"
A king having imported certain goods upon which he laid a duty, bade his
officers, as they passed the custom-house, to stop and pay the usual
tariff.
Greatly astonished, his attendants addressed him thus: "Sire! all that
is collected belongs to your majesty; why then give what must be
eventually paid into thy treasury?"
"Because," answered the monarch, "I wish travelers to learn from the
action I now order you to perform, how abhorrent dishonesty is in my
eyes."
Rabbi Eleazer said: "He who is guided by righteousness and justice in
all his doings, may justly be asserted to have copied God in His
unbounded beneficence. For of Him (blessed be His name) we read, 'He
loveth righteousness and justice'; that is, 'The earth is filled with
the loving kindness of God.'" Might we think that to follow such a
course is an easy task? No! The virtue of beneficence can be gained only
by great efforts. Will it be difficult, however, for him that has the
fear of God constantly before his eyes to acquire this attribute? No; he
will easily attain it, whose every act is done in the fear of the Lord.
"A crown of grace is the hoary head; on the way of righteousness can it
be found."
So taught Solomon in his Proverbs. Hence various Rabbis, who had
attained an advanced age, were questioned by their pupils as to the
probable cause that had secured them that mark of divine favor.
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