The Test of Faith: Can a Person Really Influence Their Own Good or Harm?

It is a common mistake to think that the good or bad things that happen to a person are only because of another person’s choices. In truth, even when someone does something harmful or helpful by choice, it happens under Hashem’s supervision. But does this mean people do not have free will to choose good or bad?

The answer is that free will and divine decree work together. For example, if it is meant for someone’s money to be stolen, the person who chooses to steal will carry it out. If someone is destined to feel shame, Hashem arranges for a person with a bad character to be the cause. Both the decree from Hashem and human free will happen together.

Divine Providence in Our Lives

We can see proof of this idea in the Torah and rabbinic writings. In Shaarei Emunah and Bitachon by Rabbi Avraham Nesri, it explains that everything that happens to a person is guided by Hashem.

Jeremiah 32:19 says, “Great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men to give to every one according to his ways.” This teaches that Hashem’s will is shown through the people and events around us. Sometimes He acts through a spouse, employer, children, neighbor, or friend. The purpose is to help us understand the truth: Hashem is the only true power.

Even dreams, whether good or bad, happen with divine guidance. The Gemara Berachot 55a says that fear caused by a bad dream also comes from Hashem.

Nothing Happens by Chance

The Gemara tells the story of Rabbi Papa, who almost fell from a ladder and wondered why Hashem allowed it. Questions about what good actions extend the life of the sages also teach the same lesson: nothing happens by nature or luck. Everything happens because of Hashem, sometimes through our actions, sometimes through others.

When Something Bad Happens

Whatever happens to you, good or bad, is from Hashem. When someone hurts you, it is not only their choice that matters, but also your own sins that may have caused it. King David says in Samuel II 16:11, “Let him curse, for Hashem told him so.” Rabbi Yosef told his brothers, “It was not you who sent me here, but Hashem.”

No one can do good or bad without Hashem’s will. Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart) teaches that we should trust Hashem even when dealing with people who seem like enemies.

Trust in Hashem Alone

The Torah teaches us that no one can save or harm without Hashem’s permission (Jeremiah 17:5-7). King David shows that we do not need to fear people when we trust Hashem, as he says in Psalms 56:5, “In Hashem, I trust, I will not be afraid.”

When we face difficulties, we should remember that true help comes from Hashem. Trusting in Him can even turn people who seem like enemies into helpers.

Even a Fly is Sent from Heaven
A teacher once told a story to show how divine providence works in everyday life. He explained that a fly had been sent from Heaven to itch his nose, a small but powerful reminder that even the tiniest events are part of Hashem’s plan. Nothing in life happens by chance, and every detail is guided with purpose.