{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection","title":"Intentional Living: Escaping Flattery in a World of Influence [Day 134 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Flattery 8]","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/c8da9275\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":732,"description":"In Day 134 (p. 753, final section of the Gate of Flattery), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe concludes the chapter with practical safeguards against Chanufah (flattery). To escape its snare, one must flee honor (Kavod) entirely—those unconcerned with status never need to flatter for gain. Avoid deriving benefit from others, as most flattery stems from expecting reciprocity (e.g., fake compliments for favors, business, or social access). Rabbi Wolbe shares his personal rejection of a book teaching manipulative \"networking\" flattery, emphasizing genuine relationships over disingenuous gain.Flattery corrupts mitzvot (e.g., leading services for praise instead of L'shem Shamayim) and risks spiritual downfall through negative environments. One must intentionally surround oneself with the righteous and wise (Proverbs: \"He who walks with wise men will be wise\"), distancing from sinners, mockers, or corrupt cultures—even if it means solitude, caves, or desert isolation (as in Lamentations). In our generation of pervasive media, apps, social influence, and celebrity values (e.g., Golden Globes), be deliberate: delete harmful apps, limit exposure, choose uplifting company, and protect children from bad influences. The chapter's core lesson: intentionality in Avodat Hashem—curate environments for growth, reject flattery's traps, and prioritize purity over benefit._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 16, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/76tI1XOrBfK-PjMp-DsYPvoo8EZGRPqfIP9oxC23HYU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zN2Vi/ZDJhMmE0MjViNjFl/MWZkODkzOWUwZmJm/ZTQ5ZS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}