Counting the Omer Day 12: Hod of Gevurah

Hod of Gevurah – humility of discipline.

When disciplining/criticizing/judging others (something we all need to do at times, despite the bad rap discipline has with a lot of people of my baby boom generation) it’s important that it come from a place of humility. Criticizing others to build yourself up is a misuse of the power of gevurah. Gevurah should be used to help others, to give them constructive criticism, useful feedback that will help them improve.

Maimonides taught that before rebuking someone it is important to check your own motivations and make sure it is truly for the other person’s benefit. If it’s not, keep it to yourself.