The Wisdom to Succeed

Safeguard the words of this covenant and keep them, that you will be successful (taskilu) in all you do.       

                                               Deuteronomy 29:8

      Following his approach that there are no true synonyms in the Holy Tongue, Malbim explains the difference between “l’hatzliaḥ” (the more common word for “success”) and “l’haskil,” our verse’s choice of word.

     “L’Hatzliaḥ” implies success based upon good fortune and Divine Providence. “L’haskil,” derived from the root “sechel” (intelligence) means to use one’s abilities to succeed. Malbim comments [I Kings 2:3]: “l’haskil” is dependent upon one’s intelligent choice of the proper means for succeeding. Thus, “l’haskil” signifies a higher level than “l’hatzliaḥ.”

      Based upon Malbim’s elucidation, the verse teaches that the key to Israel’s success “in all you do” is the wisdom to safeguard its covenant with God.

       Our Sages understood the verse to teach that “Whoever occupies himself with the Torah, his possessions shall prosper.” [Babylonian Talmud, Avoda Zara 19b] It is possible to understand the teaching to be that worldly success is the reward for occupying oneself with Torah. However, based upon Malbim’s explanation, our Sages’ teaching can be understood to have an additional dimension: application of the qualities developed through observance of Torah and mitzvot is beneficial in achieving success in worldly matters as well.