Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 2/10/2017, 5:57 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com
The Mishna in Avos (5;7) says "there are seven distinctions between a golem and a wise person....(a wise person) isn't quick to respond to the words of his friend".
Continuing on from last week, the third distinction between a golem
and a wise person is whether or not they are quick to respond to their friend.
Many times in
the heat of debate (or argument) our emotions run high and we jump to answer too quickly. In many cases this results in us making statements that we don't really mean or intend. It is always important to carefully weigh the words which come out of our mouths and to try and fully understand the implication of those words. This is important in life, business and interpersonal dealings. I think it is always wise to not respond immediately tell the other party I will think about it and get back to you. Although this may not be practical in all settings, especially in the middle of a conversation with your spouse for instance, but in every case it is always wise to take a minute and consider the words you are about to say and the impact they may have. This advice of our Sages will surely save us much heartache and regret.
As we have said before, many more people have regretted what they did say than those that regretted what they didn't say.