Throughout a person’s entire life, his yetzer hara – evil inclination lies in ambush. It attempts to steer them away from the path of holiness and goodness. One must use every method at their disposal in order to defeat the evil inclination.
This can be compared to two countries that had been waging a terrible war for many years. One day the king of one of the countries decreed that whoever could settle their longstanding quarrel and restore peace between them would be handsomely rewarded; the person would be deserving of spending an hour inside the king’s Treasury, free to take whatever their heart desired.
Some time afterward, a wise man approached the king and suggested a wonderful plan to end the seemingly unending war. The king followed the wise man’s advice, and soon peace was restored between the two countries. As promised, a day was set for the wise man to come to the palace in order to collect his reward.
As the day drew nearer, the king became worried and very concerned. During that one hour, it was possible that the wise man could claim many of the king’s most treasured items. Troubled by this thought, the king asked his counselors for advice.
“Your Highness,” said one of the counselors, “it has become known to that this man really enjoys music. What I suggest is that you place the kingdom’s finest musicians inside the royal treasury. When the man enters to claim his reward, the musicians will begin to play; he will be mesmerized by the beautiful music which will take his mind away from the royal treasures.”
The king was very pleased with the shrewd advice, and the plan was set into action.
When the man arrived at the palace, the massive doors to the treasury room were opened before him. He requested permission to enter, and it was granted, but as soon he stepped into the treasury he was frozen in place, captivated by the wonderful music, the man stood there for a moment, but immediately reminded himself why he was there in the first place. The man collected his thoughts and dashed for the inner chamber of the treasury.
He began searching through the treasures but was once again distracted by the music.
He decided to listen to the fascinating melodies for only a brief moment. But one moment turned into two, and two into three.
“Don’t forget why you’ve come here!” he scolded himself. The music was just so pleasant to listen to, until finally he heard the officer of the treasury announced, “The hour has passed and your time has passed”.
“But” sadly answered the man, “I haven’t taken anything yet.”
“Nothing that you say now will do you any good,” replied the officer. “The time allotted by the king has passed!” And so, the man returned home, heartbroken, and disappointed over his missed opportunity that he let slip away by allowing his thoughts to be distracted.
Every person received an extraordinary gift from the Holy One, blessed be He. Throughout one’s lifetime on this world, they have the opportunity to gather good deeds and blessings.
Along comes the wicked advisor the yetzer hara (evil inclination) which tempts one with many different amusements that draws a person’s heart away from the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and the performance of good deeds.
When the time eventually arrives for one to stand before the Heavenly Court, they sadly become aware how they wasted their precious time listening to meaningless “melodies.”
By then, unfortunately, it will be far too late.
It is so important that every individual to constantly remind themselves every day and every hour of their purpose in this world. They must not allow the yetzer hara – evil inclination to distract them from studying the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and fulfilling its precepts and good deeds. Each person has the ability to aspire to goodness and holiness. One needs to live and practice what is learned from the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and fulfilling its precepts and performing good deeds.
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us
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