e pass through, but retains the lees, and as a
sieve which lets the bran pass through but retains the fine flour.

16. Every affection that depends on some carnal cause, if that cause
ceases the affection ceases, but that which does not depend on such a
cause will never cease. Where do we meet with an affection dependent on a
carnal cause? Such was the love of Ammon to Tamar; but that which does not
depend on such a cause was the love of David and Jonathan.

17. Every dispute that is carried on for God's sake, will in the end be
established; but that which is not for God's sake, will not be
established. "What may be considered a dispute for God's sake?" "Such as
the disputes of Hillel and Shammai; but that which was not for God's sake
was the contention of Korah and all his company."

18. He who by his conduct justifies the public, no sin will be caused
through his means, and whosoever causes the public to sin is not suffered
to repent. Moses acted justly and caused the public to obtain merit: the
merit of the public was attributed to him, as is said, "He executed the
justice of the Lord and his judgments with Israel."(498) Jeroboam, the son
of Nebat, sinned, and caused Israel to sin: the sin of the public was
attributed to him, as is said, "Because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did
sin, and who made Israel to sin."(499)

19. He who possesses these three virtues is of the disciples of our father
Abraham, and he who is possessed of the three opposites is of the
disciples of the wicked Balaam. The disciples of our father Abraham
possess a benevolent eye, a humble spirit, and a contented mind. The
disciples of Balaam have an evil eye, a haughty spirit, and a narrow mind.
"What is the difference between the disciples of our father Abraham and
the disciples of the wicked Balaam?" "The disciples of our father Abraham
eat of the fruit of their good works in this world, and inherit the future
one, for it is said, 'That I may cause those that love me to inherit
substance, and I will fill their treasures.'(500) But the disciples of the
wicked Balaam inherit hell and descend to the pit of destruction, as is
said, 'But Thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction;
bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will
trust in Thee.' "(501)

20. Judah, son of Tamai, said, "be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle,
swift as a roe, and strong as a lion, to do the will of Thy Father, who is
in heav