In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu

The Mishna in Avos (5:2) says "there were ten generations from the time of Adam until the time of Noach, to teach us how "slow to anger" G-d is, as all of those generations were sinners who angered G-d until He finally brought upon them the flood" .

G-d's attribute of mercy means in many cases He acts in a way which is slow to anger. This is exactly what happened during those ten generations. Although they were all sinners, in His, Mercy, G-d extended them time to repent and change their ways which they never did. The end result was their eventual destruction brought about through the flood in the times of Noah.

The Ramchal in Mesilas Yesharim (Path of the Just) explains that G-d is Just and doesn't overlook any transgression (or good deed). But He does act with Mercy at times and although this doesn't mean He forgets about the transgression but in many cases He extends time to the sinner to correct their ways instead of being punished immediately. G-D is the source of all good and only wants good for us, when we sin this must be rectified and the most appropriate way for this to happen is through the sinner repenting and regretting their sinful ways. G-d therefore extends time for a person to correct their ways and change, but if they never make the necessary changes in the end their sin will need to be rectified through punishment CV'S.

One of the most troubling philosophical questions that we face is why do the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper? Hashem's attribute of Mercy can help us understand this a bit as many times the wicked prosper because Hashem See's that there is a very good possibility that the person will repent and change their ways. He therefore "extends them credit" and they continue to prosper. But we should be aware that if they don't take the opportunity to change their ways their transgressions will need to be accounted for.

This is also something for us to keep in mind on a personal level. In many cases a person pursues a questionable path or approach and they see great success with their decision. They therefore take this success as "a sign from above" that they must be on the correct and straight path in the Eyes of G-d, we should be aware that this is not always the case. We don't know why G-d makes one person to succeed and another to fail but success (and failure) is not the way to gauge if our actions are proper in the Eye's of G-d.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath