Another matter: “This is the matter” – that is what is written: “The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35). Honor is nothing other than Torah. Know [this to be true]: What is said at the beginning of Chronicles? “Adam, Seth, Enosh” (Chronicles 1:1), and likewise all of them; you do not find honor written regarding any of them until you reach Yabetz, as it is stated: “Yabetz was honored more than his brethren” (I Chronicles 4:9).
Why is honor written in his regard? It is because he toiled in Torah.22The Sages assert that Yabetz toiled in Torah and taught Torah to the masses; see, e.g., Temura 16a. That is, “the wise will inherit honor.” Likewise you find regarding Aaron. What is written?
“The Torah of truth was in his mouth” (Malachi 2:6). What did the Holy One blessed be He say to Moses? “You shall make holy vestments for Aaron your brother, for honor and for splendor” (Exodus 28:2). All this was due to the Torah in which he toiled. That is, “the wise will inherit honor.”