The Wisdom of Preserving Peace
"He who belittles his friend is lacking a heart, whereas a man of understanding will be silent" (Mishlei 11:12)
It is human nature to react emotionally in the sensitive area of interpersonal relations. However, King Solomon reveals to us that instinctive negative reactions are counterproductive. If someone belittles his friend, not only does he damage his friend, he also jeopardizes a valuable friendship. Conversely, a man of understanding never disgraces his friend and makes every effort to preserve the peace of the relationship.What's more, he remains silent if he himself is insulted, even if he has no relationship with the one who insulted him.
Lesson: Success in our relationships rests on sensitivity to others. When we act with good judgement, our friendships are preserved, we show proper respect to others, and we maintain our own sense of dignity.
Visualization: Envision Yoseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. Despite his great trials, he never said a bad word about his brothers. When he was reunited with his brothers, he consoled them. He told him that their actions were ordained from Heaven, so that he would become the king of Egypt and sustain the world in a time of famine.
(Based on the commentary of the Vilna Gaon to Mishlei)
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