Who is wise? One who learns from every person. Who is strong? One who conquers his inclinations. Who is rich? One who rejoices in his portion. Who is honored? One who honers others.
Understanding these four questions is essential to becoming a fully realized human being.
Here is the full teaching:
Ben Zoma would say: Who is wise? One who learns from every man. As is stated (Psalms 119:99): “From all my teachers I have grown wise, for Your testimonials are my meditation.”
Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations. As is stated (Proverbs 16:32), “Better one who is slow to anger than one with might, one who rules his spirit than the captor of a city.”
Who is rich? One who is happy with his lot. As is stated (Psalms 128:2): “If you eat of toil of your hands, fortunate are you, and good is to you”; “fortunate are you” in this world, “and good is to you” in the World to Come.
Who is honorable? One who honors his fellows. As is stated (I Samuel 2:30): “For to those who honor me, I accord honor; those who scorn me shall be demeaned.” – Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) 4:1
May you learn from Ben Zoma and achieve true wisdom, riches, joy and honor!
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