We often think of blessings as straightforward – good health, wealth, maybe a loving family. But what if there's a deeper layer to unpack? What if the blessings themselves aren’t enough?
Philo, the 1st-century Jewish philosopher from Alexandria, grappled with this very question. In his Midrash, specifically in what's referred to as "Philo 27," he urges us to look beyond the literal meaning of blessings. He writes, "Without examining the literal statement, for the meaning of that is plain, we had better approach the inner sense contained in it." In other words, let’s dig deeper.
He points to things like "good health, and a vigorous state of the outward senses, and beauty, and strength, and opulence, and nobleness of birth, and friends, and the power of a prince." These are all things we generally consider blessings, right? Philo argues that these are only blessings in the true sense when combined with something more.
He observes that the mere possession of these abundant blessings can be "injurious." It’s a sobering thought. How can good things be bad for us? Philo suggests that without chochma (wisdom), tzedek (justice), and other virtues, these external advantages can actually lead us astray. They can puff us up, make us arrogant, and disconnect us from what truly matters.
Think about it. How many times have we seen people with wealth or power misuse it, causing harm to themselves and others? Philo understood that external blessings are only truly beneficial when tempered by inner qualities.
He emphasizes that the "complete possession" of virtues "dispenses to man in an admirable manner the advantages which are external to and which surround the body; but the deprivation or absence of them leaves him without the enjoyment or use of them." So, according to Philo, if you don't have middot tovot (good character traits), you can't really use your blessings!
Philo then offers a crucial insight: "Therefore he prays on behalf of the man who has those things which are around and exterior to the body, that he may dwell in the house of the wise man; so that attending to the rules of all good men he may see and regulate his own course by their example."
The key, according to Philo, is to "dwell in the house of the wise man." Metaphorically, this means surrounding ourselves with wisdom, seeking guidance from those who embody virtue, and constantly striving to improve our character. It’s about learning from the example of the righteous.
It's not enough to simply have blessings; we must cultivate the wisdom and virtue to use them responsibly and meaningfully. That, Philo seems to be saying, is where true blessing lies.
So, the next time you reflect on your blessings, take a moment to consider: Are you dwelling in the house of the wise? Are you cultivating the inner qualities that will allow you to truly appreciate and utilize the gifts you've been given? Maybe that's the real blessing we should be seeking.