I hope that you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 21.
The perek opens with the words “Palgei mayim lev melech b’yad Hashem al kol asher yachpotz yatenu - The heart of a king is like streams of water in God’s hand. He inclines it in whichever way he desires.” The Gr’a explains that just as water can split into two streams, Hashem uses the king's heart for good and bad.
The Malbim relates in a lengthy manner that a king’s free choice differs from that of a regular person. Because the king’s policies affect the masses, Hashem controls his heart to bring about the outcome He desires. Hashem uses the world’s leaders to bring about the changes He wants to see made. He tilts their hearts to the decisions and policies that affect us.
This should be encouraging as we look at the never ending news. We know that Hashem is behind the steering wheel, using the world’s leaders as pawns, guiding history towards redemption. Nothing is random.
Moving on in the perek, Shlomo Hamelech explains that Hashem desires people to do what is right in His eyes more than he wants sacrifices. Stolen money often gets lost and leads to man's downfall, entrapping him in schemes of corruption.
It is better to be by yourself than with a bad wife or friend, as negativity attracts negativity. As the expression goes, misery loves company. When a cynical person gets punished, those around him learn and become wiser because they learn from his mistakes. A wise man loves constructive criticism because he learns from it.
A person who ignores the screams of the poor won't be answered when he calls out. A gift has the ability to make someone lose his anger at you. One who loves physical possessions will never be truly wealthy. Better to live in a wasteland, than with a wife who’s constantly arguing with you. Guarding your mouth is like guarding your soul.
Verse 30 is a very famous passuk: “Ein chochma v’ein t’vunah v’ein eitzah l’neged Hashem - There is no wisdom, no discernment, and no counsel against God.”
Rashi explains that even the wisest person is nothing in comparison to Hashem. The Ralbag adds that even if you plan to do something, God can alter the outcome. When Yosef was sold, his brothers wanted to kill him, but Hashem changed the course of events and Yosef became their ruler.
The Ramad Walli explains that we must know that no matter what happens in our lives, it’s from Hashem. If plans didn't work out, or someone harmed you, it’s from Him. Do not be resentful towards God's decrees and the happenings in your life.
The Ramad Walli then asks if so, what's the purpose of reflecting on our actions and ways to make sure they are in line with Hashem’s wishes? He answers that even though everything comes from Him, this does not exempt us from working on ourselves and doing our part. We must do our utmost to take stock in ourselves and mend our ways.
He explains that Hashem interacts with mankind using the upper 3 Sefiros of Chochma, Bina and Daas. When Hashem wants to send suffering, He uses them to mix up our thoughts, leading to confusion and lack of peace of mind. He takes away our mochin d’gadlus, higher level of consciousness, and replaces it with mochin d’katnus, a lower level where life looks confusing and difficult.
This is why the passuk says that there is no wisdom, no discernment, and no counsel against God because He can turn over our minds at anytime that He feels it necessary.
I hope you enjoyed today's NachDaily.
Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!
