D'var Torah: "A person's gift brings him increase; And brings him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). According to physical law, if you give something away, you will have less. However, King Solomon teaches us that according to spiritual rules, giving precipitates abundant blessings, goodness, and success for the giver.
Not only will a kind person see material dividends; he will also be blessed with many friends. Indeed, there is no attribute that causes one to be beloved as generosity. Thus, a person's gift brings him "increase" in friends. And his many friends will provide him with the most valuable of all virtues: peace of mind.
In addition, a person who shares with others finds favor, both in the eyes of man and in Heaven.
For instance, in the beginning of the book of Esther, we find that Achashveirosh made a lavish banquet for his people. Unfortunately, he served the food on vessels that were stolen from the Temple. Surprisingly, Achashveirosh, received no punishment for such a flagrant desecration of the holy vessels. Yet, when King Daryavesh, dared to use the vessels of the Sanctuary, he died.There is a critical distinction between these two incidents. Since Achashveirosh used the vessels to entertain and bring joy to others, he was protected from the Divine Justice. Daryavesh, on the other hand, used the vessels for his personal pleasure, and so he was killed.
Moral: Achashveirosh was spared because he performed kindness, even though he profaned the vessels. How much more so does HaShem bless, protect, and give increase to a person who performs pure kindness!
Application: Joyfully attend to the Mitzvah on Purim of "Shelach Manot" -- giving a gift to your friend -- with kindness, appreciation, and care. May the collective kindness of Klal Yisrael arise before HaShem and awaken abundant blessings, protection, and redemption for the people of Israel.
(Based on the commentary of Rabenu Yonah to Mishlei)
