The Goodness of Integrity
"Do not corrupt justice; do not show favor to someone, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe will blind the eyes of the wise." (Devarim 16:19).
The Talmud tells us that once Shmuel, a great judge, crossed the river by boat. A man gave him his hand to help him climb out of the boat. Afterwards that man told Shmuel that he had come to town to settle a legal matter. Shmuel responded, "I am disqualified from judging your case."
Lesson: Even though Shmuel was as pure as an angel he knew that even a minor courtesy, like "giving someone a hand," could cause him to be swayed from rendering justice.
App: Be aware of the many forces that try to sway us from acting with integrity. Hold tight to your moral values, even when a seemingly minor "bribe" comes your way. Be a shining example of Torah true ethics and influence others to follow your lead.
(Based on the commentary of Rav Yerucham Levovitz)
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