על שהרע נוהג לארוב לטוב ל״וThat the Worse is wont to Attack the Better 36
א׳
1[132] But neither must all speech without exception meet thoughts, nor must it meet all thoughts without exception, but the perfect Aaron must meet the thoughts of the most perfect Moses. With what other object, pray, did he add “the Levite” to the words “lo! Aaron thy brother,” save with that of teaching that only to the Levite, and priest, and speech that is in deep earnest, is it fitting to reveal the thoughts, seeing that they are blooms of a perfect mind?
ב׳
2[133] Never may the speech of a worthless man essay to interpret Divine ordinances. He disgraces their beauty by his own pollutions. On the other hand, let base and licentious ideas never be set forth by the lips of a man of worth, but let holy things always be expounded by sacred and holy speech.
ג׳
3[134] It is said that in a certain unusually well governed city the following custom prevails. When one of those who have not led a respectable life takes in hand to introduce a proposal to senate or people, he is not allowed to do so in his own person, but is required by the magistrates to impart the substance of his motion to some man of unblemished character. Thereupon this man rises and reproduces what has been said to him. Appearing as pupil, for the nonce, of the man who instructed him, this gentleman’s mouth having been sewn up, he exhibits what another has devised, and does not regard the man who hit upon the idea as fit to occupy even the position of listener or looker-on. So far do some carry their unwillingness even to derive benefit from bad men, holding the harm arising from the shame entailed to be greater than the advantage that would accrue to them.