EE & R, 2_12: Knowing Hashem: The Moral Limits of “An Eye for an Eye”
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(For the previous installment of "Exodus, Exile and Redemption," click here. For ToC, click here.) Yaakov’s deceitful dealings with his brother Esau and his uncle Laban drew sharp rebuke from the prophets. Yet, it bears noting that Yaakov was contending with people who were far from perfect themselves. Esau and Laban were both wicked, and when dealing with wicked people, honesty can be a foolish strategy: Be honest with dishonest people and you’re likely to be cheated in the game of deceit. Regarding Laban, the point is made explicitly by the Sages:
EE & R, 2_12: Knowing Hashem: The Moral Limits of “An Eye for an Eye”
EE & R, 2_12: Knowing Hashem: The Moral…
EE & R, 2_12: Knowing Hashem: The Moral Limits of “An Eye for an Eye”
(For the previous installment of "Exodus, Exile and Redemption," click here. For ToC, click here.) Yaakov’s deceitful dealings with his brother Esau and his uncle Laban drew sharp rebuke from the prophets. Yet, it bears noting that Yaakov was contending with people who were far from perfect themselves. Esau and Laban were both wicked, and when dealing with wicked people, honesty can be a foolish strategy: Be honest with dishonest people and you’re likely to be cheated in the game of deceit. Regarding Laban, the point is made explicitly by the Sages: