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Golem and Chacham

Avot (5:7) | Yisrael Bankier | 3 days ago

The Mishnah teaches that there are seven attributes found in a "Golem" and seven in a Chacham. The Mishnah then continues by listing those attributes of a Chacham. The Chacham does not speak before one that is wiser. He does not interrupt. He is not quick to respond. The Bartenura explains that the next trait is that he will ask questions that are relevant to the discussion at hand which results in his Rav answering according to halacha. He would respond when asked several questions in the order they were asked. The Bartenura explains that next trait is that if he rules based on logic, he will not say that he heard it from his teachers. Finally, when in a debate, if he hears the truth, he will admit to it despite have further arguments that may support his position.

The Rambam explains that the Chachamim use different terminology when referring to people. A Bor refers to one who lacks both intellectual or moral qualities. He is empty. The Am Haaretz on the other hand has ethical grounding but lacks knowledge. He is a "person of the land" because he is beneficial to society. The Golem in our Mishnah is an individual with both these qualities, but they are not organised, rather confused.

Indeed, the Tifferet Yisrael notes that the Mishnah does not refer to this individual as a fool or stupid. This implies that we are referring to a talmid that has learnt a lot of Torah but he has not yet refined himself based on that learning.

The Rambam continues, that by referring to him as a Golem, he is compared to a "golmei kli", a utensil that the craftsman has formed, but requires smoothing, finishing or sharpening. It is as if all the raw material is there, but it has not yet taken its final form. The individual is unrefined. The Chacham is one who is attained these two qualities fully and they are well-integrated. Next is the Chassid who is a Chacham but does more than that is required of him -- his actions exceed his wisdom.

The Tosfot Yom Tov explains that that is why the Mishnah introduced the Golem prior to the Chacham, despite the fact that the Mishnah focuses on the qualities of the Chacham. That is because the Golem always precedes the stage of becoming a Chacham and is a necessary part of his development.

The Rambam continues by explaining that the four of the traits lists related to character traits -- he has respect, will not interrupt, will not be stubborn but rather admit to the truth. The other three related to intellectual qualities -- being quick to respond, questions being relevant, and responding to questions in an orderly fashion.

The Derech []{dir="rtl"}Chaim however explains that what is common to all the attributes in the Mishnah is order. He understands that chochma is the ability to define, structure and organise concepts. This too would translate to one's behaviour. A Chacham whose thoughts are organised would certainly be manifested in his orderly behaviour.

One might suggest that there is another common theme among all the attributes listed in the Mishnah: they all relate to speech. Building on the Derech Chaim, it is not just that the organised wisdom is evident in one's appreciation for organised behaviour -- for that can also be a product of good middot. Rather it is it specifically through speech, which is the means through which one's wisdom is revealed to others, the chochma is evident. The Mishnah is teaching that it is not in the content of one's speech that testify to one's wisdom, but the context and manner in which it is conveyed to others.

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