GEN785 Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch makes the following perceptive comment: “In the teachings of the Mishlei [Proverbs], there is great emphasis on opposing the vice of sloth and idleness, and on rousing us to energetic and industrious activity. They never cease to portray to the lazy person the ridiculous and absurd as well as the unfortunate consequences of his behavior.  Particularly interesting is the term רמיה repeatedly used in Mishlei to signify the opposite of industry.  This expression, which is usually found in an ethical connotation – meaning deceit --is here used in an economic context as the opposite of industry, thus meaning sloth, idleness, negligence, et. And in truth, the person who does not spend his life and the spiritual and physical powers which were bestowed upon him for their manifest purpose, does commit deceit. He betrays the sacred charge and opportunity entrusted to him; he betrays his maker, who grants him strength, by failing in the duty which is expected from him in return; and he betrays the world which his actions should benefit. Consequently, the vary air that a lazy person breathes can be considered theft.” From the Wisdom of Mishlei (Jerusalem: Feldheim, 1966, pp. 164 f.] Thus, the man of Torah is, indeed, productive, industrious, energetic, innovative, ambitious; he is very much an alive, vibrant member of the community. He has desires and aspirations. But these desires are not for materialistic acquisitions for their own sake, nor are they centered around the attainment of this–worldly pleasures. He yearns for spiritual fulfillment; he seeks to attain Torah knowledge and wisdom, both for himself and for others. And those materialistic benefits with which he is endowed by the Almighty – large of small –he regards as a blessing, which will aid him in the attainment of his spiritual goals, or which will make it possible for him to help others attain a richer appreciation of Torah values, and an enduring commitment to the pursuit of a Torah way of life. This approach is reminiscent of Avraham Avinu, who used all of his extensive resources to fulfill himself as a man of God. Also, wherever he went, he called out in the name of God. [this verse], thereby bringing others to a recognition of the God idea, and to an acceptance of His dominion over all creation.  [See Genesis 12:5, and Targum Onkelos, and see Torah Faith: The Thirteen Principles, pp 268 f. See also Sforno, on Genesis 12:4.] FENDEL 210-1.