“Edut Hashem Ne’emanah (The testimony of God is trustworthy), she enlightens the foolish.” (Psalms 19:8)

It is a difficult matter: How can the Torah, which is called “woman,” give testimony? Is not a woman disqualified as a witness? But the answer is:

**she enlightens the foolish—**Because of this, she can give testimony. As is brought in Choshen Mishpat, Laws of Witnesses 35:14: The sages of old instituted that in a place which men do not frequent, women are trusted.

This is known: In the main, desires are [fulfilled] in secret, as in (Proverbs 9:17), “Stolen waters are sweet.” And although people do not frequent there, the Torah stands there and calls to him (ibid.:16): “Whoever is foolish, let him turn here.” But because of the passion of his desires, he does not hear her call.

Yet, after the desire has passed, he immediately takes note of her call and instantly regrets the sin. This remorse is an aspect of “enlightens the foolish,” because at the time of the sin he had within him a spirit of folly. But after the sin passed, he paid attention to the Torah’s words, became wise, and felt remorse.

This is why the Torah, though she is a “woman,” can give testimony. For she stands in a place which men do not frequent, as above. {From Lesson #144 until here is leshon Rabbeinu.}