DEUT313 Consider how far Chazal have gone in describing the wickedness of a person who refrains from performing acts of chesed, in saying (Koheleth Rabba 7:1): "If one repudiates his obligation to do chesed, it is as though he repudiates the cardinal doctrine (of God's existence)." By this remark they intend to convey that Hashem, may He be blessed, is the source of all goodness and kindness. His purpose in all that He created was to give His creatures the opportunity to earn merit, enabling Him to repay them, ultimately, with goodness and kindness. To this end the Torah was revealed and its commandments ordained. As Scripture states [this verse]. Hence if one refuses to accept this view of the virtue of chesed and asks, "What do I need it for?"--his rejection is tantamount to denying the fundamental principle (of God's existence), Heaven forbid. Hence one should completely avoid such thoughts. He should take care to cling to the ways of God, may He be blessed, which are permeated with goodness and kindness, in order to receive goodness in this world and in the next.