NOT WISE TO BE EASY GOING WITH NEDER OR WITH WOMEN

WISDOM FROM THE SAGES

§ It is stated in the Mishna that the sages say: “They open doors for him ..” Meaning he often finds a way by suggesting a different justification for everything

The Sages teach: Do not become too accustomed with making vows, so that you will not take Nedarim (vows) lightly. It is taught in a Baraita: Never be accustomed to taking vows, because ultimately you will disregard them all, and you will even abuse oaths, which are more grave.

The Sages teach: And do not regularly be around an ignoramus (someone Illeterate in Torah), because ultimately he will feed you untithed produce, as he is not careful to tithe.

The Sages teach: Do not regularly be by an ignorant Kohen (priest), because ultimately he will feed you Teruma due to his close relationship with you, and Teruma is forbidden to a non-Kohen (someone who is not levy priest).

The Sages teach: And do not talk extensively with a woman, because ultimately you will come to fornication ((come to be easy going with women) Nedarim 20a).

וַחֲכָמִים אוֹמְרִים פּוֹתְחִין לוֹ פֶּתַח כּוּ׳ תָּנָא לְעוֹלָם אַל תְּהִי רָגִיל בַּנְּדָרִים שֶׁסּוֹפְךָ לִמְעוֹל בִּשְׁבוּעוֹת וְאַל תְּהִי רָגִיל אֵצֶל עַם הָאָרֶץ שֶׁסּוֹפְךָ לְהַאֲכִילְךָ טְבָלִים אַל תְּהִי רָגִיל אֵצֶל כֹּהֵן עַם הָאָרֶץ שֶׁסּוֹפְךָ לְהַאֲכִילְךָ תְּרוּמָה וְאַל תַּרְבֶּה שִׂיחָה עִם הָאִשָּׁה שֶׁסּוֹפְךָ לָבוֹא לִידֵי נִיאוּף

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