Siman 503

(60.) I heard in his name that he said: "Through the controversy that people make against a person — they do him a favor. For through this he can grow and flourish — like when one plants a seed in the earth: if the earth were all packed together it would be impossible for a tree to grow and sprout from the seed. The earth must be split somewhat so that there be room for the tree to grow. Similarly — through the controversy they make against someone — through this they give him room to grow and flourish."