Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

Despite the verse “God is good to all” (Tehillim 145:9), most people fail to recognize the Divine kindness that surrounds them. Our sages explain that there are three primary reasons for this spiritual blindness:

1. Obsession with Material Desires
People are preoccupied with wealth, status, and indulgence. No matter how much they have, they want more. They envy others and view their own blessings as insufficient. This obsession blinds them to the good that God is constantly providing.
“The wicked man in his haughtiness does not seek God…” (Tehillim 10:4)

2. Ingrained Ingratitude
From youth, people grow accustomed to comfort and blessing. Like a child raised in luxury who assumes it’s normal, many never consider how much has been done for them. They take everything for granted, neither recognizing the gifts nor the One who gives them.
“It was I Who accustomed Efraim to being taken up in his arms, and they did not know that I had healed them.” (Hoshea 11:3)

3. Resentment Toward Hardship
When difficulty arises, many see it as injustice rather than growth. They do not appreciate that hardship is often a gift meant to refine, discipline, and strengthen. Instead of drawing closer to God, they blame Him and retreat from Him.
“Happy is the man whom You discipline, O God, and teach from Your Torah.” (Tehillim 94:12)

The Clarifying Role of Torah
Torah is not just a set of laws — it’s a framework for understanding life. It teaches us how to view wealth, suffering, relationships, and purpose. The Mishnah says:
“If you have studied much Torah, do not take credit for yourself, for that is what you were created to do.”

We do not study Torah to earn praise. We study because that is the purpose for which we were created. Torah learning humbles the sincere student and protects the world. According to the Sfas Emes, only one who has studied much Torah realizes how little he understands. Shallow learners become arrogant; deep learners become humble.

Torah provides a middle path between the extremes of indulgence and asceticism. Man is torn between his physical cravings and his intellectual, spiritual yearning. The Torah guides him to live in the world, but not be consumed by it; to enjoy blessings, but never forget their source.

“Incline your ear and heed the words of the wise… for it will be pleasant when you keep them in your belly… that your trust may be in God…” (Mishlei 22:17–21)

Responsibility to Teach Others
If someone has learned Torah, they are obligated to teach it — especially to their fellow Jews. Whether a person is rich or poor, honored or invisible, they must be shown how to connect to Hashem. One must never be ashamed or afraid to approach others with clarity and care.

True Torah is not just about understanding. Torah must be taught. Torah that is not shared, that does not influence others, is not called true Torah.

Final Reflection: Torah Is the Bridge Between Body and Soul
Man is composed of body and soul. Without Torah, he will fall into either extreme: giving in to every desire, or abandoning the world entirely. Both paths are destructive. The Torah is the Divine tool that allows man to live a balanced, purposeful life — guided by truth, uplifted by wisdom, and connected to his Creator.

As the text explains:

“One should not take pride in his accomplishments in the study of Torah; its study and the fulfillment of its directives is his reason for existence… It is for this purpose that he was brought into the world.”

And therefore, one who has truly learned Torah has the responsibility to bring light to others. Especially in the three areas where people fail — desire, ingratitude, and bitterness — the Torah student must teach and guide. That is what it means to be a Jew.

The Torah must be studied. The Torah must be taught. The Torah must be lived.

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