“The wise man does not speak before one who is wiser than him and does not break into the words of another” — (Avot 5:7)

When he debates a point with someone the wise man waits until the other person has completed all that he has to say, and only then will he respond if he has anything with which to challenge the statements. He will never break into the other’s words, for this causes him to become confused and prevents him from properly expressing himself. The wise man, after all, is prepared to concede to the truth no matter whom it comes from.

It is also poor manners to insult a chavruta (study partner) or a talmid (student) by thus interrupting him, as if to say that there is no value to his words. Nothing but arrogance can explain such behavior.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu