Avos 6:7-8

Avos 6:7

Great is Torah because it gives life to those who practice it both in this world and in the Next World as per Proverbs 4:22, “For they are life to the one who finds them, and healing for his entire body.” Proverbs 3:8 says, “Let it be healing for your flesh and marrow for your bones.” Verse 18 says, “It is a tree of life to those who grasp it; those who draw near to it are fortunate.” Verse 1:9 says, “For they are a wreath of grace on your head and a chain for your neck.” Verse 4:9 says, “She will place a wreath of grace on your head and bestow upon you a crown of glory.” Verse 3:16 says, “Long life is in its right hand; in its left hand are riches and honor.” Verse 3:2 says, “For they will add to you length of days and years of life and peace.”

Avos 6:8

Rabbi Shimon ben Menasya said in the name of Rabbi Shimon (bar) Yochai that beauty, strength, wealth, honor, wisdom, old age, gray hair and children are good for the righteous and good for the world as per Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is found through the ways of righteousness.” Verse 14:24 says, “The crown of the wise is their wealth.” Verse 17:6 says, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged; the glory of children is their fathers.” Verse 20:29 says, “The glory of the young is their strength and the beauty of elders is gray hair.” Isaiah 24:23 says, “The moon will be ashamed and the sun will be embarrassed because the Lord of Hosts has reigned on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; before His elders will be glory.” Rabbi Shimon ben Menasya said that these seven traits that the Sages attributed to the righteous were all embodied by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and his sons.