Rabbi Berekhya began in the name of Rabbi Yirmeya: “The path of life goes upward for the intelligent” (Proverbs 15:24). “The path of life” is nothing other than Torah, just as it says: “It is a tree of life for those who grasp it” (Proverbs 3:18). Alternatively, “The path of life goes upward for the intelligent,” just as it says: “Rebukes of admonition are the path of life,” (Proverbs 6:23). “Upward for the intelligent,” this is to one who looks at the mitzvot of the Torah. What is written before this matter?11Literally, what is written above this matter, meaning before the verse: ”In the seventh month, on the first of the month.” “You shall not reap the corner of your field” (Leviticus 23:22).