Is Being a “Good Person” Enough? The Pele Yoetz Explains

Fear is usually seen as a negative emotion, a paralyzing force that holds us back from growing and taking risks. But there is also such a thing as positive fear, as it is written: “Fortunate is the person who is always afraid” (Proverbs 28:14).

Rabbi Eliezer Papo, in his Pele Yoetz, sheds fascinating light on this verse, explaining how the right kind of fear can actually become a powerful force for personal and spiritual growth.

The Pele Yoetz cites the words of Chazal in the Gemara (Berachot 60a), which explain that the verse is referring not to a general fear of the world, but to a specific kind of reverence concerning Torah and mitzvot.

This is not fear of something external. It is an inner awareness that accompanies a person through life, prompting him to continually ask himself: Have I done what is required of me properly? Have I fully fulfilled my obligation, or is there something I could have done better?

In his words:

“There is a fear that is good, as it is written (Proverbs 28:14), ‘Fortunate is the person who is always afraid.’ And our rabbis of blessed memory explained (Berachot 60a) that this is written regarding matters of Torah—meaning that a person’s heart should always fear concerning the Torah and the mitzvot, lest he has not done what he was required to do...”

The reverence discussed by the Pele Yoetz is directly connected to each person’s individual potential. A person should consider whether his actions are truly pleasing before his Creator, not because he assumes he is wicked, but because his actions may not measure up to the particular responsibility placed upon him.

What is expected of each person is measured “according to who he is, according to his ability, and according to the material available to him.” In other words, the talents, abilities, and opportunities a person has been given also bring responsibility. This demanding standard does not allow a person to remain still; it pushes him to climb “from one level to the next.”

“And he should fear lest his deeds not be pleasing before the exalted and lofty King, according to the greatness of his obligation, according to who he is, according to his ability, and according to the material available to him; and through this he will rise from one level to the next.”

According to the Pele Yoetz, this kind of fear is not an end in itself. It is a tool for growth. A person who maintains a sense of responsibility, rather than assuming he has already reached perfection, will continue searching for ways to improve, deepen his service, and draw closer to Hashem.

Don’t Settle for an Average Version of Yourself

Later, the Pele Yoetz describes the opposite mindset in striking terms, calling it “the evil of man on earth.” It is the attitude of a person who has become completely satisfied with his spiritual state:

“For this is the evil of man on earth: he is content with his lot and gives thanks for his lot, saying, ‘Praise is due to me, for I am a proper Jew. I do not murder, commit adultery, or steal. Every day I say my prayers, and my righteousness answers for me. I benefit from my labor, and none of my labor will reveal in me a sin that I have committed.’ And because of this, no one takes to heart the need to rise to higher levels, and no one regrets his wrongdoing, because his deeds appear pure and upright to him.”

He is describing someone who looks at his life and concludes that he is doing well enough. He does not murder, commit adultery, or steal. He prays every day, earns an honest living, and considers himself a proper Jew.

On the surface, there may appear to be nothing wrong. But according to the Pele Yoetz, the danger lies in the inner attitude accompanying those actions.

Once a person becomes convinced that “I’m fine” and that his deeds are already pure and upright, he stops examining himself. He no longer asks what could be improved or where he could grow. This sense of self-satisfaction can prevent him from recognizing his shortcomings, regretting his mistakes, and continuing to develop spiritually.

Precisely because he believes he has already reached his destination, he stops moving forward.

The Fear That Keeps Us Growing

The powerful principle that emerges from the Pele Yoetz is that healthy fear can become an engine for spiritual growth and character refinement. Rather than paralyzing a person, it keeps him aware that there is always another step to take.

A person who becomes completely satisfied with where he stands in his service of Hashem risks becoming spiritually stagnant. The words “Fortunate is the person who is always afraid” can therefore be understood not as a call to live anxiously, but as an invitation to remain spiritually awake.

It means continuing to examine ourselves, repair what needs repairing, strengthen what can be strengthened, and refuse to settle for an average version of ourselves.