LEV1109 The Talmud is emphatic: Pious deeds are not rewarded in this world. The Reward and Punishment mentioned in Leviticus xxvi and Deut. xxviii are to be viewed merely as attractions or deterrents to obedience or infidelity. Here below, we have a task to do; the reward for its fulfillment will come later. (Kidd. 39a. See also Luzzatto's Introduction to his Messillat Yesharim). What greater punishment can man have for an act spelling a Hillul Ha'shem than to be told that he has polluted the soul which God has put within him pure and unsullied at his birth? (See Leviticus xxvi. 3-9; Deut. v. 9-10; xi. 13-17; Isa. iii. 10-11; xxvi. 21; Ezek. xviii; Ps. xxxi. 24; cxlv. 20; Prov. v. 22; x. 29; xiii. 21; Talmud: Abot 1, 3; Sotah 3b; Makkot 24a).