So What If the Manufacturer Said? I Know Better

For the previous chapter, the second reason: The Secret of Balance

Why do people who observe commandments, according to statistics, seem more satisfied with their lives? Let's continue to explain.

The Third Reason: Manufacturer's Instructions

Just as every manufacturer knows the correct way to use the product they developed and created, so too does Hashem, as the creator, know precisely what is good for a person and what is not. He provided us with precise guidance in His Torah on what to do and what not to do. When a person does not set boundaries for themselves and acts as they feel and not according to the manufacturer’s instructions, their body sends distress signals because it is not being used correctly.

Take for example, a farmer who finds it difficult to go out to the hills and fields. They save a few hundred shekels each month, and after several years, accumulate fifty thousand shekels to buy an ATV.

Upon receiving the ATV, they are naturally filled with joy and excitement, and there is a small booklet hanging on the ATV door with manufacturer instructions on how to use the device they purchased. One section has a warning: "Attention! If the ATV makes a long and sharp beep, it indicates that the engine is overheating and may cause damage. Stop for ten minutes, and then you can continue driving."

One day, while rushing to get to the field, the ATV emits a long, sharp beep during the drive. Clearly, if they have sense, they will immediately shut down the engine for ten minutes, even if at that moment a water pipe bursts in the field.

But if they say: "Who is this manufacturer to dictate my life? Should they tell me what to do with what I bought?!". If they feel like a "big" genius, they may even call the manufacturer: "What are these instructions?! Why are you stressing me out? Why are you choking me?" What would the manufacturer say? "You paid for it, it's your product. Do as you wish, but don't complain later".

And when that "genius" continues to drive, the engine chokes, and all the money they saved goes to waste.

Similarly, Hashem tells a person: I am the manufacturer, and I know that everything has its proper way and timing. If you follow my instructions, you will be calm and happy.

A person who trusts the manufacturer when told, "Stop here", ends up enjoying the device more. The person who doesn’t follow those instructions won’t benefit from it— and may even ruin it." (Rabbi Zmir Cohen in his lesson on the book of "Kohelet").

In the next chapter, the fourth reason: True Nourishment for the Soul.