| "First learn what is bad in order to avoid it, and then learn what is good and do it." Why is it necessary "to first learn what is bad" before we actually "do good?" Every form of good is vulnerable to a negative force that can destroy it. For instance, imagine a person contemplates on the precious trait of patience, without considering how to regulate his own inclinations of anger. Regardless of how much he contemplates on patience, if someone annoys him, the fire of anger will flash within him, uprooting all of his good intentions regarding patience. Firstly, let him recognize his negative emotions and learn the wisdom of how to control them. Now that he has subdued the negative force, he is better position to acquire the positive trait of patience. He has uprooted the bad trait as well as instilled the good one in his heart. Even if he is put to the test, he will be able to overcome anger and always act with pure patience. A person who knows the various negative traits and learns how to avoid them, will conduct himself with constant goodness.
Envision Avraham Avinu, the master of loving kindness. See how he first purified himself from the negative traits, such as impatience, and selfishness, so they would not impair his kindness and good deeds. See Avraham reacting with patience even in the most trying circumstance. Like a peaceful river, he flows with unbounded kindness, goodness, and love for all of HaShem's creations. (Based on Chovos HaLavavos, Sha'ar Yichud HaMa'aseh)
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