אות - רטו

See the Alshich on Proverbs. And especially in chapter 7, in the third path, where he expands greatly in his speech and warning to distance oneself from them — see there, for he speaks there in a most beautiful and wondrous manner, explaining how they seduce the world: that at first they do not reveal their heresy and denial, but only show the imagined sweetness that appears at first in their evil ways — see there. And this is: "For the lips of a strange woman drip honey" (Proverbs 5:3), etc., and Rashi explained — heresy. "But her end is bitter as wormwood," etc. — see there. And the general rule is that all the warnings in Proverbs to distance oneself from the "strange woman" are directed against the external wisdoms, which are called "strange woman" in contrast to the wisdom of Torah which is called "a woman of valor" (see Proverbs 31:10). And one who is familiar with them and their ways and how they seduce the world — especially the young whom they educate in their bad and bitter education — they are precisely like an adulterous woman who adorns herself and speaks gracious words, and at first does not reveal the malice of her heart but presents herself as righteous until she seduces all who are drawn after her. Exactly so are their evil ways to one who knows a little of their ways. And on this axis turns most of the book of Proverbs. And everywhere it refers to a fool and a simpleton who overturn straight paths (Proverbs 2:13) and the like — the intention is entirely upon these wise men for evil, who are called fools and simpletons. As it is written (Proverbs 26:12): "Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." And it is written (Isaiah 5:21): "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes." It is impossible to expand on this. For they say the very opposite, and bring proof from Proverbs itself and from other holy scriptures for their evil ways. For our holy Torah is a potion of life for one who merits it, and a potion of death for one who does not merit it — as our Sages o.b.m. said (Yoma 72b) on the verse (Devarim 4:44): "Which Moshe placed before [them]," and it is written (Hoshea 14:10): "For the ways of Hashem are straight; the righteous walk in them but transgressors stumble in them." Therefore toward one who is stubbornly set on going in their evil ways, much speech will not help. But toward one who truly desires the truth, our words here will suffice to strengthen his soul and mind to stand like an iron pillar against them and shatter the teeth of wickedness (Job 29:17). And may Hashem Yisburach reveal the truth speedily. Amen, may it be His will.