We will make you circlets of gold with dots of silver. (Song of Songs 1:11) “Circlets of gold” is fear [of G‑d]. “Dots of silver” means love [of G‑d].⁴³, is related to the word “to long for” – l’kesof (לכסוף), implying love, and relates the Sefirah of Chesed. That is, do not speak words of Torah and prayer with ulterior motives,⁴⁴ for that creates kelipot that clothe themselves in wicked people to take vengeance upon you. This is the meaning of [G‑d’s promise to Noah], that the wicked people of the generation would not kill him.⁴⁵ Understand this! You also need more fear than love, the latter being called “dots of silver.” Ben Poras Yosef, p. 21b

footnotes: ⁴³ Kabbalistically, gold corresponds to the Sefirah of Gevurah, which is the root of fear of G‑d. Silver, kesef ⁴⁴ Such as to gain respect from others. ⁴⁵ When he built the ark. See Rashi on Genesis 6:18.