“‘Why is the law of God compared to a goad?’ he said.  ’Because the goad causes the ox to draw the furrow straight, and the straight furrow brings forth a plenty of good food for the life of man.  So does the law of God keep man’s heart straight, that it may produce good food to provide for the life eternal.  But lest thou shouldst say, “The goad is movable, so therefore must the law be,” it is also written, “as nails,” and likewise, as “nails fastened,” lest thou shouldst argue that nails pounded into wood diminish from sight with each stroke, and that therefore by this comparison God’s law would be liable to diminution also.  No; as a nail fastened or planted, as a tree is planted to bring forth fruit and multiply.

“’The men of assemblies are those who gather in numbers to study the law.  Frequently controversies arise among them, and thou mightest say, “With so many differing opinions how can I settle to a study of the law?” Thy answer is written in the words which are given by one shepherd.  From one God have all the laws proceeded.  Therefore make thy ears as a sieve, and incline thy heart to possess all these words.’”

Then said Rabbi Josah, “Happy the generation which Rabbi Eleazer teaches.”

* * * * *

The Rabbis of Jabnah expressed their regard for all human beings, learned and unlearned, in this manner:—­

“I am a creature of God and so is my neighbor.  He may prefer to labor in the country; I prefer a calling in the city.  I rise early for my personal benefit; he rises early to advance his own interests.  As he does not seek to supplant me, I should be careful to do naught to injure his business.  Shall I imagine that I am nearer to God because my profession advances the cause of learning and his does not?  No.  Whether we accomplish much good or little good, the Almighty will reward us in accordance with our righteous intentions.”

Abaygeh offered the following as his best advice:—­

“...  Let him be also affable and disposed to foster kindly feelings between all people; by so doing he will gain for himself the love both of the Creator and His creatures.”

Rabba always said that the possession of wisdom and a knowledge of the law necessarily led to penitence and good deeds.  “For,” said he, “it would be useless to acquire great learning and the mastery of biblical and traditional law and act irreverently toward one’s parents, or toward those superior on account of age or more extensive learning.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do God’s commands.”

Rabba said, “Holy Writ does not tell us that to study God’s commands shows a good understanding, but to do them.  We must learn, however, before we can be able to perform; and he who acts contrary through life to the teachings of the Most High had better never have been born.”

“The wise man is in his smallest actions great:  the fool is in his greatest actions small.”