NUM127 Humility--Prerequisite of Tolerance. Masseches Derech Eretz describes the degree of humility one should strive to achieve: "Be as the threshold, upon which everyone treads, and as the peg, which people use for hanging objects" (Derech Eretz Zuta, ch. 1). This means that one is obligated to tolerate others even if they do not consider him worthy of respect. The Midrash adds, "Be lowly before everyone, especially before members of your household… Be the threshold, upon which everyone treads, for eventually the house will collapse, but the threshold will remain untouched (ibid. ch. 3). The Midrash says, "Everyone should learn Moshe Rabbeinu: He said, 'Choose for us people ...' (Shemos 17:9). This teaches us that he considered his pupil (Yehoshua) as important as himself." The Midrash develops a similar idea: "From where do we learn that one must treat others with as much respect as he treats his teacher? From the verse, 'and Aharon said to Moshe, 'Please, my master...'" [this verse]. Aharon was Moshe Rabbeinu's elder brother, and yet he addressed him as 'My master.' This teaches us that he regarded him as his Rav" (Yalkut Shemos 264). Tolerance leads to peace and to new friendships, and precludes anger. "A pious man was once asked, "What do you attribute people's affection for you?' He answered, 'Because I always consider other people to be better than me' Orchos Tzaddikim, Sha'ar Ha'anavah).
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