Avos 6:1-2
The sixth chapter of Pirkei Avos isn’t really part of Avos at all. Known as “Kinyan Torah” (the Acquisition of Torah) or “Perek d’Rabbi Meir” (the Chapter of Rabbi Meir), this chapter was added because of the custom to study Pirkei Avos each Shabbos from Pesach to Shavuos.
Avos 6:1
The Sages taught the following in the language of the Mishna: Rabbi Meir said that one who occupies himself with Torah sincerely earns many rewards and actually deserves the whole world (which was created to support Torah study). He is called God’s friend and intimate, one who loves God, one who loves humanity, one who pleases God, and one who pleases humanity. It wraps him in humility and awe, and teaches him how to be righteous, pious, upright and trustworthy. It keeps him far from sin and draws him closer to merits. He provides others with good advice, sound knowledge, understanding and strength as per Proverbs 8:14 “Counsel and sound knowledge are mine; I am understanding and power is mine.” It gives him sovereignty, dominion and good judgment. The mysteries of the Torah are revealed to such a person. He is made to be like a spring that increases and a river that never stops. He becomes modest, tolerant and forgiving of insults. He is increased and raised above all things,
Avos 6:2
Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said that every day a Divine voice proceeds from Horeb (i.e., Mount Sinai) proclaiming, “Woe to humanity for neglecting the Torah!” One who doesn’t occupy himself with Torah should consider himself Divinely reprimanded as per Proverbs 11:22, “Like a golden ring in the snout of a pig is a fair woman without discretion” (a metaphor for a person who is aware of Torah but neglects it). Similarly, Exodus 32:16 says, “The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.” The word charus (engraved) could also be understood as cheirus (freedom) because only one who occupies himself with Torah is truly free. One who regularly occupies himself with Torah will be exalted as per Numbers 21:19, “From Matana to Nachaliel, and from Nachaliel to Bamos” (literally, “From gift to Divine inheritance, and from Divine inheritance to high places”).