The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth
A man once approached me, and with righteous indignation, stated, “Rabbi David, I do not want so-and-so elected as president of our community! I will do everything in my power to ensure that he does not get this post.”
“Why don’t you want him to be president?” I asked.
“Because he attracts characters that I don’t want here. He is ruining our good name. And he lords over others, to boot!”
“And what will you gain from this?” I persisted. “Do you, perhaps, want to be elected president instead of him?”
“Not at all,” he replied, in mock humility. “I have no interest whatsoever in leading the community.”
“In that case,” I tried to mollify him, “look for another candidate who can take his place as president. Then come back to me.”
The man was quiet for a moment, and then said, “That being the case, I am ready to make the sacrifice of offering my services as president of the community.”
I looked at him in astonishment. “It seems that your entire objective in undermining so-and-so’s position is in order to seize it for yourself. What type of sacrifice are you referring to? You know good and well that so-and-so is more fitting for the job than you. All of your grievances toward him are nothing but the rantings of a man riddled by the lethal character traits of jealousy, lust, and the pursuit of glory.”
The man lowered his head in humility and agreed that it was honor which prompted him to think this way. The Mishnah in Avot (4:21) came to mind, “Jealousy, lust, and the pursuit of honor drive a man from this world.” For the sake of honor, this man was ready to tear asunder an entire community!
A person would do well to analyze the motivations behind his acts. Is he motivated by personal interests or glory? When he takes up the banner of the public benefit, is it really the public good that drives him, or do feelings of personal pride play a role? One who seeks the truth will be assisted by Heaven to find it.
