136 Torah Book & Portion, Book of Deuteronomy, Va'etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11), Source Book Keys, DUTIES DEUTERONOMY | 4:6 wisdom — DEUT56 [We are bound] by [Rabbinic] tradition [to... DEUT56 [We are bound] by [Rabbinic] tradition [to reflect on creation] in the following statements: “Whoever knows how to calculate the [astronomical] cycles and stars and does not do so, of him Scripture says: ‘They have lyre and harp, timbrel and flute and wine at their feast, and they do not notice God's works, they do not see His handiwork’ (Yeshayahu 5:12 ).... From where do we know that one is obligated to calculate the cycles and stars? From the verse ‘Keep them and do them, for this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the nations who will hear all these rules’ (Devarim 4:6) -- what wisdom and understanding is ‘in the sight of the nations’? Say: it is the calculation of cycles and stars” (Shabbos 75a); “Consider the cost of a mitzvah against its reward, and the gain in sin against its loss” (Avos 2:1); “If the Torah had not been given to Israel, we could have learned modesty from the cat, chastity from the dove, good manners from the rooster, and honesty from the ant” (Eruvin 100b). The obligation to reflect on the created things and deduce proofs from traces of wisdom has been demonstrated. Be aware of this! Share Print Source KeyDUTIESVerse4:6Keyword(s)wisdomSource Page(s)173-5 Switch article DEUTERONOMY | 4:6 wisdom — DEUT60 While for analytical purposes ethics is co... Previous Article DEUTERONOMY | 4:6 wisdom — DEUT59 The Torah says: “Keep them and do them, fo... Next Article