The ancient sages noticed this human tendency, too, and they saw it reflected in the relationship between Israel and the other nations.

Sifrei Devarim, a legal midrash on the Book of Deuteronomy, points out a fascinating pattern. When Israel prospers, the nations often try to cozy up, presenting themselves as "brothers." But is it genuine?

Think about it. Esau, after years of animosity, greets Jacob with the seemingly generous words, "My brother, let there be yours what is yours" (Genesis 33:9). And Chiram, King of Tyre, says to Solomon, "What are these cities that you have given me, my brother?" (1 Kings 9:13).

Are these genuine expressions of brotherhood, or something else entirely? Sifrei Devarim suggests a more cynical interpretation. It warns "Lest they say: 'Our hand is exalted, etc.,'" echoing the words of the prophet Amos (6:13): "Behold, with our strength we have taken power for ourselves." In other words, the nations might be trying to take credit for Israel's success, or even worse, lay claim to it.

It's a cautionary tale about being aware of the motivations of others, especially when things are going well. Are they truly celebrating your success, or do they have ulterior motives?

But the text doesn't stop there. It delves into the meaning of the phrase "For it is a nation devoid of counsel" (Deuteronomy 32:28). Now, this is where it gets interesting, because we have two different interpretations from Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi Nechemiah.

Rabbi Yehoshua interprets this verse as referring to Israel. He argues that Israel has lost the goodly counsel that was given to them. And what is this "counsel"? None other than the Torah itself! As Proverbs 8:14 tells us, "With me (Torah) is counsel and wisdom." So, according to Rabbi Yehoshua, the verse is a lament for Israel's straying from the wisdom of the Torah.

Rabbi Nechemiah, on the other hand, sees the verse as referring to the nations. He believes that they are the ones devoid of counsel.

So, which is it? Does the verse refer to Israel or the nations? Perhaps it's both. Maybe the nations lack true wisdom, and Israel, at times, forgets the wisdom it possesses.

This passage from Sifrei Devarim offers us a complex and nuanced view of the relationship between Israel and the world. It reminds us to be discerning, to be wary of false friends, and above all, to hold fast to the wisdom of the Torah. It's a reminder that true prosperity isn't just about material success, but about staying true to our values and our path, even when the world is trying to pull us in different directions.