Ethical obligation: 'Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.' 'Withhold good' (al tamnea tov) means to deny assistance, support, or justice when one has the means to provide it. 'Those to whom it is due' (be'alim, literally, 'owners') may refer to creditors, the poor, or those who have claims on justice. Wisdom's protection and blessing do not justify selfishness. The verse teaches that the wisdom-seeker has obligations to use his goods and position for the benefit of others. This reflects the covenantal principle that those blessed are responsible to bless others.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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