Parshas Re'eh 5785 - Delayed Gratification

The popularity of Delayed Gratification

This week’s parsha opens with a stark choice:

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which you have not known.” (Devarim 11:26-28).

At first glance, the choice seems obvious. Who would ever choose a curse over a blessing?

The Daas Zekanim brings a parable. An old man dwelt by a crossroads of two paths. One began with thorns and was difficult to traverse, but later became smooth and pleasant the rest of the way. The other began clear and easy, but eventually turned into a path full of thorns. The old man warned all travelers about the two roads and directed them to take the thorny road. Those who listened endured early struggle but enjoyed a peaceful travel the rest of the way. Those who ignored his advice and chose the easy beginning were eventually trapped by seemingly endless thorns

This shows that some people would rather accept immediate gratification and comfort, even if it leads to greater struggle later.

This human tendency was confirmed by modern psychology in the famous marshmallow study conducted at Stanford University in the 1970’s. In a test of delayed gratification, children were left alone in a room for 15 minutes with a marshmallow. They were told that they could eat the marshmallow if they wanted, but if they did not eat the marshmallow, then after 15 minutes they would be rewarded with a second treat. The study found that those children that waited achieved better outcomes in academics, health and career later in life.

Adults face the same challenge. One person will invest money when he is younger, achieving a more comfortable retirement, while another will spend freely when he is young, leaving little money for when he is older.

The Daas Zekanim understands that there is a real choice here. Many people do not listen to the old man at the crossroads. They chase physical pleasure and convenience, neglecting their spiritual needs. When they choose to not follow the Torah’s commandments, they may feel comfortable at first, but they may experience emptiness in this world and eventually face a world of thorns in the afterlife. In contrast, those that choose to fulfill Hashem’s commandments may face struggle and sacrifice at first, but will be rewarded with comfort and happiness in the world to come and will live a deeper and more meaningful life in this world as well.

The Torah tells us to not succumb to the temptation of a comfortable life. We should strive to focus on our spiritual goals, working hard to learn Torah and do more mitzvos and good deeds. In that merit, Hashem should reward us not only with the beauty and eternal blessing of the world to come, but also with spiritual fulfillment in this world as well.