In episode twenty-nine of the 48 Ways series during the Omer, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe teaches Ve’eino Machzik Tova L’Atzmo — “do not take credit for yourself” or “do not praise yourself.” Arrogance is claiming credit for gifts and achievements that truly belong to Hashem. The Mishnah warns us that taking pride in things we did not earn blocks further growth, closes us off to new ideas, and damages relationships. No one enjoys being around a show-off.

Rabbi Wolbe explains the critical difference: a humble person recognizes their talents as gifts from above, while an arrogant person sees them as self-made. True praise belongs to hard-earned character traits and fear of Heaven (yirat shamayim), not external gifts like beauty, voice, or success. King Solomon’s “Eishes Chayil” teaches that grace and beauty are false to praise (they are unearned), but a God-fearing person who works on their character is truly praiseworthy.

Key lessons include: everything ultimately comes from Hashem (“Hashem malach ge’us lavesh” — God wears the garment of pride); running after honor makes it flee, while fleeing honor draws it near; maintain constant awareness that we are only travelers in this world; and avoid self-praise so we remain open to growth and connection with others and with God. The episode reinforces humility as essential for maximizing life and true spiritual success.

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Recorded in TORCH Centre - Studio A on May 31, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on August 8, 2022

The 49 days we count between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot are an exciting time for powerful and impactful change. The Mishna (Avot 6:6) teaches us 48 masterful tools and ways to maximize life and get the most out of each day.
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783
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Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Omer, #Count, #48Ways, #SpiritualGrowth, #TorahWisdom, #PirkeiAvot, #WisdomDaily

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