Pirkei Avot §avot_04_01: Ben Zoma said: Who is wise?
Source: Pirkei Avot — Ethics of the Fathers (Mishnah, c. AD 200) (avot_04_01) · external_aligned
Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? He who learns from every man, as it is said: “From all who taught me have I gained understanding” (Psalms 119:99). Who is mighty? He who subdues his [evil] inclination, as it is said: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Who is rich? He who rejoices in his lot, as it is said: “You shall enjoy the fruit of your labors, you shall be happy and you shall prosper” (Psalms 128:2) “You shall be happy” in this world, “and you shall prosper” in the world to come. Who is he that is honored? He who honors his fellow human beings as it is said: “For I honor those that honor Me, but those who spurn Me shall be dishonored” (I Samuel 2:30).
Witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15)
- manuscript_tradition: Kaufmann Codex (Budapest, 11-13th cent) — earliest complete Mishnah
- manuscript_tradition: Parma Codex de Rossi 138 (Italy, 13th cent)
- critical_edition: Charles Taylor, Sayings of the Jewish Fathers (1877/1897)
- translation: Goldin, The Living Talmud (1957)
- republication: Sefaria — Pirkei Avot
Connections
- cites → card_n_2b207a92ea3a
- cites → card_n_cff8cca96453