Healthy Living

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MAIMONIDES’ SAGE COUNSEL


Maimonides, the prominent Medieval Jewish philosopher, observed: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Granted it is easier to donate a fish than teach a person to fend for himself, but there is no extended benefit.
Moreover, the person receiving the fish may be discouraged from making an effort to care for his or her own needs. Which is a criticism leveled against the so-called welfare society. Or, as described by a person who had lived under Communism: “Everyone had a little, but no one had much.”
The Jewish scholar likewise enjoined, “Anticipate charity by preventing poverty.” Or in keeping with the sage saying, “Prevention is the best cure.” Which requires that we anticipate the results of our actions, whether for the better or the worse.
Thus are we also reminded that Jewish tradition couples generosity with industry. Which, in turn, recalls Andrew Carnegie, thought to be one of the more successful businessmen of his time. In 1889, he published an essay appropriately entitled The Gospel of Wealth. He argued in this regard that the accumulation of wealth is beneficial to society, and that the government ought not to take any action that would inhibit private enterprise. He thereby insisted that the affluent are trustees of their accumulated wealth.
Unlike certain of his contemporaries, Carnegie practiced what he preached. Accordingly, he spent his last years giving away his vast fortune. This included the funding of 2,800 public libraries. In retrospect, he allowed: “The man who dies rich dies disgraced.”
“One should see the world, and see himself as a scale with an equal balance of good and evil,” Maimonides also counseled. That is, as enticed by both good and evil. Sometimes represented by an angel perched on one shoulder and a demon on the other. So that it remains to be seen to which the person will listen.
Depending on how one leans, the world takes a turn for the better or the worse. Since our actions or failure to act impinges on others. Then, too, our sins of omission are often more subtle and substantial. In this regard, John Calvin observed that if one can save a life and fails to do so, he or she is guilty of murder.
“Teach thy tongue to say, ‘I do not know,’” the scholar continues, “and you shall progress.” While in keeping with one of my favorite sayings, “The more we know, the more we realize that we do not know.” Ideally so, if not actually the case.
So I was encouraged to get a broad liberal arts education, before focusing on theological studies. This resulted in a history major, and minors in philosophy and electrical physics. Thus to provide an introduction to the social studies, humanities, and science. Only then, to delve at some length into the area of my specialization. At which time, it is said that a persons learns increasingly more about less.
Maimonides further cautions, “The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.” Procrastination serves no legitimate purpose, which is not to rule out deliberate action. Judge carefully, and progress with unrelenting resolve.
In addition, we can learn from the past. Wherein we have been successful, and wherein we have failed. But not as long as we refuse to make the effort. Thus to set a good precedent for others to emulate.
“You must accept the truth from whatever source it comes,” the learned scholar likewise concludes. In fact, we often learn more from those with whom we disagree. Which again brings to mind Augustine’s observation, “All truth is God’s truth.” But much of what passes for truth does not qualify.
This is by way of encouraging dialogue. Recalling on occasion when another Christian and I conversed with four Muslims. One of the latter, a retired professor, was the first to speak. “Now the Trinity,” he began, “I don’t think this should concern us. Of course, I can’t accept the Christian dogma, but the idea of divine complexity is quite acceptable. So I suggest that we get on with something more practical.” Coming as a surprise to me.
“You Christians say that if some one strikes you on one cheek, turn the other,” he continued; “but we Muslims insist that you should retaliate. This is better for him, and better for you.” This, moreover, invited further clarification and interchange. As well as a means for interpreting subsequent issues.
“When one man can discover a certain thing by himself,” Maimonides muses, “another is never able to understand it, even if taught by means of all possible expressions and metaphors.” So that some make the most of their opportunities, while others are disinclined—even when given capable mentors.
In conclusion, “Does not wisdom call out?” (Prov. 8:1). Indeed it does! As if to get our attention, and guide us in the way of righteousness.
Then, too, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and discipline” (Prov. 1:7). As for apt commentary, “The beginning (i.e., the first and controlling principle) is not merely a right method of thought but a right relation: a worshiping submission to the God of the covenant” (Derek Kidner, Proverbs, p. 59). Otherwise, we lack the means for properly integrating the knowledge we accumulate. Knowing more and more, we understand less and less.

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