As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“You shall be wholehearted with Hashem your G-d.” (18:13)

‘Tamim’ means “complete” or “perfect.” Rabbenu Yonah (Shaare Teshuva 3:17) explains that perfection in Trust in Hashem (Bitachon) is here commanded. This comes to exclude the practices enumerated in the preceding verses. (18:9-12) These practices demonstrate an appeal for the favor of non-existent spiritual forces, and like idolatry, they constitute some measure of disloyalty to Hashem.

But just as is it wrong to transfer any trust to any strange imaginary gods, so also it is forbidden to transfer our trust to our own abilities and resources. Or to trust in men (no matter how righteous and powerful they may be). Or to trust in the forces of nature. “Complete” Trust in Hashem is required, even when one is energetic and capable of earning his livelihood.

And even when he is diligent in maintaining his good health, and even if he lives in a community or a nation that maintains law and order and is secure against all foreign enemies. Even the young man must look to Hashem every day for his life to continue on the morrow. Certainly, every man must seek to earn his livelihood and to preserve his health and safety. But all of his Trust must be solely in Hashem.

Quoted from “Fortunate Nation” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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