Chapter 30: 7-9
Gossip, Slander & Revenge
7. A person who takes revenge against a colleague transgresses a negative
commandment, as [Leviticus 19:18] states: "Do not take revenge."
What is taking revenge? A person asks to borrow a hatchet from a colleague
and the latter refuses. On the following day, the latter himself needs to
borrow a hatchet from the former. He asks him: "Lend me your hatchet," and
he refuses, saying, "Just as you did not lend it to me, I will not lend it
to you." Such a person is taking revenge and violates a negative commandment.
Rather, when he is asked for it, he should give it to him with a full
heart, without acting as described. Thus, it is fitting for a person to
bypass any emotional upset about matters of this world, for the men of
understanding realize that everything is fleeting vanities which are not
worthy to seek revenge for. Thus, King David proclaimed (Psalms 7:5): "Have
I requited those who have done evil to Me? Behold, I have rescued those who
hated Me without cause.
8. If you seek vengeance from your enemy, increase your positive qualities
and follow righteous paths. In this manner, you will retaliate against your
foe, for he will feel bad because of your qualities and mourn when hearing
about your good reputation. In contrast, if you perform shameful deeds,
your foe will rejoice in your disgrace and dishonor and he will have
revenge against you.
9. Anyone, who holds a grudge against another Jew violates a negative
commandment, as [Leviticus 19:18] states: " Do not bear a grudge against
your people."
What does it mean to bear a grudge? A person asked his colleague to lend
him an article , and the latter refused. Afterwards, the latter himself
asked to borrow an object from the former. He gave it to him, saying, "See,
I am giving it to you. I am not like you, nor am I paying you back for what
you did."
A person who acts in this manner violates the prohibition against bearing a
grudge. Rather, he should wipe the matter from his heart and never recall
it. This is a proper quality, which permits a stable environment, trade,
and commerce to be established among people.
