The Illusion of Control: When the Pursuit of Wealth and Habitual Behavior Cloud Our Judgment

One of the commandments taught in Parashat Behar is the prohibition against conducting business with produce from the Sabbatical year (Shemittah).

Our Sages emphasize how serious this violation is, applying to such a person the verse from Proverbs (28:22): "A person with an evil eye hastens after wealth, and does not know that want (lack) will come upon him." In Midrash Tanchuma, the spiritual and material decline of someone who tries to profit from Shemittah produce is described in detail. Ultimately, this person loses his assets, ends up begging from door to door, and may even have to sell himself into slavery.

The one who “hastens after wealth” is constantly anxious and living in fear of not attaining financial success. He rushes after riches like a man fleeing a lion, becoming enslaved to his panic and unable to pause and reflect. The Torah already promises a blessing during the Shemittah year: “And I will command My blessing…” (Leviticus 25:21), yet he is too caught up in his fears to consider trusting in that promise.

Measure for Measure

Just as he didn’t pause to reflect while climbing the ladder of wealth, he also doesn’t stop when he begins his descent. He continues his fall- losing money, then his field, and finally his freedom- unable to slow down, despite the clear warning signs. His obsessive pursuit of wealth becomes the very force that drags him down, a self-sustaining collapse.

Changing a habit is difficult as a habit often overpowers logic. Even when a person intellectually understands the cost of maintaining a negative pattern, as well as the reward of change, he may still struggle to let go.

At first, a person may not even realize the need for change, especially if the habit once brought perceived success. For example, a person who manipulated or dominated others to get what he wanted might believe this strategy still serves them. Over time, however, people distance themselves from such a person. Only after repeated social failures and emotional pain does the person begin to recognize that their controlling behavior is alienating others.

Even then, change is never easy. The person may resist feedback by arguing, “This is just how I am,” or dismissing others as weak or overly sensitive. They confuse assertiveness- which includes consideration for others- with aggression, which seeks to control.

The Confusion of Change

Eventually, life’s hardships may bring the person to a turning point. Failed relationships, emotional isolation, or deep dissatisfaction can spark the realization that change is necessary. But even then, the process can be confusing. Familiar ways, however harmful, may feel safer than the unknown.

A person contemplating becoming less controlling may fear being ignored or taken advantage of. They hesitate, uncertain whether the change is worth the risk: part of them wants to change, but another part resists because of the perceived cost.

Many people stay in this phase of inner conflict for years. Consider someone struggling with weight: “I know I can’t keep going like this, but one more pastry won’t hurt.” And so the cycle continues, with the fantasy that “tomorrow” the diet will start.

To break through, a person must reach a point of deep dissatisfaction and a realization that change isn’t optional. For this reason, Chassidic texts urge people to imagine the consequences of inaction. Only by confronting the harsh truth can one reframe the change as a necessity rather than a suggestion.

No Magic Fixes

And yet, people often seek shortcuts. They visit rabbis or counselors and say, “Just tell me what to do- I’ll do anything!” While they may be willing to cross rivers, they struggle to shift behaviors. They may listen to advice and then question it, believing they know better. Later, they claim, “I saw dozens of advisors and no one helped me.”

What they were really hoping for was a miracle cure and someone else to fix them. Unfortunately however, there are no magic tricks. Change requires demanding, meaningful and transformative work which is far from easy, but deeply rewarding.

There are no shortcuts to inner change, but anyone willing to do the work can experience lasting transformation. It is a journey that, step by step, becomes magical in its own right.