Intentional Living: Escaping Flattery in a World of Influence [Day 134 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Flattery 8]

In Day 134 (p. 753, final section of the Gate of Flattery), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the chapter with practical safeguards against Chanufah (flattery). To escape its snare, one must flee honor (Kavod) entirely—those unconcerned with status never need to flatter for gain. Avoid deriving benefit from others, as most flattery stems from expecting reciprocity (e.g., fake compliments for favors, business, or social access). Rabbi Wolbe shares his personal rejection of a book teaching manipulative "networking" flattery, emphasizing genuine relationships over disingenuous gain.

Flattery corrupts mitzvot (e.g., leading services for praise instead of L'shem Shamayim) and risks spiritual downfall through negative environments. One must intentionally surround oneself with the righteous and wise (Proverbs: "He who walks with wise men will be wise"), distancing from sinners, mockers, or corrupt cultures—even if it means solitude, caves, or desert isolation (as in Lamentations). In our generation of pervasive media, apps, social influence, and celebrity values (e.g., Golden Globes), be deliberate: delete harmful apps, limit exposure, choose uplifting company, and protect children from bad influences. The chapter's core lesson: intentionality in Avodat Hashem—curate environments for growth, reject flattery's traps, and prioritize purity over benefit.

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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on March 16, 2026
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
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We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)

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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]

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Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Flattery, #Chanufa, #Honor, #BadInfluence, #IntentionalLiving, #PositiveEnvironment, #DeleteTheApp, #ShalomBayit

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