Originally all who knew how to recite would recite [the declaration at the time of bringing the first fruit to the Temple] whilst those unable to do so would repeat it; but when they refrained from bringing, it was decided that both those who could and those who could not [recite] should repeat the words.
Guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking falsehood.
It is forbidden to accustom oneself to smooth speech and flatteries. One must not say one thing and mean another. Inward and outward self should correspond; only what we have in mind should we utter with the mouth. We must deceive no one, not even an idolater… even a single word of flattery or deception Continue Reading »
You shall not steal, neither shall you deal falsely nor lie one to another.
You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness against your fellow.
Stealing from a non-Jew is worse than stealing from a Jew because of the profanation of God’s name.
It is worse to steal from the many than to steal from an individual; for one who steals from an individual can appease him by returning the theft: one who steals from the many, however, cannot [since he does not even know all the people from whom he stole].
Five oxen shall he repay-four plus one, four sheep three plus one. R. Meir stated, Come and see how highly valued is labor by Him-who-spoke and-the-world-came-into-being: the ox, which contributes labor, involves fivefold indemnity, the sheep, which contributes no labor, involves a fourfold indemnity. R. Yohanan b. Zakkai stated, The Holy One Blessed be He Continue Reading »
Do not steal. Do not deny [a rightful claim]. Do not lie to one another.
He who judges his fellow man favorably, will in turn be judged favorably.
