D'var Torah: "Happy is the person who hears an offensive remark about himself and remains silent. He saves himself from a hundred troubles!" (Sanhedrin 7a)
It takes great inner strength to hold your tongue when someone makes a hurtful remark. As painful as it is to control your instinct to respond, it is totally worth the effort because if you initiate an argument you will endure much conflict and strife. When emotions are heated an antagonistic comment only adds fuel to the fire. Whereas if you master your emotions and remain silent, you foster peace, friendship, and goodwill.
Moral: Make every effort to remain silent in the face of an insult and save yourself from unnecessary anguish and hurtful arguments.
Application: Envision Hillel the Elder, who never lost his patience. Reflect on the episode when someone took on a bet that he could make Hillel angry. He interrupts Hillel on Erev Shabbos when Hillel is in the bathhouse. He asks Hillel a series of foolish questions, which Hillel patiently answers with great wisdom. Note that Hillel keeps focused on maintaining his equilibrium. Imagine his pleasant demeanor, endless patience, and joy of life. Transpose Hillel's tranquilty to your heart and stay calm and collected, even in the most trying circumstances.
(Based on Sanhedrin 7a with Rashi)
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