The Book of Proverbs (3:11-12) strongly applauds accepting discipline and critique saying, “Do not spurn the discipline of Hashem, my son, and do not loathe His reproof. For he whom the Hashem loves, He reproves, like a father, the son whom he favors”.
On this Rashi comments, “Should pains come upon you, they should be dear to you. . . [Because] He desires his son’s good, he placates him after striking him with the staff so that the benefit, which comes after being hit, will be pleasing.
The Ralbag comments, “For Hashem, may He be blessed, reproves he who He loves, and wants to conduct Himself towards him like a father towards his son, whom He punishes him for his good. When He does this a virtue comes because he searches his actions and attitudes until he clarifies that which caused by he sin. As it says, ‘He opens their ears through discipline, And says they have returned from mischief’, (Job 36:10)”.
The Vilna Gaon comments, “This is the way of reproving a friend that worries his heart. He sees that he is going on a path that is not good. . . Therefore he desires to set him right so he chastises him for his own good. . . [And in the end] he fully does the will of God.
These are like the popular story in which a soldier in battle panics and starts screaming hysterically. The officer unsuccessfully tries to calm him down. After that he slaps him across the face. With that the private returns to his senses and says, “thanks, Sarge, I needed that!”
This approach can give a person needed comfort to life's hard knocks, especially those that come as a result of mischief, a walk on the wild side, and stubborn ignorance. There is a somewhat milder and more to be found way of looking at these verses. A lecture by a teacher in which he addresses the shortcomings of the class or even those of an individual student is commonly called musar (מוּסַר). Other times a savvy person will enlighten an innocent friend telling him that things are not what they seem to be. An author will actually pay a professional to critique his manuscript. These encounters can be uncomfortable at the time. Nevertheless a humble intelligent person recognizes the benefits and will appreciate the fact that another put themself out on their behalf.
The paragraph in Mishle continues that musar is the way to wisdom. Also a man who finds wisdom and derives understanding is fortunate and happy because this merchandise is more valuable than silver, gold, and precious stones. Pouring on the praise the characteristic of accepting correction also brings a long meaningful life that is full of wealth, tranquility, and peace.
לע"נ האמא מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנ"ח
העלון ניתן לקבל בדואר אלקטרוני וגם באתר http://dyschreiber.blogspot.com
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