It’s a profound question, and one that Midrash Tehillim, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Psalms, explores in a truly beautiful way. Specifically, Midrash Tehillim 15 reflects on Psalm 15, verse 2: "He who walks uprightly and works righteousness..."
But what does it mean to "walk uprightly?" The Midrash doesn't leave us guessing. It equates walking uprightly with God Himself. How so? It points to Deuteronomy 32:4, "The Rock, His work is perfect." God’s work is inherently upright, flawless. And working righteousness? That, too, is a reflection of God, as Psalm 11:7 tells us: "For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds."
It goes on. Speaking truth? That's divine as well, mirroring Jeremiah 10:10: "But the Lord is the true God." The Midrash beautifully connects these human actions directly back to the very essence of God.
Think about that. Each time we choose truth, each time we act with righteousness, we're not just being "good." We're actively embodying and reflecting a piece of the Divine.
What about when we don't wrong our fellow? The Midrash connects this to the episode of the Golden Calf. Remember that story? Israel sins, and God considers punishing them. But Exodus 32:14 tells us, "And the Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people." God, in His mercy, doesn't wrong Israel, even when they strayed. Therefore, refraining from wronging others aligns us with that very divine attribute of mercy and forbearance.
And what about when someone is disgraced, and we don't heap reproach upon them? The Midrash uses Psalm 68:15, "To the children of Israel with his neighbor," to highlight this idea of offering support and dignity, even when someone has stumbled. It reminds us to be compassionate and understanding.
The text uses the story of Miriam, from Numbers 12:15, "And the people journeyed not until Miriam was brought in," to illustrate honoring those who fear the Lord. The pillar of cloud, which guided the Israelites, waited for Miriam. This teaches us the importance of respecting and valuing those who demonstrate piety.
Keeping an oath, even when it hurts, is also seen as a reflection of God. The Midrash references King David's unwavering commitment to his promises. Even when fulfilling an oath brought him pain, he remained true to his word. The text also cites 1 Samuel 3:14, regarding the house of Eli, whose iniquity could not be expiated.
What about swearing to do evil? Rabbi Avin offers an interpretation: it's about depriving oneself to perform a mitzvah, a good deed. Others say it's about restraining our evil inclination. Either way, even in acknowledging our capacity for wrong, we strive to align ourselves with the Divine by choosing good. Numbers 14:21 says, "As the Lord lives, the glory of the Lord shall be established, and all the earth shall be filled with His glory."
The Midrash connects not lending money on interest with God not giving the Torah for money. The Torah, the ultimate gift, was given freely, as Isaiah 55:1 states, "Ho, everyone who thirsts, come for water; and he who has no money, come buy and eat; come buy wine and milk without money and without price." This emphasizes the importance of generosity and freely giving.
And finally, "He who takes no bribe against the innocent" (Psalms 15:5). The text argues that no amount of wealth could buy a single mitzvah. This is like Song of Songs 8:7, "Many waters cannot quench love." Rabbi Azariah, quoting Rabbi Yehudah, explains that in the future, when the nations accuse Israel, God will proclaim that Israel's love for Him is priceless.
The text concludes with a powerful image. "We have a little sister" (Song of Songs 8:8). What is this "little sister?" It represents Israel's seemingly insignificant actions, which are, in reality, incredibly precious. And even though Israel is covered in sins, on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, they are forgiven (Leviticus 16:30).
So, what’s the takeaway? The Midrash Tehillim isn't just a historical text. It's a living guide, showing us how we, in our everyday lives, can strive to embody the very essence of God. It suggests that holiness isn’t some distant, unattainable ideal, but something we can actively cultivate through our actions, our words, and our intentions. And that, my friends, is a truly powerful and inspiring thought.