First, he had never striven to exalt his own standing by lowering that of his neighbor.  This was agreeable to the example set by Rabbi Hunna, for the latter, while bearing on his shoulders a heavy spade, was met by Rabbi Choana Ben Chanilai, who, considering the burden derogatory to the dignity of so great a man, insisted upon relieving him of the implement and carrying it himself.  But Rabbi Hunna refused, saying, “Were this your habitual calling I might permit it, but I certainly shall not permit another to perform an office which, if done by myself, may be looked upon by some as menial.”

Secondly, he had never gone to his night’s rest with a heart harboring ill-will against his fellow-man, conformably with the practice of Mar Zutra, who, before sleeping, offered this prayer:  “O Lord! forgive all those who have done me injury.”

Thirdly, he was not penurious, following the example of the righteous Job, of whom the sages relate that he declined to receive the change due him after making a purchase.

Another Rabbi bearing also the name of Nechumah, replied to Rabbi Akiba, that he believed himself to have been blessed with long life because, in his official capacity, he had invariably set his face against accepting presents, mindful of what Solomon wrote, “He that hateth gifts will live.”  Another of his merits he conceived to be that of never resenting an offense; mindful of the words of Rabba, “He who is indulgent toward others’ faults, will be mercifully dealt with by the Supreme Judge.”

Rabbi Zera said that the merit of having reached an extreme age was in his case due, under Providence, to his conduct through life.  He governed his household with mildness and forbearance.  He refrained from advancing an opinion before his superiors in wisdom.  He avoided rehearsing the word of God in places not entirely free from uncleanliness.  He wore the phylacteries all day, that he might be reminded of his religious duties.  He did not make the college where sacred knowledge is taught, a place of convenience, as, for instance, to sleep there, either occasionally or habitually.  He never rejoiced over the downfall of a fellow-mortal, nor would he designate another by a name objectionable to the party personally, or to the family of which he was a member.

* * * * *

“Three friends,” said the Rabbis, “has man.  God, his father, and his mother.  He who honors his parents honors God.”

Rabbi Judah said, “Known and revealed are the ways of man.  A mother coaxes a child with kind words and gentle ways, gaining honor and affection; therefore, the Bible says, ‘Honor thy father,’ before ’honor thy mother.’  But in regard to fearing, as the father is the preceptor of the child, teaching it the law, the Bible says, ’Every man shall fear his mother,’ before the word ‘father.’”

Rabbi Ulah was once asked, “How extended should be this honor due to parents?”