184. Bad Influences

29:9 We should not argue over the opportunity to perform a mitzvah, such as who will lead the prayer service or receive an aliyah, etc. An example is laid out for us in the Talmud (Yoma 39a) regarding the showbread, which is a mitzvah for the kohanim to eat. The humble would hold themselves back, while the greedy would grab it all up. (This is speaking of a mitzvah that will definitely get done by someone; if a mitzvah will go unperformed, such as a guest being left without accommodations, one has to get assertive – Mishnah Brurah 53:65.)

29:10 It's natural for a person’s behavior to be influenced by his friends, neighbors and other acquaintances. Therefore, one should strive to associate with righteous and wise people in order to be positively influenced by them. One should avoid evil people, who exert a negative influence. King Solomon wrote, “One who walks with the wise will become wise, while one who associates with fools will come to harm” (Proverbs 13:20). King David wrote in Psalms (1:1), “Happy is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…” If one lives in a city with corrupt leaders and crooked residents, he should move to a city of righteous people who act appropriately.