GEN363 The joy of knowledge.  When a person accustoms himself to study works of Mussar, his eyes will also be opened to see the immense reward reserved for those who perform Hashem’s will, and the goodness that is hidden away for the righteous—which not even the greatest prophet could truly comprehend (c.f. Talmud, Berachos 32b). Therefore, when he has internalized the fear of Hashem, his soul will perforce be stirred to pursue the path of goodness—whatever the degree. When this happens, not only will he not be saddened, but the opposite will occur—he will delight in his portion and “rejoice with trembling” (cf. Tehillim 2:11) – for his eyes will have been opened to know good and bad [cf. this verse] and to foresee the outcome of a deed (cf. Avos 2:13). The fear will give his strength and power. The great reward will nurture him and grant him the encouragement to improve his path even more: to save his soul from the shadowy depths of Gehinnom and to be illuminated by the precious light of life and eternal delight. His soul will be transformed, and an upright sprit will be renewed within him (cf. Tehillim 51:12). OHRYIS 130