We continue to stud the pasuk quoted by the Bet HaLevi, which is that when there is machloket, when their hearts are separated, they will be found guilty.
The Reshit Hochma, Shaar Anava ( perek 4) quotes the following:
“A household that has argument, in the end it will be destroyed; A shul that has Machloket, in the end it will be destroyed, and some say it will be dispersed.”
Those are very heavy words. Machloket causes destruction and dispersion.
If we believe the words of our rabbis, we will take heed to stay away from Machloket/ arguments, realizing that divisiveness doesn’t pay.
Rav Chaim Pilaggi, Chief Rabbi of Turkey, from 200 years ago, in his sefer Kaf HaHaim, writes in the first chapter,
“In a place of arguments, the blessings leave.”
Nobody wants Berachot to leave. Furthermore, he says,
“I will share with you my personal experience: From when I was young, before I had any understanding of anything, I saw with my own eyes that of every person and person, family and family country and country, city and city that had an argument, none walked away clean from damages and bruises, whether on the body, or in their finances, may God protect us.”
This is some thing to keep in mind, the dangers of Machloket.
Whenever you find yourself in a situation where it seems like it might be worth the argument, consider this.
It is not always worth the argument. Be sure to seek advice, and speak to great people before getting into a situation of argument, because you are literally playing with fire. Machloket is playing with fire.
So extremely careful and use the proper equipment and advice when dealing with such dangerous matters.
That is our message for today.