The Soul’s True Language: Why Honor and Respect Define Human Dignity

Our soul, which is a “portion of God from above,” is also referred to as “Kavod” (Glory). David Hamelech (King David) says in Tehillim (30:13): “So that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.” The “glory” that sings is our soul, which will sing to God and never fall silent. The soul that sings and praises its Creator here in this world will continue to do so even after 120 years, without ceasing.

Divine Honor Reflected in the Soul

God Himself is called the “King of Glory” (Melech HaKavod) (Tehillim 24:10), “And in His sanctuary all proclaim ‘Glory’” (Tehillim 29:9), and we say in the Kedusha, “His glory fills the entire world.” Since the soul is part of God, it too is called kavod, and its native language is the language of kavod.

From this essence of the soul, we are able to show respect to others, and in return, we naturally seek a language of respect. This is because it reflects our true self, the soul, which understands only the language of kavod.

Honor is the very nature of our soul, and it is something natural to us. Sometimes, however, we damage or distort it. As Rebbetzin Kanievsky once told me: the higher and more elevated a person’s soul is, the more he treats others with honor, because he has not corrupted the essence of his soul — the kavod. This is indeed what we see among the great sages of Israel, who honor every human being, for their very essence is kavod. Similarly, anyone who is more closely connected to his soul radiates greater respect to those around him.

On the verse in Mishlei (28:12), “When the righteous exult, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men are sought out,” Rabbeinu Yonah explains that the righteous elevate and honor the dignity within every person, while the wicked degrade others. A person’s righteousness is measured by the degree of kavod he shows others; conversely, a person’s wickedness is measured by the amount of humiliation and disrespect he inflicts on others.

Why Every Human Being Needs Honor

Since kavod is the essence of the soul, every person requires it. This need for honor is a profound and essential part of human existence, from infancy to old age, from the simplest person to leaders and kings. It is fascinating to observe how even infants crave honor, and how little children are hurt by dismissive words or a harsh tone of voice. You can also see how, when an older child is praised, the younger one cries out: “I’m a good child too!” Just like adults, children long for respect.

Kavod is the language of the soul. It is not petty, shallow pride, but a lofty spiritual need of the soul, to be acknowledged and affirmed.