Day 36: אֵינוֹ שָׂמֵחַ בְּהוֹרָאָה / Not taking pleasure in judgment
Continuing on our theme of tempering power with humility, we reach today's warning against taking pleasure in delivering rulings and judgments. The power to make decisions that directly impact other people must never be taken lightly. When making those rulings, we function merely as vessels meant to convey compassion, truth, and justice.
Pirkei Avot teaches, "The one whose heart is presumptuous in giving a judicial decision, is foolish, wicked, and arrogant" Pirkei Avot 4:7). These character blemishes corrupt not only ourselves, but they bring down the integrity of the positions and institutions that we represent.
Reflection:
How often do you find yourself in a position of making judgment?
Is one still obligated to follow a ruling made my a presumptuous leader?
Lived practice:
Think of a decision you made that impacted someone else. Write down 3 sentences from that person's perspective on how you acted.
