In Blessing, I will bless thee - A Parable

A certain disciple was studying with his fellows and came across the verse, “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there is shouting.” He asked his Master [teacher], “What does this mean?”

The replied, “The Almighty, blessed be He, promised Abraham 'that in blessing I will bless thee.' When the Almighty blesses a righteous man, the city is exalted. Not only does his very being there bless the city, but he shares his increase with the poor. For 'he who satisfies others, shall himself be satisfied.' And does it not also say that 'one is repaid in kind for his own deeds.' Therefore, when the righteous prosper, so to does the city.

“Now, concerning the wicked it is said, 'the words of the wicked tear down the city' for 'the wicked are like chaff driven by the wind'. They have no plan nor intent, but to do evil. Concerning the sinner, it is said in the Torah, 'Cursed shall you be in the city'.

“So then,” continued the master, “A city is blessed because of the righteous ones who dwell in the city. Sodom was not cursed because of immorality, rather they were cursed because they turned their ears from the cry of the poor. But the Almighty could not destroy the city for the righteousness of Lot.”

Another disciple, who was also at the table asked the master, “Wherefore does it mean, 'He who is kind to the poor is lending to YHVH'?”

The master answered him, “We must remember the words of the Great Master, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' And, 'The one who waters others, shall be watered also, himself.' For when one shows favor to the poor, he is rewarded that which he favored, plus interest from the Almighty. For that which a man sows, that shall he also reap.”