BM 500 .5 C6 1910 Copy 1 WBmafiwBBm r ALMUDlC SAYINGS Class Book Copyright N°. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT: TALMUDIC SAYINGS SELECTED AND ARRANGED UNDER APPROPRIATE HEADINGS BY RABBI HENRY COHEN SECOND EDITION w NEW YORK BLOCH PUBLISHING COMPANY 1910 ^ 9 y COPYRIGHT, 1894, 1910, BY Henry Cohen )CLA2734G4 v* -V This little work is respectfully dedicated to the HONORABLE M. LASKER, of Galveston, Texas, on the seventieth anniversary of his birth, February Nineteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Ten "He who makes himself beloved of his fellow- creatures, makes himself acceptable to God." Pirke Aboth, 3: 13. PREFACE Believing that little is known of the Tal- mud (313 B. C-498 C. E.) by English-speak- ing people, I have ventured to compile these few hundred quotations. To many thousands of Jews and Christians the Talmud is but a name, and, in these busy times when one who is not a Rabbinic student can hardly hope to drink deeply at the fountain of Talmudic lore, a collection of maxims, proverbs and sayings from the Talmud — characteristic of that whole stupendous work — is not out of place. A glance through these pages will at once show the purity of Jewish moral teachings and bring home to the uninitiated some of the beauties of Jewish ethics. The work consists wholly of Talmudic sayings, as the title states; no specific com- mands of the Pentateuch, or proverbs of the Hagiographa find a place therein. The trans- lations are as literal as is consonant with the proper use of the English language — a free rendition being given when the literal translation of the quotation would sound VI PREFACE strange, or be entirely incomprehensible to those unacquainted with the manners, customs, and environment of the editors of the Talmud. As will be seen the subjects are alphabetically arranged. The "headings" are as compre- hensive as the general run of quotation-book titles usually are. In two instances, and for reasons which are obvious, the same maxim has been placed under two captions. It needs but a short acquaintance with the book to enable the reader to locate exactly an appro- priate saying for any subject that he may wish to illustrate. For special English renditions, I have con- sulted the following works, the authors and publishers of which I wish to thank: "Tracts of the Association for the Diffusion of Re- ligious Knowledge," "The Threefold Cord" (Rev. B. Spiers), "Literary Remains of Emanuel Deutsch," and "Der Wahre Tal- mudjude" (Albert Katz). Henry Cohen. Galveston, Texas, October, 1894. February, 19 10. CONTENTS Adversity Agriculture .. 2 Anger 3 Appearances 4 Benevolence 5 Charity . 6 Cleanliness 7 Commerce 8 Companionship 9 Conduct . . ii Contentment 12 Cruelty 13 Damage . 14 Death 14 Deceit 15 Discord . 16 Enmity 17 Example . 17 Fellow-Creature 18 Filial Affection 20 Flattery . 20 Friendship 21 Future Life — Immortalit) r 22 God — Holy Law 23 Guilt 25 Haughtiness — See Pride 5i Home 25 Honesty . 26 Honor 26 Hospitality 27 Humility . 28 Hypocrisy . 28 Idleness 29 Ignorance — See Knowledge 35 Immortality — See Future Life 22 Ingratitude 29 Insolence 30 Instruction 30 Justice 34 Knowledge — Ignorance 35 Life . 38 Vll vlii CONTENTS Loans Love Marriage . Mercy- Moderation Modesty . Neighbor — See Fellow-Creature Oaths — Vows . Old Age— Youth Parental Duties Passion . Patriotism Peace Penury — See Poverty Poverty — Penury Prayer Pride — Haughtiness Public Opinion Recompense — Revenge Religion . Repentance Reproof . Resignation Revenge — See Recompens Riches Righteousness . Robbery . Secrecy . Silence — See Speech Sin .... Slander — See Speech Slaveholding . Speech — Slander Temptation Testimony Tolerance Truth Usefulness Usury Vows — See Oaths . Wisdom Work Workman . Youth— See Old Age TALMUDIC SAYINGS ADVERSITY Adversity is the true school of the mind. A man should be opposed to taking alms, as well as to being a burden on the com- munity. To him who is dependent upon his neighbor's table, the world looks dark. It is better to become a menial than to live upon the charity of others. He who pretends to be halt or blind, in order to appeal to popular sympathy, will be afflicted with these infirmities sooner or later. TALMUDIC SAYINGS AGRICULTURE He who possesses no land is no man. What enjoyment has he who continually craves money, but possesses no land? Cultivate thy field, and do not buy thy com- modities at the market, even if thou be- lievest it to be cheaper to do so. It is not right to sell thy field to buy cattle or tools unless poverty compel thee. If thou rentest ground from thy neighbor, cultivate it as if it were thine own. He who walks over his estate daily, finds a coin daily. TALMUDIC SAYINGS ANGER Be not provoked to anger, and thou wilt not sin. He who gives way to anger in order to re- venge himself upon anyone, destroys his own house. He whom it is difficult to provoke to anger but easy to pacify, is pious; but he who is easily provoked and with difficulty pacified, is wicked. He who curbs his wrath merits forgiveness for his sins. The sins of the bad-tempered are greater than his merits. Anger showeth the character of the man. When the wise is angry he is wise no longer. Anger profiteth nobody. TALMUDIC SAYINGS APPEARANCES Look not at the flask, but at its contents. Few are they who see their own faults. Judge not thy neighbor until thou hast been placed in his position. The rose groweth among thorns. Man sees the mote in his neighbor's eye, but knows not of the beam in his own. One man eats and another says grace. The soldiers fight, and the kings are heroes. -♦- Two pieces of coin in one bag make more noise than a hundred. Unhappy is he who mistakes the branch for the tree, the shadow for the substance. Judge everybody favorably. Judge a man by his deeds, and not by his words. TALMUDIC SAYINGS BENEVOLENCE If thou hast commenced a good action, leave it not incomplete. He who induces his neighbor to perform a good action shares the merit. He who performs a single good action gains for himself an advocate; he who com- mits a single sin raises up for himself an accuser. Good deeds are better than good creeds. ^^J) Cling steadfastly to that which is good. He who closes his eyes to beneficence is as if he were an idolater. The good actions which we perform in this world take shape and meet us in the world to come. Hasten to perform the slightest good deed. Even he who lives upon charity should prac- tice benevolence. 6 TALMUDIC SAYINGS The true benefactor searches out the poor. Be always ready to perform an act that will be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. The practice of beneficence will assure the maintenance of one's possessions. Like the tree, man is known by his fruit. Those who fulfill one precept in this world will find it recorded to their credit in the world to come. CHARITY Charity is the salt of riches. To lend is often better than to give, but to give employment is better than either. He gives little who gives much with a frown; he gives much who gives even little with a smile. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 7 Since the destruction of the Temple, alms are the only sacrifices that we can offer at the altar of God. He who gives charity in secret is greater than Moses. The practice of charity is one of the three chief virtues of the Israelite. Kindness is the highest form of charity. To him who lacks nobility of heart, nobility of blood is of no avail. CLEANLINESS Cold water, morning and evening, is better than all cosmetics. N ' Cleanliness is next to godliness. Keep the body clean; let thy garments be changed daily, for clean garments honor the wearer. TALMUDIC SAYINGS COMMERCE An Israelite is prohibited from deceiving even an idolater. Those who monopolize food to increase its price, those who lend money usuriously, or who employ false weights and meas- ures, wound the honor of Jacob and will bring upon themselves the punishment of God. If thy goods sell not in one city, take them to another. He who avoids lawsuits frees himself from hatred, robbery and false swearing. Attend no auctions if thou hast no money. Make but one sale, and thou art called a merchant. Money belonging to orphans should only be invested when the chance of gain is greater than the chance of loss. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 9 Always be honest in thy trading; if thy goods are damaged, acknowledge it. The smallest payment in hand binds the trade. Credit and mutual trust should be the foun- dation of commercial intercourse. Do not buy stolen goods. COMPANIONSHIP A myrtle remains fragrant though it grows among thorns. Associate not with the wicked man, even if thou canst learn from him. A man without a proper companion is like the left hand without the right. If thou touch pitch it will stick to thy fingers; so, if thou associate with evil com- panions, thou wilt acquire their vices. IO TALMUDIC SAYINGS Keep at a distance from a bad neighbor, and associate not with a wicked man. If I am not for myself, who is for me ? And if I am for myself only, what am I ? He who mixes with the unclean, becomes un- clean himself; he whose associations are pure, becomes more holy each day. In communicating thy sorrows to others al- ways say, "May the Lord protect thee from like troubles." Be not mournful amongst the joyous, neither rejoice amongst the mournful. He who participates in the sorrows of a com- munity shall likewise receive the solace of the community. Those that make the sorrowful rejoice will partake of life everlasting. Associate with kind-hearted people, and thou wilt become kind-hearted thyself. TALMUDIC SAYINGS II CONDUCT A man may be known by three things ; by his conduct in business, at table, and when angry. The path of duty leads to salvation. Keep to the right path ; go not to extremes. Improve thyself, then endeavor to improve others. He who strives to improve will be assisted from above. The end does not justify the means. Night was created that therein we might ponder over the work of the past day. Contemplate three things, and thou wilt not easily be led to sin. Consider whence thou comest, whither thou goest, and be- fore whom thou must ultimately render an account of thine actions. 12 TALMUDIC SAYINGS Be respectful to a superior, affable to an in- ferior, and receive all men with cheerful- ness. How may a man obtain greatness? By fidel- ity, truth, and inspiring thoughts. Every union for a divine purpose is destined to last. CONTENTMENT Who is rich ? He who is satisfied with his lot. Do not use unlawful means to become rich. Blessed is the man who trusts in God. He who trusts in the Lord will never act dis- honorably. Be contented. The camel wished to have horns but ultimately lost his ears. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 1 3 CRUELTY Be not tyrannical and cruel toward thy in- feriors. Do not put a greater burden upon thy beast than it can bear. To have compassion upon animals is one of the laws of Moses. He who has no mercy upon animals shall himself suffer pain. A man should not buy cattle or poultry with- out first having bought food for them. Rather be the persecuted than the persecutor; rather be the sufferer than the one who inflicts suffering. 14 TALMUDIC SAYINGS DAMAGE Remove from the highway anything that might cause damage to another's prop- erty. Sell nothing that could inflict damage. Do not damage a public road. Use not another's money for thine own pur- pose. Thy neighbor's possessions should be as dear to thee as thine own. Man is always responsible for the injuries caused by him, whether inadvertently or wilfully. DEATH Death is the haven of life, and old age is the ship which enters the port. No man dies before his time. Trust not thyself until the day of thy death. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 1 5 Death relieves man of all pain and sorrow. Do not speak ill of the departed, but remem- ber that his soul still lives, tho' his body is dead. It is our duty to comply with the last wishes of a dying person. Do not attempt to dispute a man's last will and testament. He who follows others to the grave, performs a duty. In order to be able to distinguish one grave from another, erect a tombstone. DECEIT He who deceives his neighbor would also de- ceive his God. He who talks deceitfully is despised by the Lord. 1 6 TALMUDIC SAYINGS Under no consideration lead men astray. The thief's end is the gallows. There is no greater villain than he who takes away the earnings of the poor. A lie has not a leg to stand upon. When a liar speaks the truth, he finds his punishment in being generally disbe- lieved. DISCORD Keep far from contentious men, for they are dangerous. Discord creates incalculable harm. The house in which discord reigns will never be firmly established. One loose cord loosens many. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 1 7 ENMITY One enemy is one too many, a thousand friends are none too many. It is easy to make an enemy, it is difficult to make a friend, -♦- When the ox is down, many are the butchers. EXAMPLE Beautiful are the admonitions of those whose lives accord with their teachings. Precept without example is no precept. Blessed is the generation in which the old listen to the young ; and doubly blessed is the generation in which the young listen to the old. The daughter is as the mother was. 1 8 TALMUDIC SAYINGS What the child says on the street, he has learned at home. A single light answers as well for a hundred men as for one. Let every man watch his own doings, that he may be an example to his fellow-man through life. FELLOW-CREATURE What is displeasing unto thee, do not unto another. Guard with jealous care thy neighbor's honor. Let the honor of thy neighbor be as dear unto thee as thine own. Whosoever scorns his neighbor in public, com- promises his future happiness. -♦- Attempt not to comfort thy neighbor when the dead is lying before him. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 1 9 Mention not a blemish which is thine own in detraction of thy neighbor. Do not continually praise thy neighbor; from praise thou mayest turn to blame. Rejoice not in the faults of thy neighbor. Go not into thy neighbor's house unan- nounced, lest he be embarrassed. When thy neighbor departs, say, "Depart in peace." If thy neighbor is sick, pray for him. Do not visit a poor sick man with empty hands. It is a bounden duty to visit the sick. Birds of a feather flock together ; and so with man, like to like. Do not separate thyself from society. He who makes himself beloved by his fellow- creatures, makes himself acceptable to God. 20 TALMUDIC SAYINGS FILIAL AFFECTION Great is the child's veneration for its parents; equal in the eye of the Lord as the ven- eration for Himself. The son should stand in the presence of his father. The son can be compelled to support the father and to supply him with life's necessities. Only when the father attempts to induce the son to commit sin, is disobedience justi- fiable. FLATTERY Keep far from the flatterer. The flatterer is an abomination to the Lord. Let not thy lips speak that which is not in thy heart. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 21 Love those who reprove thee, not those who flatter thee. The dog follows thee for the crumbs in thy pocket. FRIENDSHIP Remind not thy friend of his erstwhile fail- ings. Do not take too many friends into thy house. Three friends hath a man : God, his mother, and his father. Ascend a step in choosing a friend. If thou findest a friend after thine own heart, love him honestly and truly. 22 TALMUDIC SAYINGS FUTURE LIFE (IMMORTALITY) This world is an ante-chamber to the next. Prepare thyself in the ante-chamber, that thou mayest worthily enter the throne- room. Better one hour's happiness in the next world, than a whole life of pleasure in this. This world is a world of work; the next, a world of recompense. He who divorces himself from the pleasures of this world, weds himself to the glories of the next. One man may earn immortality by the work of a few short years, while others earn it by the work of a long life. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 23 GOD — HOLY LAW The consciousness of God's presence is the great teaching of religion. Know before whom thou standest. Happy is he, who fears God while yet in the prime of life. The fear of God is the talisman which brings us wisdom and knowledge. Fear of God is the center of morality. Everything is in the hand of God except the fear of God. Whoever desecrates God's name in secret will be punished publicly. Tradition is a fence to the law. The God of Israel is the first and the last, and besides Him there is no other. 24 TALMUDIC SAYINGS There are three who are especially beloved by God: he who is forbearing, he who is temperate, and he who is courteous. We can not comprehend either the prosperity of the wicked or the sufferings of the righteous. From beginning to end God's law teaches kindness. Man should thank God for the evil as well as for the good. Whatever God does is done for our good. Even when death is imminent, man should not refrain from imploring the mercy of Heaven. The Sabbath is given to man, not man to the Sabbath. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 25 GUILT If any blame can be attached to thee, be the first to declare it. He who denies his guilt doubles his guilt. The liar is worse than the thief. He who blames others is often full of blame himself; for the fault he sees in others may be seen in himself. No man should be punished for speaking harshly in his distress. He through whose agency another has been falsely punished, stands outside of heaven's gates. HOME Woe to the children banished from their father's table. -♦- Do not place a blemish on thine own flesh. The humblest man is ruler in his own house. 26 TALMUDIC SAYINGS HONESTY Honest for a penny (Peruta), honest for a pound (Dinar). The first question that will be asked by the Heavenly Judge is, "Hast thou always acted honestly?" He who is honest in his dealings will have the respect of all people. HONOR No position can honor the man. It is the man who may honor the position. Who deserveth honor? He who honoreth others. He who honoreth the law is personally hon- ored by mankind; but he who holdeth the law in light esteem shall be held in light esteem by his fellow-man. Who is worthy of respect? He who re- specteth himself. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 27 HOSPITALITY Let thy house be ever hospitably open, and let the poor be received therein. The house which opens not to the poor will open to the physician. Hospitality is an expression of divine wor- ship. Receive everybody in kindness, and thou wilt be honored and respected. Thy dwelling should be a place of gathering for wise people. The table at which strangers eat becomes an altar. If thou intend to entertain twenty persons, always prepare for twenty-five. During eating hours, open thy doors, that the needy may enter and partake. 28 TALMUDIC SAYINGS HUMILITY Be always humble, for the end of the body is corruption. -♦- Rather be thou the tail among lions than the head among foxes. The bashful man seldom becomes learned. He who seeks fame oft loses it. He who can feel ashamed will not readily do wrong. HYPOCRISY Hypocrites should be unmasked, lest God's name be desecrated through them. Put not thy trust in still waters. If the thief no longer has an opportunity to steal he pretends to be honest. -♦- Fear neither the Pharisees nor the Sad- ducees ; fear only the hypocrites. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 29 IDLENESS He who passes his life in idleness is the in- strument of his own ruin. When the woman slumbers, the work-basket falls to the ground. Sleep in the morning, wine at noon, trifling with children, and spending time with the ignorant, shorten a man's existence. INGRATITUDE Throw not stones into the well from which thou hast quenched thy thirst. He who eats and drinks, but blesses not the Lord, is even as he w r ho stealeth. Wait not to honor the physician until thou fallest sick. Despise not small favors. 30 TALMUDIC SAYINGS INSOLENCE If a man be insolent, it is a sign that he has been guilty of transgression. He who is insolent to his teacher is as if he were insolent to the King. Arrogance is a kingdom without a crown. Turn a deaf ear to insult, and thou wilt not hear it. Do not be insolent. INSTRUCTION The fear of thy instructor should be even as the fear of Heaven. A town which has no school should be de- molished. Let the honor of thy pupil be as dear to thee as thine own. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 31 The study of the law, that does not go hand in hand with industry, is doomed to failure. He who instructs a child is as great a bene- factor as the parent; honor thy teacher as thy parent. Procure thyself a teacher, that thou remainest not in doubt. Happy the pupil whose teacher approves his words. Blessed is the son who has studied with his father, and blessed is the father who has instructed his son. Who is best taught? He who learns from his mother. The hasty man can not teach. He who studies and teaches others possesses treasures and riches. The world exists only by the breath of school children. 32 TALMUDIC SAYINGS It is a duty to begin to teach the child as soon as it can talk. Study is one of the three pillars that support the world. The name of the man whose child has de- voted himself to science will never die. A teacher should be relieved of all taxes, ex- cept that for digging and building a pub- lic well. It is the duty of the scholar to interest him- self in the welfare of the place in which he lives. It is right that the wise man should concern himself with the health and life of his fellow-creatures. The scholar should correct the wayward, as well as expound holy writ on Sabbaths and holy days. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 33 The learned man should judge himself ac- cording to his own teachings, and not do anything that he has forbidden others to do. The Lord is not with him who possesses great knowledge but has no sense of duty. -♦- He who is rich should support the learned. The teacher should explain the subject under discussion, and to this end should em- ploy a short and efficient method. The teacher should rule his pupil lovingly and kindly. Teach the children of the poor without com- pensation, and do not favor the children of the rich. The pupil should always remember that, through the efforts of the teacher, the world is laid open before him. Do not bring ridicule upon thy teacher by asking him questions that thou thinkest he can not answer. 34 TALMUDIC SAYINGS JUSTICE God loveth justice and charity more than all sacrifices. The recompense is proportionate to the sac- rifice. - - ^« v Justice is the guarantee of national stability and peace. Let justice pierce through the mountain. Choose for the criminal under sentence of death the least painful and the least de- grading mode of execution. Woe unto the generation whose judges must be judged. The judge should despise all emolument. Two judges hating each other can not sit on the same bench. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 35 The judge should not take a bribe, nor should he allow himself to be flattered. The judge who turns the law in favor of one or the other arbitrarily, shall be de- spised. Justice is one of the three pillars on which the moral world rests. KNOWLEDGE — IGNORANCE If thou hast acquired knowledge, what canst thou lack? If thou lackest knowledge, what canst thou acquire? He who acquires knowledge, without impart- ing it to others, is like a myrtle in the desert — no one is there to enjoy it. The aim and object of learning is moral per- fection. Knowledge without religion blesses not its possessor. 36 TALMUDIC SAYINGS If anyone tell thee he has searched for knowl- edge and not attained it, believe him not; if he tell thee he has attained knowl- edge without searching for it, believe him not; but if he tell thee he has searched for knowledge and attained it, thou mayest believe him. Learn first and philosophize afterwards. Learn a little here and a little there, and thou wilt grow in knowledge. If thou interrupt thy studies for one day, it will take thee two to regain what thou hast lost. It is the duty of the student to greet all wise men of his city. Refuse not to assist a fellow-student. None are so destitute as the ignorant. Ignorance and conceit go hand in hand. A coin in an empty vessel rattles loudly. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 37 Without knowledge there is no true morality and piety. The rivalry of scholars advances science. Study to-day— delay not. He who does not educate his children is his own and his children's enemy. Distress and poverty should not prevent one's obtaining an education. Study in thy youth; study in thine old age. He that increases not his knowledge dimin- ishes it. It is necessary to have a knowledge of the world, besides a knowledge of the Holy Law. 38 TALMUDIC SAYINGS LIFE If I do not work for my own salvation, who will for me? The longest life is insufficient for the fulfill- ment of half of man's desires. Life leads to the tomb, death to resurrection. Life is but a loan to man; death is the creditor who will one day claim it. Eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, and enjoy life. It is a bad sign if a man despise his life; God will hold him accountable. A man should not wound, mutilate, or casti- gate himself in order to be considered a martyr. Self-preservation is a bounden duty. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 39 If thou hast the means, enjoy life's innocent pleasures. The best preacher is the heart, the best teacher is time, the best book is the world, the best friend is God. The universe is based upon three things : con- science, justice, and peace. Youth is a wreath of roses. LOANS Lend to the poor in the time of their need. Never take the clothes of wife or children in payment of a debt. If thou hast taken of a man his plow or his pillow for debt, return his plow in the morning and his pillow at night. The possessions of a widow, whether she be rich or poor, should not be taken in pawn. 40 TALMUDIC SAYINGS LOVE When love is intense, both find room enough on one bench; afterwards they may find themselves cramped in sixty cubits. Love without rebuke is no love. Love inspired by unworthy motives dies out when those motives disappear, but love without such motives endures forever. MARRIAGE It is man's duty to take unto himself a wife. Choose a wife of thine own station and age, and thus avoid discord and strife. Be careful in the choice of a wife, and ex- amine thy heart well ere thou marry. Whoever marries a virtuous woman, is blessed by the Lord. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 4 1 He who breaks his marriage vow, must expect his wife to do the same, sooner or later. The wife should not upbraid the husband in the presence of their children. The wife must help the husband by doing housework. The wife should never indulge in idleness. It is the duty of the wife to nurse the child herself. Honor thy wife and thou wilt prosper. He who loves his wife as himself and respects her above all others, will have peace in his household. If thy wife be short, stoop down to her and speak. He who has no wife is not a complete man. 42 TALMUDIC SAYINGS He who is unmarried lives without happiness, without religion, without blessing. All the blessings of a household come through the wife, therefore should the husband honor her. Men should be careful lest they cause women to weep, for God counts their tears. A woman's death is felt by nobody as by her husband. The children of a man who marries for money will prove a curse to him. It is a man's duty to honor his wife's parents as his own. Love thy wife truly and faithfully and do not compel her to do hard work. Man is born to work, hence it is his bounden duty to support his wife and family and not depend upon others. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 43 MERCY To deserve mercy, practice mercy. The mercy we to others show heaven will show to us. He who has compassion on his fellow-man is accounted of the offspring of Abraham. He who wishes to be forgiven must forgive others. Hatred is sinful, pardon is sweet. MODERATION Be moderate in all things. When Satan can not come himself, he sends wine as a messenger. The horse fed too freely with oats oft be- comes unruly. 44 TALMUDIC SAYINGS Drink not to excess, and thou wilt not be led into sin. Eat and drink to live. Live not to eat and drink ; for thus do the beasts. Do not waste thy money in luxuries. The sensible man drinks only when he is thirsty. MODESTY They who are modest will not easily sin. Who is modest? He whose conduct in the dark is the same as in the light. Be humble before all men. Modesty prevents discord. Be as flexible as a reed and not as hard as a cedar. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 45 NEIGHBOR (See Fellow-Creature) OATHS — VOWS Good men promise little and do much ; wicked men promise much and perform nothing. Do not accustom thyself to use oaths, or thou wilt be led to perjury. Swear not, even to the truth, unless the court compel thee to do so. The world trembles at the sentence: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." The sin of perjury is great. The punishment of perjury falls not only upon the sinner, but upon his family also. He who allows his neighbor to perjure him- self will lose his possessions. To act contrary to a given promise is a grave breach of trust. 46 TALMUDIC SAYINGS OLD AGE — YOUTH No one can be accounted venerable unless his old age has purchased wisdom. Happy is the old age that atones for the folly of youth! But happier still the youth for which old age needs not to blush ! He who asks advice of the bearded will sel- dom fail in what he undertakes. Some are old in their youth, others young in their old age. PARENTAL DUTIES Do not spoil the child by allowing it to have its own way. Treat young children carefully. Do not threaten them with punishment unless thou meanest to inflict it, TALMUDIC SAYINGS 47 Do not inflict corporal punishment on grown- up children. It is the duty of the father to support his sons and daughters until they are at least thirteen years old. To give one's daughter in marriage to an ig- noramus is like throwing her before lions. PASSION Passion is at first as slender as a spider's web, but in the end it becomes like a thick cable. Who is a hero? He who controlleth his passions. He that forges arrows may one day be killed by one of his own arrows. Envy lust and ambition take men from the world. 48 TALMUDIC SAYINGS PATRIOTISM Pray to heaven for the prosperity of the gov- ernment, for by indifference to its wel- fare we cause anarchy and disorder to reign. If there be no law, there can be no civilization. Follow the custom of the country in which thou dwellest. The law of the country is binding. He who revolts against the government com- mits as great a sin as if he revolted against God. PEACE Be a disciple of Aaron, loving peace, and pursuing peace. Be the first to hold out the hand of peace. Where there is no peace nothing flourishes. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 49 Sow peace at home ; scatter its fruits abroad. Peace is the wisp of straw that binds the sheaf of blessings. The Bible was given to establish peace. He who maketh peace between strivers, will inherit eternal life. Where peace is, there, also, is happiness. POVERTY— PENURY Be mindful of the children of the poor, for learning comes from them. Healthy poverty is opulence, compared with ailing wealth. Poverty sits as gracefully upon some people as a red saddle upon a white horse. The Eternal is the advocate of the poor. The birds of the air despise a miser. A miser is as wicked as an idolater. 50 TALMUDIC SAYINGS PRAYER Prayer without devotion is like a body with- out breath. When the gates of prayer are closed, the gates of repentance are yet open. Better little prayer with devotion than much without devotion. The value of the words uttered with the lips is determined by the devotion of the heart. He who prays for others will be heard favor- ably when he prays for himself. Look not upon thy prayers as on a task; let thy supplication be sincere. It is the duty of every Israelite to pray for the idolater. It is more profitable to pray than to bring sacrifices. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 5 I Always pray with humility, and with a clear conscience. Cleanse thy heart before praying. Before praying, give alms to the poor. Prayer is one of the three things on which the world rests. Blessed are the women who send their chil- dren to the house of prayer. PRIDE — HAUGHTINESS The Messiah will not come until haughtiness shall have ceased among men. The proud man is distasteful even to his near- est relatives. Pride leads to the destruction of man. Haughtiness indicates poverty of mind. The proud man suffers torments, the modest experiences bliss. 52 TALMUDIC SAYINGS He who hardens his heart with pride softens his brain with the same. Pride is a sign of ignorance. The prayers of the proud are never heard. Despise nobody, and thou wilt not be despised. PUBLIC OPINION The voice of the people is as the voice of God. Despise not public opinion. Whosoever is loved by mankind is also loved by the Supreme Being, but whosoever is not loved by mankind is not loved by the Supreme Being. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 53 Sacrifice thy will for others, that they may be disposed to sacrifice their will for thee. He who fears the opinion of the world more than his own conscience has but little self-respect. RECOMPENSE — REVENGE Be not as servants who work for wages, but fulfill all thy duties without an interested motive. Man receives measure for measure. The physician who prescribes gratuitously gives a worthless prescription. As the pains so the gains. He who gratifies revenge, destroys his own house. Misery and remorse are the children of re- venge. 54 TALMUDIC SAYINGS RELIGION He who devotes himself to the mere study of religion, without engaging in works of mercy and love, is like one who has no God. Religion is the light of the world. Religion makes the man. Without religion there can be no true moral- ity. REPENTANCE To him who repeatedly sins, looking forward to penitence to cover his transgression, repentance will avail nothing. Repentance and good deeds will ward off pun- ishment. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 55 The tears of true repentance are not shed in vain. When a man has turned away from sin, re- proach him no more. Happy is he who repents betimes. Repent one day before thy death. As the ocean never freezes, so the gates of repentance never close. There is even some merit in a resolution to repent. REPROOF Love those who reprove thee, and despise those who flatter thee; for reproof may lead thee to eternal life, flattery to de- struction. Grass dreads the scythe. He who can not bear one word of reproof will have to bear many. 56 TALMUDIC SAYINGS The love that shrinks from reproving is no love. -♦- Correct not a man in company, for it will bring the blush of shame to his cheek. Every man is not competent to correct his neighbor. RESIGNATION Blessed is he who bears his trials — every one has his share. He who cheerfully submits to suffering brings salvation to the world. The world will be judged in righteousness and truth. He who rebels against God's decree will lose his soul's salvation. When misfortune befalls thee examine thy conduct and acknowledge that God's chastisement is just. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 57 RICHES It is not the amount of trade that makes the man poor or rich, but honest working and dealing. The rich man does not know but that at some time poverty will come to his children or his grandchildren. The most worthy crown is a good reputation. To be patient is to have much wealth. RIGHTEOUSNESS The righteous need no monument ; their deeds are their monument. When the righteous die, they may be con- sidered living; for their example lives. The righteous are even greater in death than in life. The loss of a pious man is a loss to his whole generation. 58 TALMUDIC SAYINGS With the pious, God is strict even unto a hair's breadth. The righteous of all nations will enjoy eternal bliss. The pious do everything from love, and even find consolation in their own afflictions. ROBBERY There is no difference between the robbery of a Jew, or the robbery of a Gentile; if any, to rob a Gentile is a greater sin than to rob a Jew. The thief's end is the gallows. One should not buy of a woman suspected of selling without the knowledge of her husband. The sin of robbery can not be expiated by repentance nor by the Day of Atonement, unless restitution is made. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 59 Buy nothing from a thief. It is wrong to receive a present from a thief. If one finds a marked article he should adver- tise it publicly, so that the owner may recover it. SECRECY Thy secret is thy slave. If thou let it loose thou becomest its slave. That which man conceals in his innermost chamber is plain and manifest to the eye of God. Pry not into things that are beyond thy ken. Thy friend has a friend, and thy friend's friend has a friend — be discreet. If thou tellest thy secret to three persons, ten know it. When the wine is in, the secret is out. 60 TALMUDIC SAYINGS SILENCE — See Speech If silence is becoming to a wise man, how much more so to a fool ! To know when to be silent is the strongest quality in man. If a word spoken in its place is worth one piece of silver, silence in its place is worth two. Silence is the fence round wisdom. When two men quarrel, he who is first silent is the greater gentleman. SIN Habit strips sin of its enormity. A man commits a sin in secret ; God brings it to light. Sinful thoughts are even more dangerous than sin itself. Sin begets sin. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 6 1 Curse the sin, not the sinner. "Satan" and "evil inclinations" are one and the same thing. The wiser the man the more careful should he be of his conduct. Ill weeds grow apace; neglect is their gar- dener. SLAVEHOLDING Saul obtained the kingdom because he con- sidered the honor of his slaves equal to his own. Slaves should never be addressed as such, for the name itself is contemptible. Tho' thy slave be a Canaanite, it is thy duty as an Israelite to treat him humanely, and not break his spirit with hard work. It is thy duty to support the slave who was crippled while in thine employ. When thy slave leaves thee, give him as much as thou art able. 6 2 TALMUDIC SAYINGS SPEECH — SLANDER A word is like milk, which being once drawn from its original source, can never be returned. Rather allow thyself to be reviled than to revile others. Open not thy mouth to speak evil. He who changes his word, saying one thing and doing another, is even as one who serveth idols. To slander is to commit murder. The scoffer, the liar, the hypocrite, and the slanderer can have no share in the future life. Say little and do much. If speech is worth one piece of silver, silence is worth two. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 63 Teach thy tongue to say, "I do not know." Man should always make use of pure lan- guage. He who talks too much will talk sinfully. Be always sincere in your "Yea" and your "Nay." Speech is the messenger of the heart. Suffer not thine ear to hearken to vain dis- course. Better no ear at all than one that listeneth to evil. It is even worse to deceive in matters of speech than in money matters. 64 TALMUDIC SAYINGS TEMPTATION The study of the Holy Law is the only anti- dote against temptation. The hole in the wall invites the thief. Let no man wilfully expose himself to temp- tation. Happy is he who resists temptation. TESTIMONY He who can testify in favor of his neighbor and does not, is a transgressor. The witness should testify only to that which he has seen and heard himself. He who testifies falsely shall be disgraced. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 65 TOLERANCE Support the aged without reference to re- ligion; respect the learned without refer- ence to age. The virtuous of all nations participate in eternal bliss. The Lord who proclaimed the Law of Sinai is the God of all nations. "Before me," said the Lord, "there is no dif- ference between Jew and Gentile ; he that accomplishes good will I reward accord- ingly." God scattered Israel in order that the Gentiles may know the purity of Jewish teachings. 66 TALMUDIC SAYINGS TRUTH Truth is the seal of God. Truth will stand, but falsehood must fall. Truth is its own witness. Truth tells its own tale. There is no occasion to light thy lamp at noontide. Truth is heavy, therefore few care to carry it. Always acknowledge the truth. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 67 USEFULNESS In all God's creation, there is not a single object without a purpose. Use thy best vase to-day, for to-morrow it may, perchance, be broken. A vessel used for holy purposes should not be put to uses less sacred. USURY No Israelite is allowed to lend usuriously to a non-Israelite. The practice of usury is as wicked as the shedding of blood. The possessions of him who lends usuriously shall sooner or later decrease and vanish. 68 TALMUDIC SAYINGS The testimony of a usurer is not valid before the Court of Justice. The usurer will have no share in an everlasting life. The usurer will not prosper. WISDOM Wisdom increaseth with years ; and so, often, does folly. Without the fear of God there is no wisdom. Wisdom is a tree, and active virtue its fruit. Be not only wise in thy words, be wise in thy deeds. Who is a wise man ? He who learns from all men. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 69 Let thy house be a place of meeting for the wise, and eagerly drink in their words. It is a good sign if one's body suffers in the attempt to gain wisdom. It is hard to find a man who loves his op- ponent; it is only the wise who loves his own kind. -♦- Whenever there are two learned men in one city, there should be peace between them. Those who are truly wise advance the peace of the world, for they banish hatred and jealousy from their hearts. Controversies carried on for the purpose of expounding the law are blessed of God. Emulation among learned men increases the stores of knowledge. 70 TALMUDIC SAYINGS WORK Rather flay a carcass in the street to earn an honest livelihood than say, "I am a re- spectable man, and such employment is beneath my dignity." The tradesman at his work is the equal of the most learned doctor. He who lives by the work of his hands enjoys life. The Eternal did not allow His glory to shine over the Israelites until they became pro- ductive workers. Work is more pleasant in the sight of the Lord than the merits of the Patriarchs. Great is the power of work, for it supports, as well as honors, him who practises it. The man who has a handicraft may be com- pared to a vineyard surrounded by a fence. The famine lasted seven years, but it passed by the door of the worker. TALMUDIC SAYINGS 7 I He who helps himself will be helped by God. Great is labor — it honors the laborer. He who does not teach his son a trade is as if he teaches him to thieve. He who attempts too much, does little. Say not, "I will do nothing/' because thou canst not do everything. The day is short, but the labor is great. Love thy work. Bad servants ask permission after the thing is done. -♦- Victuals prepared by many cooks will be neither cold nor hot. It is well to add a trade to thy studies if thou wouldst be free from sin. The sun will set without thy assistance. Every man has his opportunity. 72 TALMUDIC SAYINGS WORKMAN If thou art a day laborer, fulfill thy duty faith- fully, and thereby please thine employer. Do not interrupt thy work in order to greet a passer-by. The laborer is allowed to shorten his prayers. Thou art forbidden to look longingly upon the grapes when thou art working at the dates. The laborer is forbidden to eat more of the fruit than is necessary to stay his hunger. Do not hold back the wages of the laborer after his work is done. OCT 12 1210 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Feb. 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATIO 1 1 1 ThomsorvPark Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-21 1 1 One copy del. to Cat. Div. 12 191G'