OCTOBER 28 • 2021 | 39 is something separate to the sacredness of speech because it includes keeping promises we make to ourselves, promises we make “in our hearts. ” The Talmud (Bava Basra 88a) describes the great Talmudic sage, Rav Safra, as the epitome of “one who speaks truth in his heart. ” (Psalms 15:2) On this, Rav Avraham Yitzchak Bloch says faithfully fulfilling what we undertake to do in our hearts is also an important part of per- sonal integrity. There’s another aspect of “say little and do much” that charac- terizes good virtue and integrity. Virtuous people are interested in acting rather than talking about it. They aren’t interested in publicizing what they do. They don’t need affirmation or honor and recognition from others. Their focus is on getting things done: helping others, performing mitzvot, doing good deeds for their own sake. But those who are not virtuous are actually interested in the oppo- site — in what people will say about them, and the honor and recognition they will receive, rather than actually doing good. These are people who will say a lot and do comparatively little. The prophet Micha speaks about “walking modestly with your God, ” (Micha 6:8) which the Talmud interprets as doing good without seeking the pub- licity and acclaim that comes with doing so (Succah 49b). Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz writes that the good deeds per- formed publicly provide ulterior benefits, such as honor and recognition. Therefore, great effort is required to purify one’s motives by doing these deeds as modestly as possible. (Sichot Mussar 31:46) In other words, we need to purify our inner thoughts and emotions even when doing good deeds. This focus on inner truth and sincerity rather than externali- ties is at the core of integrity. We need to ensure our internal state of mind and our external lives are aligned. What we do should be a reflection of who we are. As the Talmud says: “ A Torah scholar whose inside is not like his outside is not a true Torah scholar. ” (Yuma 72b) Rabbeinu Bechaya, in his book Duties of the Heart, writes: “Regarding one’s inside who’s not like his outside, scripture says his heart was not whole with Hashem, his God. ” (Kings 1,11:4) As is well-known, if someone contradicts them- selves or proves themselves a liar, whether in speech or in deed, people no longer believe in their integrity and have no confidence in their sincerity. Similarly, if our outer and inner selves are in contradiction, if our talk is not matched by our intentions, if the actions of our limbs are at odds with the con- victions of our heart, then our worship of God is imperfect. ” And, so, integrity is about how we interact with others, and it’s also how we relate to ourselves. It is a value which cannot be compartmentalized. You see that in the word itself. Integrity is related to the word, “integrated. ” A person with integrity is a person whose inner life is in harmony with how s/he acts. There is no dis- connect. And this, ultimately, is why integrity is one of the core val- ues of the house of Abraham, and therefore a vital part of our legacy as the Jewish peo- ple. Abraham is someone who embodied truth and sincerity, kindness and concern; someone who sprang to the aid of others, moved by a deep inner well of good will toward all people and a deep inner devotion to the will of his Creator. Rabbi Warren Goldstein is the chief rabbi of South Africa. This essay was first published on aish.com. Let Old Friends be your Michigan-Florida Connection Keyes Real Estate Estate Property Sales from Listing to Clean-Out! Buy • Sell • InveSt Throughout South Florida, Including Boca, Boynton, Delray, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties Nina Spinner-Sands NinaSpinner-Sands@keyes.com (954) 290-8293 Rita Morse RitaMorse@keyes.com (305) 609-7559 INDIANA UNIVERSITY Contact Raymond Jenkins 33700 Woodward Ave. • Between 14 Mile & Adams • Birmingham, MI If you are not wearing it… sell it!... or BORROW on it! You can’t enjoy jewelry if it’s sitting in your safe deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash. We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins. A Service to Private Owners, Banks & Estates 33700 Woodward Ave. • Between 14 Mile & Adams • Birmingham, MI 248-644-8565 Coins & Jewelry If you are not wearing it… sell it!... We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins.