## Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction

###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 1
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 1](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/1)

אָמַר הַמְחַבֵּר: הַחִבּוּר הַזֶּה לֹא חִבַּרְתִּיו לְלַמֵּד לִבְנֵי הָאָדָם אֶת אֲשֶׁר לֹא יָדְעוּ, אֶלָּא לְהַזְכִּירָם אֶת הַיָּדוּעַ לָהֶם כְּבָר וּמְפֻרְסָם אֶצְלָם פִּרְסוּם גָּדוֹל. כִּי לֹא תִּמְצָא בְּרוֹב דְּבָרַי, אֶלָּא דְּבָרִים שֶׁרֹב בְּנֵי הָאָדָם יוֹדְעִים אוֹתָם וְלֹא מִסְתַּפְּקִים בָּהֶם כְּלָל.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
The writer says: I have composed this work not to teach people what they do not know but to remind them of what they already know and which is very familiar to them. For you will find in most of my words only things which most people already know and do not have any doubt about.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 2
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 2](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/2)

אֶלָּא שֶׁכְּפִי רֹב פִּרְסוּמָם וּכְנֶגֶד מַה שֶׁאֲמִתָּתָם גְּלוּיָה לַכֹּל, כָּךְ הַהֶעְלֵם מֵהֶם מָצוּי מְאֹד וְהַשִּׁכְחָה רַבָּה. עַל כֵּן אֵין הַתּוֹעֶלֶת הַנִּלְקָט מִזֶּה הַסֵּפֶר יֹצֵא מִן הַקְּרִיאָה בּוֹ פַּעַם אַחַת, כִּי כְּבָר אֶפְשָׁר שֶׁלֹּא יִמְצָא הַקּוֹרֵא בְּשִׂכְלוֹ חִדּוּשִׁים אַחַר קְרִיאָתוֹ שֶׁלֹּא הָיוּ בּוֹ לִפְנֵי קְרִיאָתוֹ, אֶלָּא מְעַט. אֲבָל הַתּוֹעֶלֶת יֹצֵא מִן הַחֲזָרָה עָלָיו וְהַהַתְמָדָה. כִּי יִזָּכְרוּ לוֹ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה הַנִּשְׁכָּחִים מִבְּנֵי הָאָדָם בְּטֶבַע, וְיָשִׂים אֶל לִבּוֹ חוֹבָתוֹ אֲשֶׁר הוּא מִתְעַלֵּם מִמֶּנָּה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
But according to their familiarity and to the extent that their truth is evident to all, so too is their neglect very prevalent and forgetfulness of them very great. Therefore, the benefit to be gleaned from this book is not from a single reading, for it is possible that the reader will learn little that he did not already know. Rather the benefit derived [from this book] comes from review and diligent study. For [then] he will be reminded of these things which, by nature, people tend to forget and he will put to heart his duties which he hides from.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 3
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 3](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/3)

וְתִרְאֶה, אִם תִּתְבּוֹנֵן בַּהֹוֶה בְּרוֹב הָעוֹלָם, כִּי רֹב אַנְשֵׁי הַשֵּׂכֶל הַמָּהִיר וְהַפִּקְחִים הַחֲרִיפִים יָשִׂימוּ רֹב הִתְבּוֹנְנָם וְהִסְתַּכְּלוּתָם בְּדַקּוּת הַחָכְמוֹת וְעֹמֶק הָעִיּוּנִים אִישׁ אִישׁ כְּפִי נְטִיַּת שִׂכְלוֹ וְחִשְׁקוֹ הַטִּבְעִי.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
If you reflect on the current state of affairs in most of the world, you will see most people of quick intelligence and sharp mentality devote most of their thought and interest in the subtleties of wisdom and the depths of analysis; every man according to his intellectual tendency and natural desire.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 4
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 4](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/4)

כִּי יֵשׁ שֶׁיִּטְרְחוּ מְאֹד בְּמֶחְקָר הַבְּרִיאָה וְהַטֶּבַע, וַאֲחֵרִים יִתְּנוּ כָּל עִיּוּנָם לִתְכוּנָה וּלְהַנְדָּסָה, וַאֲחֵרִים לִמְלָאכוֹת. וַאֲחֵרִים יִכָּנְסוּ יוֹתֵר אֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ, דְּהַיְנוּ, לִמּוּד הַתּוֹרָה הַקְּדוֹשָׁה. מֵהֶם בְּפִלְפּוּלֵי הַהֲלָכוֹת, מֵהֶם בַּמִּדְרָשִׁים, מֵהֶם בְּפִסְקֵי הַדִּינִים.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
There are those who toil greatly in studying the creation and nature. Others devote all their study to astronomy and mathematics, or to the arts. There are others which enter closer towards the sacred, namely, the study of the holy Torah. Among those, some occupy themselves with Halachic analyses, others with Midrash, others with law decisions.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 5
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 5](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/5)

אַךְ מְעַטִּים יִהְיוּ מִן הַמִּין הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר יִקְבְּעוּ עִיּוּן וְלִמּוּד עַל עִנְיְנֵי שְׁלֵמוּת הָעֲבוֹדָה, עַל הָאַהֲבָה, עַל הַיִּרְאָה, עַל הַדְּבֵקוּת, וְעַל כָּל שְׁאָר חֶלְקֵי הַחֲסִידוּת. וְלֹא מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאֵין דְּבָרִים אֵלֶּה עִקָּרִים אֶצְלָם, כִּי אִם תִּשְׁאַל לָהֶם, כָּל אֶחָד יֹאמַר שֶׁזֶּהוּ הָעִקָּר הַגָּדוֹל. וְשֶׁלֹּא יְדֻמֶּה חָכָם, שֶׁיִּהְיֶה חָכָם בֶּאֱמֶת, שֶׁלֹּא יִתְבָּרְרוּ אֶצְלוֹ כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
But few are those which devote thought and study to the matter of perfection of [divine] service: on love, fear, clinging, and the other branches of piety. This is not because they do not consider these things as fundamental. For if you ask them, each one will answer you that this is of utmost importance and that it is unimaginable for one to be considered truly wise if he has not fully comprehended these matters.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 6
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 6](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/6)

אַךְ מַה שֶׁלֹּא יַרְבּוּ לְעַיֵּן עָלָיו הוּא מִפְּנֵי רֹב פִּרְסוּם הַדְּבָרִים וּפְשִׁיטוּתָם אֶצְלָם שֶׁלֹּא יֵרָאֶה לָהֶם צֹרֶךְ לְהוֹצִיא בְּעִיּוּנָם זְמַן רַב.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Rather their lack of devoting more attention to it stems from its being so familiar and so evident to them that they see no need for spending much time on it.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 7
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 7](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/7)

וְלֹא יִשָּׁאֵר לִמּוּד הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וּקְרִיאַת הַסְּפָרִים מִזֶּה הַמִּין כִּי אִם אֵצֶל אוֹתָם שֶׁאֵין שִׂכְלָם כָּל כָּךְ דַּק וְקָרוֹב לִהְיוֹת גַּס.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
[Consequently] this study and the reading of books of this sort is left to people of not so keen, almost dull intelligence.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 8
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 8](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/8)

שֶׁאֵלֶּה תִּרְאֶה אוֹתָם שׁוֹקְדִים עַל כָּל זֶה וְלֹא יָזוּזוּ מִמֶּנּוּ, עַד שֶׁלְּפִי הַמִּנְהָג הַנּוֹהֵג בָּעוֹלָם כְּשֶׁתִּרְאֶה אֶחָד מִתְחַסֵּד לֹא תּוּכַל לִמָּנַע מִלַּחֲשֹׁד אוֹתוֹ לְגַס הַשֵּׂכֶל.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
These types of people you will find diligent in all this, not budging from it, until the situation has reached the point that if one sees a person engaging in piety, he cannot help but suspecting him of belonging to those of dull intelligence.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 9
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 9](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/9)

וְאוּלָם תּוֹלְדוֹת הַמִּנְהָג הַזֶּה רָעוֹת מְאֹד לַחֲכָמִים וּלְבִלְתִּי חֲכָמִים, כִּי גּוֹרֵם שֶׁמֵּאֵלֶּה וּמֵאֵלֶּה יֶחְסַר הַחֲסִידוּת הָאֲמִתִּי וְיִהְיֶה יָקָר מְאֹד לִמְצוֹא אוֹתוֹ בָּעוֹלָם.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
The consequences of this situation are very evil both for those who possess wisdom and those who do not. For it causes both types to lack true piety thereby making it exceedingly rare to be found anywhere in the world.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 10
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 10](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/10)

כִּי יֶחְסַר מִן הַחֲכָמִים לְמִעוּט עִיּוּנָם בּוֹ, וְיֶחְסַר מִן הַבִּלְתִּי חֲכָמִים לְמִעוּט הַשָּׂגָתָם אוֹתוֹ.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
It is absent from the wise due to their insufficient reflection on it, and likewise to the non-wise due to their insufficient grasp of it.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 11
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 11](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/11)

עַד שֶׁיְּדַמּוּ רֹב בְּנֵי הָאָדָם שֶׁהַחֲסִידוּת תָּלוּי בַּאֲמִירַת מִזְמוֹרִים הַרְבֵּה וּוִדּוּיִים אֲרֻכִּים מְאֹד, צוֹמוֹת קָשִׁים, וּטְבִילוֹת קֶרַח וְשֶׁלֶג, כֻּלָּם דְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר אֵין הַשֵּׂכֶל נָח בָּהֶם וְאֵין הַדַּעַת שׁוֹקְטָה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
The situation has reached the point where most people imagine piety consists of reciting many psalms, very long confessions, difficult fasts, and immersions in ice [water] and snow - all are things incompatible with intellect and which reason cannot find peace.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 12
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 12](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/12)

וְהַחֲסִידוּת הָאֲמִתִּי הַנִּרְצֶה וְהַנֶּחְמָד, רָחוֹק מִצִּיּוּר שִׂכְלֵנוּ. כִּי זֶה דָּבָר פָּשׁוּט, מִלְּתָא דְּלָא רַמְיָא עֲלֵהּ דְּאֱינַשׁ, לָאו אַדַּעְתֵּהּ

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Thus the true piety that is acceptable and cherished is far from what our minds conceive to us. For it is obvious "that which a person does not feel a responsibility to do, does not occupy a place on his mind".


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 13
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 13](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/13)

וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁכְּבָר קְבוּעִים בְּלֵב כָּל הָאָדָם הַיָּשָׁר הַתְחָלוֹתָיו וִיסוֹדוֹתָיו, אִם לֹא יַעֲסֹק בָּהֶם, יִרְאֶה פְּרָטָיו וְלֹא יַכִּירֵם, יַעֲבֹר עֲלֵיהֶם וְלֹא יַרְגִּישׁ בָּם

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Although the beginnings and foundations of [piety] are already implanted in every upright person's heart, nevertheless if he does not engage himself in their study, he will encounter its branches but won't recognize them and he will tread over them without perceiving that he is doing so.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 14
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 14](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/14)

רְאֵה כִּי אֵין דִּבְרֵי הַחֲסִידוּת וְעִנְיְנֵי הַיִּרְאָה וְהָאַהֲבָה וְטָהֳרַת הַלֵּב דְּבָרִים מֻטְבָּעִים בָּאָדָם עַד שֶׁלֹּא יִצְטָרְכוּ אֶמְצָעִים לִקְנוֹתָם. אֶלָּא יִמְצְאוּ אוֹתָם בְּנֵי הָאָדָם בְּעַצְמָם כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּמְצְאוּ כָּל תְּנוּעוֹתֵיהֶם הַטִּבְעִיּוֹת כַּשֵּׁנָה וְהַיְּקִיצָה, הָרָעָב וְהַשֹּׂבַע, וְכָל שְׁאָר הַתְּנוּעוֹת הַחֲקוּקוֹת בְּטִבְעֵנוּ. אֶלָּא וַדַּאי שֶׁצְּרִיכִים הֵם לְאֶמְצָעִים וּלְתַחְבּוּלוֹת לִקְנוֹת אוֹתָם.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Observe that matters of piety and fear and love [of G-d], and purity of heart are not things innately implanted in a person whereby he would not need means to acquire them such as sleep and wakefulness, hunger and satiation, and all the other responses naturally implanted in our nature. Rather, certainly it is necessary to employ means and strategies to acquire them.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 15
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 15](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/15)

וְלֹא יִבָּצְרוּ גַּם כֵּן מַפְסִידִים לָהֶם שֶׁיַּרְחִיקוּם מִן הָאָדָם, וְלֹא יַחְסְרוּ דְּרָכִים לְהַרְחִיק מַפְסִידֵיהֶם.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
There is also no lack of detrimental factors which distance a person from them, but correspondingly there is also no lack of ways by which these obstacles may be held afar.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 16
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 16](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/16)

אִם כֵּן אֵפוֹא אֵיךְ לֹא יִצְטָרֵךְ לְהוֹצִיא זְמַן עַל הָעִיּוּן הַזֶּה לָדַעַת אֲמִתַּת הַדְּבָרִים וְלָדַעַת הַדֶּרֶךְ לִקְנוֹתָם וּלְקַיְּמָם. מֵאַיִן תָּבוֹא הַחָכְמָה הַזֹּאת בְּלֵב הָאָדָם אִם לֹא יְבַקְּשֶׁנָּה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
If so, then how can one not need to devote time on this study - to know the truth of these matters, and learn the means to acquire them and fulfill them? From where will this wisdom come in the heart of a person if he does not seek it?!


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 17
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 17](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/17)

וְכֵיוָן שֶׁכְּבָר הִתְאַמֵּת אֵצֶל כָּל חָכָם צֹרֶךְ תְּמִימוּת הָעֲבוֹדָה וְחוֹבַת טָהֳרָתָהּ וְנִקְיוֹנָהּ שֶׁזּוּלַת אֵלֶּה אֵינָהּ נִרְצֵית וַדַּאי כְּלָל, אֶלָּא נִמְאֶסֶת וּמְתֹעֶבֶת, כִּי כָל לְבָבוֹת דּוֹרֵשׁ ה' וְכָל יֵצֶר מַחֲשָׁבוֹת הוּא מֵבִין (דה"י א כח)

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Since it is clear to every wise man the need for perfection of the divine service, and the necessity for its purity and cleanliness, for without this it is certainly not acceptable at all, but rather it is repulsive and despised since "the L-rd searches all hearts, and discerns all the imaginations of the thoughts [if you seek Him, He will be found of you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off for ever]" (I Chronicles 28:9).


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 18
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 18](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/18)

מָה נַעֲנֶה בְּיוֹם תּוֹכֵחָה אִם הִתְרַשַּׁלְנוּ מִן הָעִיּוּן הַזֶּה וְהִנַּחְנוּ דָּבָר שֶׁהוּא כָּל כָּךְ מֻטָּל עָלֵינוּ שֶׁהוּא עִקַּר מָה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ שׁוֹאֵל מֵעִמָּנוּ

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
What will we answer on the day of rebuke if we have been lax in this study, and forsaken that which is so incumbent on us as to be the main thing which the L-rd our G-d requires of us?


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 19
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 19](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/19)

הֲיִתָּכֵן שֶׁיִּיגַע וְיַעֲמֹל שִׂכְלֵנוּ בַּחֲקִירוֹת אֲשֶׁר לֹא נִתְחַיַּבְנוּ בָּם, בְּפִלְפּוּלִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא יֵצֵא לָנוּ שׁוּם פְּרִי מֵהֶם וְדִינִים אֲשֶׁר אֵינָם שַׁיָּכִים לָנוּ, וּמָה שֶׁחַיָּבִים אָנוּ לְבוֹרְאֵנוּ חוֹבָה רַבָּה נַעַזְבֵהוּ לַהֶרְגֵּל וּנְנִיחֵהוּ לְמִצְוַת אֲנָשִׁים מְלֻמָּדָה

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Is it conceivable for us to exert our minds and labor in logical inquiries which we are not obligated in, in sharp discourses bearing no fruit, and laws which are not relevant to us - and that which is so great a debt to our Creator, we abandon it to habit and surrender it to rote practice?!


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 20
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 20](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/20)

אִם לֹא נִסְתַּכַּלְנוּ וְלֹא עִיַּנּוּ מָה הִיא הַיִּרְאָה הָאֲמִתִּית וּמָה עֲנָפֶיהָ, אֵיךְ נִקְנֶה אוֹתָהּ וְאֵיךְ נִמָּלֵט מִן הַהֶבֶל הָעוֹלָמִי הַמְּשַׁכֵּחַ אוֹתָהּ מִלִּבֵּנוּ. הֲלֹא תִּשָּׁכַח וְתֵלֵךְ אע"פ שֶׁיָּדַעְנוּ חוֹבָתָהּ.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
If we do not look into and analyze what is true fear of G-d and what are its branches, how can we ever acquire it? And how can we ever save ourselves from the worldly vanities which causes our heart to be forgetful of it?! Will it not be forgotten and go away even though we recognize its necessity!


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 21
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 21](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/21)

הָאַהֲבָה, כְּמוֹ כֵן, אִם לֹא נִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִקְבֹּעַ אוֹתָהּ בִּלְבָבֵנוּ בְּכֹחַ כָּל הָאֶמְצָעִים הַמַּגִּיעִים אוֹתָנוּ לָזֶה אֵיךְ נִמְצָאֶהָ בָּנוּ

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Likewise for love of G-d - if we do not exert ourselves to implant it in our heart through all the means which lead to this, how will it exist within us?!


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 22
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 22](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/22)

מֵאַיִן יָבוֹא הַדְּבֵקוּת וְהַהִתְלַהֲטוּת בְּנַפְשׁוֹתֵינוּ עִמּוֹ יִתְבָּרַךְ וְעִם תּוֹרָתוֹ אִם לֹא נִשְׁעֶה אֶל גְּדֻלָּתוֹ וְאֶל רוֹמְמוּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר יוֹלִיד בְּלִבֵּנוּ הַדְּבֵקוּת הַזֶּה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
From where will come the cleaving, and the passion in our souls to the blessed G-d and His Torah if we don't give attention to His greatness and exaltedness which instills in our hearts this cleaving?


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 23
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 23](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/23)

אֵיךְ תִּטְהַר מַחְשַׁבְתֵּנוּ אִם לֹא נִשְׁתַּדֵּל לְנַקּוֹתָהּ מִן הַמּוּמִין שֶׁמַּטִּיל בָּהּ הַטֶּבַע הַגּוּפָנִי, וְהַמִּדּוֹת כֻּלָּם הַצְּרִיכוֹת כְּמוֹ כֵן תִּקּוּן וְהַיְשָׁרָה. מִי יְיַשְּׁרֵם וּמִי יְתַקְּנֵם אִם לֹא נָשִׂים לֵב עֲלֵיהֶם וְלֹא נְדַקְדֵּק בַּדָּבָר דִּקְדּוּק גָּדוֹל.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
How will we purify our thoughts if we don't exert ourselves to cleanse it from the imperfections instilled in them by physical nature?! And what of all our character traits, who likewise are in need of so much rectification and correction. Who will correct them and who will rectify them if we do not attend to them and are not exceedingly meticulous in this?!


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 24
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 24](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/24)

הֲלֹא אִם עִיַּנּוּ עַל הַדָּבָר עִיּוּן אֲמִתִּי, הָיִינוּ מוֹצְאִים אוֹתוֹ עַל אֲמִתּוֹ וּמְטִיבִים לְעַצְמֵנוּ, וּמְלַמְּדִים אוֹתוֹ לַאֲחֵרִים וּמְטִיבִים לָהֶם גַּם כֵּן. הוּא מַה שֶּׁאָמַר שְׁלֹמֹה (משלי ב ד): אִם תְּבַקְשֶׁנָּה כַכָּסֶף וְכַמַּטְמוֹנִים תַּחְפְּשֶׂנָּה, אָז תָּבִין יִרְאַת ה'.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
If we truly examined the matter, we would discover the truth of this thereby benefiting ourselves and teaching it to others to benefit them also. This is what Shlomo said: "If you will seek it as silver and search for it as buried treasure, then you will understand the fear of G-d" (Mishlei 2:4-5).


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 25
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 25](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/25)

אֵינוֹ אוֹמֵר אָז תָּבִין פִילוֹסוֹפְיָה, אָז תָּבִין תְּכוּנָה, אָז תָּבִין רְפוּאָה, אָז תָּבִין דִּינִים, אָז תָּבִין הֲלָכוֹת, אֶלָּא אָז תָּבִין יִרְאַת ה'! הֲרֵי לְךָ, שֶׁלְּהָבִין הַיִּרְאָה צָרִיךְ לְבַקֵּשׁ אוֹתָהּ כַּכֶּסֶף וּלְחַפֵּשׂ אוֹתָהּ כַּמַּטְמוֹנִים. הֲדַי אֵפוֹא בְּמָה שֶׁמְּלֻמָּד לָנוּ מֵאֲבוֹתֵינוּ וּבַמָּה שֶׁמְּפֻרְסָם אֵצֶל כָּל בֶּן דַּעַת דֶּרֶךְ כְּלָל?

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
He didn't say "then you will understand philosophy; then you will understand astronomy; then you will understand medicine; then you will understand legal decisions; then you will understand laws" - but rather "then you will understand fear of G-d"! Behold from here, that to understand the fear of G-d one must seek it like silver and search for it like buried treasure. Is it sufficient then what we have been taught by our forefathers and what is familiar to every observant person in a general sense?


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 26
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 26](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/26)

אוֹ, הַנִּמְצָא זְמַן לְכָל שְׁאָר חֶלְקֵי הָעִיּוּן וְלָעִיּוּן הַזֶּה לֹא יִהְיֶה זְמַן.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Is it conceivable that we find time for all other branches of study but not for this study?


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 27
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 27](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/27)

לָמָּה לֹא יִקְבַּע אָדָם לְעַצְמוֹ עִתִּים לְפָחוֹת לַהִסְתַּכְּלוּת הַזֶּה אִם מֻכְרָח הוּא בִּשְׁאֵרִית זְמַנּוֹ לִפְנוֹת אֶל עִיּוּנִים אוֹ אֶל עֲסָקִים אֲחֵרִים.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Why shouldn't a man set aside for himself, at least, fixed times for this study if he is forced, for the rest of his time, to turn to other studies or affairs?


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 28
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 28](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/28)

וְהִנֵּה הַכָּתוּב אוֹמֵר (איוב כח, כח): הֵן יִרְאַת ה' הִיא חָכְמָה, וְאָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל (שבת לא): הֵן – אַחַת, שֶׁכֵּן בְּלָשׁוֹן יְוָנִי קוֹרִין לְאַחַת הֵן. הֲרֵי שֶׁהַיִּרְאָה הִיא חָכְמָה וְהִיא לְבַדָּהּ חָכְמָה, וּוַדַּאי שֶׁאֵין נִקְרָא חָכְמָה מָה שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ עִיּוּן.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Behold scripture says: "Hen fear of G-d - this is wisdom" (Job 28:28). Our Sages of blessed memory commented (Shab 31b), "'Hen' [hints to] 'one', for in Greek 'one' is designated as 'Hen'". Behold, that fear of G-d is considered wisdom - and this alone is [true] wisdom. And certainly that which does not require investigation cannot be called "wisdom".


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 29
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 29](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/29)

אַךְ הָאֱמֶת הִיא, כִּי עִיּוּן גָּדוֹל צָרִיךְ עַל כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה לָדַעַת אוֹתָם בֶּאֱמֶת וְלֹא עַל צַד הַדִּמְיוֹן וְהַסְּבָרָה הַכּוֹזֶבֶת, כָּל שֶׁכֵּן לִקְנוֹת אוֹתָם וּלְהַשִּׂיגָם.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
In truth, a great amount of analysis is needed in all of these things if they are to be known in truth, not as imagination and deluded logic. How much more so to acquire them and attain them.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 30
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 30](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/30)

וּמִי שֶׁיִּתְבּוֹנֵן בָּם יִרְאֶה שֶׁאֵין הַחֲסִידוּת תָּלוּי בְּאוֹתָם הַדְּבָרִים שֶׁיַּחְשְׁבוּ הַמִּתְחַסְּדִים הַטִּפְּשִׁים, אֶלָּא בְּדִבְרֵי שְׁלֵמוּת אֲמִתִּי וְחָכְמָה רַבָּה

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
He who contemplates into these matters will see that piety does not depend on those things which the foolishly pious think but rather on true perfection and great wisdom.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 31
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 31](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/31)

הוּא מָה שֶׁמֹּשֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ, עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם, מְלַמְּדֵנוּ בְּאָמְרוֹ (דברים י יב): וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ, כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ לָלֶכֶת בְּכָל דְּרָכָיו וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ וְלַעֲבֹד אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁךָ, לִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה' וְאֶת חֻקֹּתָיו.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
This is what Moshe, our teacher, peace be unto him, teaches us saying: "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you, but that you fear the L-rd your G-d to walk in all His ways, and to love Him and serve the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and all your soul, to keep the mitzvot (commandments) of G-d and His statutes..." (Deut. 10:12)


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 32
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 32](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/32)

כָּאן כָּלַל כָּל חֶלְקֵי שְׁלֵמוּת הָעֲבוֹדָה הַנִּרְצֵית לִשְׁמוֹ יִתְבָּרַךְ, וְהֵם: הַיִּרְאָה, הַהֲלִיכָה בִּדְרָכָיו, הָאַהֲבָה, שְׁלֵמוּת הַלֵּב, וּשְׁמִירַת כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Here he encompassed all the divisions of perfection of divine service that is desirable to the blessed G-d. They are: fear [of G-d], walking in His ways, love [of G-d], wholeheartedness, and observance of all of the commandments.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 33
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 33](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/33)

הַיִּרְאָה הִיא יִרְאַת רוֹמְמוּתוֹ יִתְבָּרַךְ שֶׁיִּירָא מִלְּפָנָיו כְּמוֹ שֶׁיִּירָא מִלִּפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ גָּדוֹל וְנוֹרָא, וְיֵבוֹשׁ מִגְּדֻלָּתוֹ עַל כָּל תְּנוּעָה שֶׁהוּא בָּא לְהִתְנוֹעֵעַ, כָּל שֶׁכֵּן בְּדַבְּרוֹ לְפָנָיו בַּתְּפִלָּה אוֹ בְּעָסְקוֹ בְּתוֹרָתוֹ.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Fear [of G-d] - this is fear of the exaltedness of G-d, namely, that one fears before Him like he would fear before a great and awesome king, feeling abashed by His greatness before making any movement before Him. All the more so, when speaking before Him in prayer or studying His Torah.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 34
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 34](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/34)

הַהֲלִיכָה בִּדְרָכָיו כּוֹלֵל כָּל עִנְיַן יֹשֶׁר הַמִּדּוֹת וְתִקּוּנָם. וְהוּא מָה שֶׁבֵּאֲרוּ זַ"ל (שבת קל"ג): מָה הוּא רַחוּם אַף אַתָּה רַחוּם וְכוּ'. וּכְלָל כָּל זֶה שֶׁיִּנְהַג הָאָדָם כָּל מִדּוֹתָיו וְכָל מִינֵי פְּעֻלּוֹתָיו עַל פִּי הַיֹּשֶׁר וְהַמּוּסָר.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Walking in His ways - this includes all matters of uprightness and correction of character traits. This is what our sages of blessed memory explained (Shab.133b) "just as He is merciful, be also merciful..." The general principle of all this is for one to conduct all of his traits in all the variety of his deeds according to what is just and ethical.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 35
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וְכָלְלוּ חֲכָמֵינוּ זַ"ל (אבות פ"ב): כָּל שֶׁהִיא תִּפְאֶרֶת לְעוֹשֶׂיהָ וְתִפְאֶרֶת לוֹ מִן הָאָדָם, דְּהַיְנוּ: כָּל הַהֹלֵךְ אֶל תַּכְלִית הַהֲטָבָה הָאֲמִתִּית, דְּהַיְנוּ, שֶׁתּוֹלַדְתָּהּ חִזּוּק הַתּוֹרָה וְתִקּוּן אַחְוַת הַמְּדִינוֹת.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Our sages of blessed memory summarized this saying: "[what is the proper path a person should choose for himself?] Whatever is harmonious for the one who does it, and harmonious for other people" (Pirkei Avot 2:1). That is, that which leads to the goal of true beneficence, namely, strengthening of Torah and furthering of societal brotherliness.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 36
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הָאַהֲבָה: שֶׁיִּהְיֶה נִקְבַּע בְּלֵב הָאָדָם אַהֲבָה אֵלָיו יִתְבָּרַךְ עַד שֶׁתִּתְעוֹרֵר נַפְשׁוֹ לַעֲשׂוֹת נַחַת רוּחַ לְפָנָיו, כְּמוֹ שֶׁלִּבּוֹ מִתְעוֹרֵר לַעֲשׂוֹת נַחַת רוּחַ לְאָבִיו וּלְאִמּוֹ, וְיִצְטַעֵר אִם חָסֵר זֶה מִצִּדּוֹ אוֹ מֵאֲחֵרִים וִיקַנֵּא עַל זֶה וְיִשְׂמַח שִׂמְחָה רַבָּה בַּעֲשׂוֹתוֹ דָּבָר מִזֶּה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Love - that one has implanted in his heart love of G-d, until his soul is moved to do what is pleasing to Him just like his heart is moved to do what is pleasing to his father and mother. He will be pained if he or others are lacking in this. He will be zealous for it and feels great joy in doing something of this.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 37
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שְׁלֵמוּת הַלֵּב הוּא: שֶׁתִּהְיֶה הָעֲבוֹדָה לְפָנָיו יִתְבָּרַךְ בְּטֹהַר הַכַּוָּנָה, דְּהַיְנוּ לְתַכְלִית עֲבוֹדָתוֹ בִּלְבַד וְלֹא לְשׁוּם פְּנִיָּה אַחֶרֶת.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Wholeheartedness - that service before the blessed G-d be with purity of motive, namely, for the sake of His service alone and not for any other motive.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 38
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וְנִכְלָל בְּזֶה שֶׁיִּהְיֶה שָׁלֵם בָּעֲבוֹדָה וְלֹא כְּפוֹסֵחַ עַל שְׁתֵּי הַסְּעִפִּים אוֹ כְּעוֹשֶׂה מִצְוַת אֲנָשִׁים מְלֻמָּדָה, אֶלָּא שֶׁיִּהְיֶה כָּל לִבּוֹ נָתוּן לָזֶה.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
This also includes that one be wholeheartedly devoted in his service, and not like one "wavering between two sides" (Kings 18:21), or like one doing out of habitual rote. Rather, that his whole heart be devoted to this.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 39
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שְׁמִירַת כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת: כְּמִשְׁמָעוֹ, דְּהַיְנוּ: שְׁמִירַת כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת כֻּלָּן בְּכָל דִּקְדּוּקֵיהֶן וּתְנָאֵיהֶן.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Observing all of the commandments - as the words indicate, namely, to observe all of the commandments in their entirety, in all their detailed rules and conditions.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 40
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וְהִנֵּה כָּל אֵלֶּה כְּלָלִים צְרִיכִים פֵּרוּשׁ גָּדוֹל. וּמָצָאתִי לַחֲכָמֵינוּ זַ"ל שֶׁכָּלְלוּ הַחֲלָקִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּסֵדֶר וְחִלּוּק אַחֵר יוֹתֵר פְּרָטִי וּמְסֻדָּר לְפִי הַהַדְרָגָה הַמִּצְטָרֶכֶת בָּהֶם לִקְנוֹת אוֹתָם עַל נָכוֹן. וְהוּא מָה שֶׁאָמְרוּ בַּבָּרַיְתָא, הוּבְאָה בִּמְקוֹמוֹת שׁוֹנִים בַּשַּׁ"ס וְאֶחָד מֵהֶם בְּפֶרֶק לִפְנֵי אֵידֵיהֶן (עבודה זרה דף כ), זֶה לְשׁוֹנוֹ:

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Behold, all of these general principles require a lengthy explanation. I have found that our sages of blessed memory have encompassed all of these divisions [of divine service] in different words arranged according to the order of steps needed to properly acquire them. It was taught in a Beraitha and cited in several places in the Talmud. One of these is in the chapter "before their festivals" (Avodah Zara 20b): ["you shall guard yourself from everything evil" - Devarim 23:10...]


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 41
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מִכָּאן אָמַר רַבִּי פִּנְחָס בֶּן יָאִיר:

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
"From here Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair derived:


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 42
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 42](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/42)

תּוֹרָה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי זְהִירוּת,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Torah brings to watchfulness;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 43
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זְהִירוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי זְרִיזוּת,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Watchfulness brings to Zeal;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 44
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 44](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/44)

זְרִיזוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי נְקִיּוּת,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Zeal brings to Cleanliness;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 45
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נְקִיּוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי פְּרִישׁוּת,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Cleanliness brings to Separation;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 46
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פְּרִישׁוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי טָהֳרָה,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Separation brings to Purity;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 47
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טָהֳרָה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי חֲסִידוּת,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Purity brings to Piety;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 48
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חֲסִידוּת מְבִיאָה לִידֵי עֲנָוָה,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Piety brings to Humility;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 49
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עֲנָוָה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי יִרְאַת חֵטְא,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Humility brings to Fear of Sin;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 50
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יִרְאַת חֵטְא מְבִיאָה לִידֵי קְדֻשָּׁה,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Fear of Sin brings to Holiness;


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 51
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קְדֻשָּׁה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ,

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
Holiness brings to the Holy Spirit,


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 52
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רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ מְבִיאָה לִידֵי תְּחִיַּת הַמֵּתִים.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
and the Holy Spirit brings to the Revival of the Dead."


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 53
[Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 53](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mesillat%20Yesharim/s/Introduction/r/53)

וְהִנֵּה עַל פִּי הַבָּרַיְתָא הַזֹּאת הִסְכַּמְתִּי לְחַבֵּר חִבּוּרִי זֶה לְלַמֵּד לְעַצְמִי וּלְהַזְכִּיר לַאֲחֵרִים תְּנָאֵי הָעֲבוֹדָה הַשְּׁלֵמָה לְמַדְרֵגוֹתֵיהֶם. וַאֲבָאֵר בְּכָל אֶחָד מֵהֶם עִנְיָנָיו וַחֲלָקָיו אוֹ פְּרָטָיו, הַדֶּרֶךְ לִקְנוֹת אוֹתוֹ וּמָה הֵם מַפְסִידָיו, וְהַדֶּרֶךְ לִשָּׁמֵר מֵהֶם. כִּי אֶקְרָא בּוֹ אֲנִי וְכָל מִי שֶׁיִּמְצָא בּוֹ נַחַת, לְמַעַן נִלְמַד לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ וְלֹא תִּשָּׁכַח מִמֶּנּוּ חוֹבָתֵנוּ לְפָנָיו, וַאֲשֶׁר חָמְרִיּוּת הַטֶּבַע מִשְׁתַּדֵּל לְהָסִיר מִלִּבֵּנוּ הַקְּרִיאָה וְהַהִסְתַּכְּלוּת יַעֲלֶה עַל זִכְרוֹנֵנוּ וִיעִירֵנוּ אֶל הַמְּצֻוֶּה עָלֵינוּ.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
On the basis of this beraitha I have undertaken to compose this work; to teach myself and to remind others the conditions of perfect service according to their proper levels. I will clarify the nature of each one of them, its divisions and details, the way to acquire it, its detrimental factors and the way to guard against them so that I and whoever else finds it pleasing may read it in order to learn to fear the L-rd our G-d, and not forget our duty to Him. What the natural physicality exerts itself to remove from our hearts, the reading and reflecting will remind us and awaken us to that which we have been commanded.


###### Mesillat Yesharim, Introduction 54
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וַה' יִהְיֶה בְּכִסְלֵנוּ וְיִשְׁמֹר רַגְלֵנוּ מִלָּכֶד. וְתִתְקַיֵּם בָּנוּ בַּקָּשַׁת הַמְשׁוֹרֵר הָאָהוּב לֵאלֹהָיו (תהלים פו): הוֹרֵנִי ה' דַּרְכֶּךָ אֲהַלֵּךְ בַּאֲמִתֶּךָ יַחֵד לְבָבִי לְיִרְאָה שְׁמֶךָ. אָמֵן כֵּן יְהִי רָצוֹן.

**Path of the Just. Trans. Rabbi Yosef Sebag:**
May G-d be our trust and keep our feet from stumbling (Prov.3:26), and may there be fulfilled in us the request of the Psalmist, beloved of his G-d, "Teach me your ways, O G-d; I shall walk in your truth: make one my heart to fear Your Name"(Ps. 86:11).