, how abhorrent dishonesty is in my
eyes."

Rabbi Eleazer said: "He who is guided by righteousness and justice in
all his doings, may justly be asserted to have copied God in His
unbounded beneficence. For of Him (blessed be His name) we read, 'He
loveth righteousness and justice'; that is, 'The earth is filled with
the loving kindness of God.'" Might we think that to follow such a
course is an easy task? No! The virtue of beneficence can be gained only
by great efforts. Will it be difficult, however, for him that has the
fear of God constantly before his eyes to acquire this attribute? No; he
will easily attain it, whose every act is done in the fear of the Lord.

"A crown of grace is the hoary head; on the way of righteousness can it
be found."

So taught Solomon in his Proverbs. Hence various Rabbis, who had
attained an advanced age, were questioned by their pupils as to the
probable cause that had secured them that mark of divine favor. Rabbi
Nechumah answered that, in regard to himself, God had taken cognizance
of three principles by which he had endeavored to guide his conduct.

First, he had never striven to exalt his own standing by lowering that
of his neighbor. This was agreeable to the example set by Rabbi Hunna,
for the latter, while bearing on his shoulders a heavy spade, was met by
Rabbi Choana Ben Chanilai, who, considering the burden derogatory to the
dignity of so great a man, insisted upon relieving him of the implement
and carrying it himself. But Rabbi Hunna refused, saying, "Were this
your habitual calling I might permit it, but I certainly shall not
permit another to perform an office which, if done by myself, may be
looked upon by some as menial."

Secondly, he had never gone to his night's rest with a heart harboring
ill-will against his fellow-man, conformably with the practice of Mar
Zutra, who, before sleeping, offered this prayer: "O Lord! forgive all
those who have done me injury."

Thirdly, he was not penurious, following the example of the righteous
Job, of whom the sages relate that he declined to receive the change due
him after making a purchase.

Another Rabbi bearing also the name of Nechumah, replied to Rabbi Akiba,
that he believed himself to have been blessed with long life because, in
his official capacity, he had invariably set his face against accepting
presents, mindful of what Solomon wrote, "He that hateth gifts will
live." Another of his merits he conceived to be tha