“And his merit endureth forever” (Ps. 112:3). This refers to one who brings merit upon the community, for instance he teaches the God-fearing the correct preparation of phylacteries¹ enabling them to assist others. If you brought merit upon the community and a transgression presented itself to you, but you mastered your desire and were rescued from it be not proud of it. Not because of the completeness of your heart were you rescued but God withheld you from sinning against Him because you brought merit on the community.²

footnotes: ¹ Ketubah 50a. ² Aboth 5:21.