We conclude Chapter 5 in today’s lesson. It’s taken a few lessons – but understanding the trait of Watchfulness has become clear!
We’ve learnt that there are three factors that detract from our being able to get on with the task at hand (life and growth in this world!) These include:
1. Preoccupation with worldly affairs – and therefore a lack of time to concentrate of what needs to be done (studying Torah, fulfilling Mitzvot, praying etc.)
2. Excess levity – busying oneself with the mocking and scoffing of others and life at every available opportunity
3. Bad company – our final lesson today. The dangers of not keeping away from those who for some reason want nothing better in their lives than to distract one from being good. They seem to always have something untoward to say and to do. Always something wrong with someone or something. And they want you to believe them in all of it. If not – it is you who is the fool – not they!
The Ramchal tells us to stay as far away from these people as possible. They’re definitely not good news. They are there to block us from life’s purpose. They are time wasters and naysayers. It doesn’t matter what you do, who you are, how much you know, or how important getting on with important things in life is — they want to distract one so that they can get them to be on their side of the law (in everything) – which is usually not right. That type of thinking and behaviour may find one in worse circumstances in life than one may already fine onself. In short – stay as far away from these people as you can!
Somehow (my words) – the Ramchal tells us – we need to strengthen ourselves and laugh at the mockers themselves! Why must those on the path of good be embarrassed all the time because of the good they are doing?! Rather – as the Mishnah teaches us – be as bold as a leopard to do the will of your Father in heaven. When we are in the right – our righteousness should be done without shame. Those who are good and on the correct humble path in life – should do well to laugh off those bad scoffers and bad company who constantly laugh at the good one is after in this world.
Indeed, they’ll always find new ways to create a bad atmosphere – and even make it sound good. In fact, bad company people seem to ignore the first two types of distractions we discussed in previous lessons – altogether! It’s as if they want a monopoly on all three levels! Then so be it – but those wishing to understand what life is and grow correctly should do well to hear these last words of our chapter today.
The Ramchal tells us that even King David himself – a king(!) would feel no shame in the presence of the other kings. He would not engage in their trivial materialistic talk, but would instead speak of the wonders of the Torah and God. Even the king – who might lose the respect of the other political authorities of the generation were he to say things against their “morals” – would speak only of Torah and God and the importance of truth and justice.
