GEN653 The major inspiration of the extensive Jewish ethical literature comes, of course, from the numerous biblical injunctions which are addressed to man.  These, together with rabbinical interpretations and moral maxims, have provided the guidelines and framework for the continued growth of the Jewish moral code. The very abundance of this genre of literature is a sad reflection of the fact that man is in constant need of admonition to guide him along the way. Despite the biblical assertion that man was created in the image of God, his free will leaves the choice of right or wrong entirely to him. Weakness and passion frequently tempt man to choose the course which has the greatest promises satisfying his greed in many desires. The Bible attests to this weakness by stating that “man’s inclinations are evil from his youth” [this verse]. Our ethical legacy is designed to tame him and to keep a proper balance between the earthly and heavenly aspects of human life, so that he may be worthy of the fact of having been created in God’s image. The faculty of free will and the capacity to distinguish right from wrong were truly divine attributes. Man, alone of all living creatures, was endowed with them. He must use them judiciously to make sure that this earth is a decent place to live in.  BLOCH 5