When Reb Hayim Brisker was a young boy he was obstinate in not wanting to spend his time studying. His father, exasperated, asked, “Why is it that you refuse to learn?”
The boy replied, “It is my yetser ha-ra, my evil inclination, that prevents me. It holds me back.”
“But,” the father asked, “Doesn’t the yetser ha-ra also do God’s bidding? You too, should push yourself to God’s will by studying.”
“Yes,” said Hayim. “But the yester ha-ra doesn’t have a yester ha-ra.” - Rabbi Louis Jacobs
Moral: If you really do not want to do something you will find any excuse.
Comments