The Gifts of Intelligence and Goodness
"HaShem taught us more than the beasts of the earth and made us wiser than the birds of the heavens" (Iyov 35:11).
Contemplate on the great favor that HaShem has bestowed upon you in granting you intelligence and insight, together with many precious virtues of character, such as kindness, compassion, honesty, etc. These precious gifts of intelligence and noble character traits give man superiority over the non-rational living creatures.
Lesson: When we reflect on HaShem's unbounded kindness in creating our holy soul, and granting us intelligence and good character traits, we will be inspired to love, appreciate, and serve HaShem.
Visualization: Imagine if your were bereft of intelligence and a master physician opened up your faculty of intelligence and insight. Upon realizing the superiority of your present condition over your former state, you would thank and praise this man all the days of your life. How much greater is our debt of gratitude to our exalted Creator, may He be blessed, Whose favors to us are endless and Whose graces upon us are without bound!
(Duties of the Heart, Gate of Spiritual Accounting, 3)
