Thoughts on Pirkei Avot

Rabbi Elazar said … Know before whom you toil; and know that your employer can be relied upon to pay you the wage of your labor. (m.Avot 2:19)

Rabbi Elazar said: Be diligent in the study of Torah, and know how to respond to a heretic. (m.Avot 2:19)

Rabbi Shimon said … When you pray do not make your prayer a form of routine but a plea for mercy and supplications before G-d, for it is written (Joel 2:13), "For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing." (m.Avot 2:18)

Rabbi Yosi said: Let the property of your fellow man be as dear to you as your own. Prepare yourself for the study of the Torah, for the knowledge of it is not yours by inheritance. Let all your deeds be done for the sake of Heaven. (m.Avot 2:17)

Rabbi Joshua said: An evil eye, the evil inclination and hatred of his fellow creatures put a man out of the world. (m.Avot 2:16)

They [the students of Rabbi Yochanan] each said three things. Rabbi Eliezer said: Let the honor of your fellow be as dear to you as your own and be not easily moved to anger. Repent one day before your death. Warm yourself before the fire of the sages … (m.Avot 2:15)