“Before an old person shall you rise and you shall honor the presence of a sage and you shall fear your G-d – I am Hashem” (Vayikra 19:32)
“The wise inherit honor and fools generate shame” (Mishlei 3:35)
Honor befits the wise ones who are engrossed in Torah study.
The Maharal (Netivot Olam, Torah 11) expounds: This is because honor is granted to one who distances himself from materialism. Materialism is the source of shame and disgrace, for it is the basis for immorality and other forms of licentiousness. Conversely, intellectual pursuits bring honor to a person. Therefore, it is fitting to respect Torah scholars, to the extent that the Torah commands us to rise in the presence of an old person and to honor the presence of a Sage.
Rabbi Yochanan says in the name of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai: It is greater to serve one who learns Torah than to study it, as the pasuk states (Melachim II, 3:11), “Elisha son of Shafat is here, who poured water over the hands of Eliyahu.” It does not say, “learned from,” but, “poured water over the hands of.” From this we learn that it is greater to serve one who learns Torah than to study it (Berachot 7b).
Whoever hosts a talmid chacham and offers him food and drink is considered as if he is bringing a tamid offering (Berachot 10b).
The Maharal writes: This, too, contains deep wisdom. The tamid offering indicated the highest level of honor to Hashem, for it was constant, unlike the other sacrifices, which were brought at specific times. One who honors a talmid chacham by offering him food and lodging demonstrates that he acknowledges his Torah knowledge, which is a constant of the highest caliber. We are enjoined to engross ourselves in the Torah day and night. Therefore, one who honors a talmid chacham is considered to be offering a korban tamid, bringing honor to Hashem on a steady basis.
Rabbi Yishmael b’Rabbi Yosi says: The older a talmid chacham becomes, the more wisdom he attains, as the pasuk says (Iyov 12:12), “In the aged is wisdom, and [in] length of days understanding.” But, the older an ignoramus becomes, the more foolish he becomes, as the pasuk says (ibid. 12:20), “He distorts the statements of the trustworthy, and takes intelligence away from the elders” (Shabbat 152a).
On one occasion a man read in the presence of Rabbi Eliezer, “Make known to Jerusalem her abominations.” Rabbi Eliezer said to him, “While you are investigating the abominations of Jerusalem, go and investigate the abominations of your own mother.” Inquiries were made into his birth, and he was found to be illegitimate (Megillah 25b).
The Ritva expounds: Rabbi Eliezer was angered by this man’s actions. This is because even though some Rabbis rule that this haftarah should be read, while in Rabbi Eliezer’s hometown, he should have been asked before doing so. Whoever does not grant honor to the Sages is suspected of having a flaw. For this reason, Rabbi Eliezer instructed to make inquiries into this man’s lineage. They did so, and found a flaw in his lineage.
Rava said: How foolish are people who accord honor to a Sefer Torah, but do not accord honor to a distinguished person (Makkot 22b).
From here we learn the virtues of the wise. A person should never say that one knowledgeable in Torah is like any other person who has amassed wisdom. Talmidei chachamim are not people who embody Torah, but are, in essence, the personification of Torah (ibid, Maharal).
