T258 PNC - When Machloket Targets a Person, It Can Topple Him

Beginner: When there is machloket — dispute, opposition — directed at a person, those opposing him can incline him away from the path of Hashem and cause him to fall from his level, G-d forbid. This is what David Ha-Melech boasted of: "Many are my pursuers and my adversaries, yet I have not turned from Your testimonies" (Psalms 119:157). Even though much machloket was directed against him, he did not turn aside from the path of Hashem. The boast is genuine — most people would buckle. Standing firm against opposition is itself a spiritual achievement. Intermediate: T258: Machloket al ha-adam can incline him from derech Hashem. David: "Rabim rod'fai v'tzarai, me'edotecha lo natiti" (Tehillim 119:157) — held firm despite massive opposition. LM 258.