The Sayings of “The Four Who Entered the Garden ()”

3:13. R. Akiva said: Merriment and frivolity accustom one to sexual licentiousness. Tradition is a fence to the Torah. Tithes [are] a fence to wealth. Vows [are] a fence to abstinence. A fence to wisdom is silence.

14. He used to say: Beloved is man, for he was created in the image [of God]. Especially beloved is he, for it was made known to him that he had been created in the image [of God], as it is said: For in the image of God He made man (Genesis 9:6). Beloved are Israel in that they were called children of the All Present. Especially beloved are they, for it was made known to them that they are called children of the All Present, as it is said: You are children of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 14:1). Beloved are Israel in that a precious vessel was given to them. Especially beloved are they, for it was made known to them that the desirable instrument, with which the world had been created, was given to them, as it is said: For I give you good instruction; forsake not my teaching (Proverbs 4:2).

15. Everything is foreseen, yet freedom of choice is granted. And the world is judged with goodness. And everything is in accordance with the preponderance of works.

16. He used to say: Everything is given against a pledge, and a net is spread out over all the living; the store is open and the storekeeper allows credit, but the ledger is open and the hand writes, and whoever wishes to borrow may come and borrow; but the collectors go round regularly every day and exact dues from man, either with his consent or without his consent, and they have that on which they [can] rely [in their claims], seeing that the judgment is a righteous judgment, and everything is prepared for the banquet. [ . . . ]

4:1. 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 (Psalm 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 labor, you shall be happy, and you shall do well (Psalm 128:2). You shall be happy in this world, and you shall do well 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 who honor Me, but those who despise Me shall be dishonored (1 Samuel 2:30).

Adapted from the translation ofJoshua Kulp.