LEV268 (Continued from [[DEUT416]] Deuteronomy 10:12 request GATES 167). The Rabbinic decrees and the restrictions are the basis [for following] the path to fear of Hashem. They create a fence and a distancing, preventing one from contact with a prohibition of the Torah, just the way an owner of a field fences in his field, because of its prized value, for he fears lest people enter his property and turn it into a place for the grazing of cattle and the roaming of sheep (Yeshayahu 7:25). [The above stated concept] is similar to what it says: "'You shall safeguard my restrictions' [this verse]--make a safeguard for My safeguards" (Yevamos 21a). Extreme vigilance, a fence, and distancing from prohibitions is fundamental to fearing Hashem; one who expands on his vigilance will come to the great reward, as the pasuk says (Tehillim 19:12), "Moreover, Your servant is careful with them; in safeguarding them there is abounding reward."