The holy Baal Shem Tov said. “In the book of Psalms compiled
by King David it’s written, ‘G-d is your shadow’. In the same way a shadow acts
exactly in line with the movements of the person, so too G-d acts according to
the deeds of a person. If you bestow kindness and have mercy on the poor, G-d
will impart kindness, and will have mercy on you.”
Rabbi Aryeh Levin once asked his grandson. “There are two
types of people. Those who love truth, and those who despise falsehood. What’s
the difference between them?”
The grandson thought for a moment and said, he didn’t see a
difference.
Said Rabbi Aryeh. “The difference between the two, is like
the distance between the opposite extremes, west to east. The one who loves
truth (being real and genuine) finds the element of virtue, the kernel of real
good, deep down in others, and can’t help but love him. And when he discovers
the next day another element of truth and honesty, he will love him even more.
His love for others, is always fortified.
On the other hand, the one who hates falsehood detects the
lie in another and is put off from him. The next day he may find another
element of falsehood and is distanced even more. At the end, he will totally
hate that person. So in conclusion. The one who hates falsehood increases
loathing and hatefulness. The one who loves truth, increases love.”
In the Midrash it is written. A person who is accustomed to
lying in due course ends up under the guard of “the Angels of lies”. This Angel
who accompanies this person doesn’t stop lying to this fellow. Fooling the
person and being untruthful to him. Allowing the impression that good is bad
and bad is good.
Rabbi YY Schneerson once said. “The problem with
deceitfulness in this world is not so much that it exists. G-d created these
elements of negativity so there could be choice for human beings to deserve and
earn reward.
The frustration against untruthfulness, and the possibility
of an appearance in this world which is untrue, is that it appears to be real
and true, when in truth, it’s a thin covering over the real deal, which tricks
and snares so many people.”
The Bible warns us to “distance ourselves” from falsehood, a
cautionary statement not issued by any other indiscretion. The signature of G-d is Truth. Falsehood is
more ghastly than all other negative traits since it is a direct challenge
against the truth of G-d Himself. One who speaks truth as difficult as it is,
follows the path of G-d, and merits His blessings. One who chooses falsehood,
invites upon himself conflict and pain, from the domain of, obscurity and
ambiguity.
The Talmud related the following story. There was once a
young man who, since his childhood, had always done as he pleased, no matter
right or wrong. One day, feeling remorseful, he went to Rabbi Shimon and told
him he wanted to take on a new and better path. Rabbi Shimon told him that all
he had to do was watch himself from telling lies and he would be saved from
transgression. "No problem," said the young man. Rabbi Shimon had him
swear, and the young man went home.
Sometime later, the young man was in his neighbor's home
and, not managing to control himself, stole some gold and silver. As he was
leaving, he thought to himself, "What will I tell the neighbor when she
asks about her possessions? If I deny taking them, it will be a lie, and what
will be of my oath?" He then returned whatever he had stolen, and
understood the wisdom of Rabbi Shimon.
Truth is the ultimate quality of the righteous.
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