known to be fearless and they aren’t: נִ חֲ מַ יף (butter up) people. Not being afraid of humans is basic of basics, and not only does it make you a free person and you breathe easier, but your Schar is everlasting. Imagine how Hashem feels when a person realizes how vain are all other Kochos outside of Hashem.
You’re giving true Kavod Shamayim like nobody else (Ramchal) and you are “real” in your basic Emuna. As long as you work on it, you are surely giving Hashem lots of Nachas Ruach. R’ Avigdor Miller Zatzal didn’t care if when he spoke there was only a small crowd, since he was heavily involved in Chovos Halvavos, who is #1 on: אֵ ין הַ תוֹעֶ לֶ ת וְהַ נֶזֶק מִ ן הַ נִ בְ רָ א אֶ לָ א מִ ן הַ בוֹרֵ א Only Hashem can help you or harm you, not His creatures, and: יעַ גִ הַ לְ רְ לִ נוֹצוֹ בַ לְ בִ ד מִ תִ לְ בִ י רְ צוֹן הַ בְ רוּאִ ים seek Hashem’s approval, not the approval of His creatures.
And notice how today he is a widespread Moreh Derech for the whole Klal Yisroel. It says: אָ רוּר הַ גֶבֶ ר אֲ שֶׁ ר יִבְ טַ ח בָ אָ דָ ם ירמיה יז ה Cursed is he who has Bitachon in an Adam, and R' Eizik Sher Zatzal says that: אָ רוּר “cursed” means Sakanas Nefashos. And since: אָ רוּר is so horrific, surely the person who does not have Bitachon in an Adam, should be ready for unusual goodness, as it says: בָ רוּךְ הַ גֶבֶ ר אֲ שֶׁ ר יִבְ טַ ח בַ ה' ירמיה יז ז All blessings and good things come to a person who has Bitachon in Hashem.
