Merchandise on Credit
Among them was a wealthy merchant, seated high in his elegant carriage, surveying the world below with an air of detached superiority. His carriage, a thing of beauty, was stacked with the finest silks and rarest wares.
At some point in the journey, he happened to pass a poor merchant trudging along with an old, rickety cart filled with cheap trinkets and wooden toys.
The poor man caught the aristocratic smirk directed his way. He sighed, shook his head, and called out:
"My friend, I see that your carriage is loaded with goods finer than anything I could ever afford. And if you had paid for them, you’d have every right to hold your head high.
"But, like me, you bought on credit. Your wares may be more expensive—but your debt is much, much greater!"
The Responsibilities of Rank
The Torah offers a striking insight into the nature of leadership. It warns that a Jewish king must not let his heart "be raised above his brothers" nor "turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left" (Deut. 17:20). In other words, power is not a license for self-importance.
But how does one resist the seductive pull of arrogance? How does a powerful man, surrounded by deference and honor, remain grounded?
The answer lies in a simple yet profound truth: privilege is not ownership; it is stewardship. A king, like the wealthy merchant in the parable, may sit high in his carriage, surveying those below—but he must never forget that everything he possesses, even his throne, is held on credit. If he has been given more, then more is expected of him.
And so it is for all of us. Gifts of wealth, wisdom, or influence are not rewards; they are responsibilities. The question is never how much do I have? but rather, what am I doing with it?
This, then, is the Torah’s lesson: The king will not become haughty if he does not "turn aside from the commandment." When the king is aware of his special responsibilities and obligations—his unique "commandment"—this sobering thought should help keep his arrogance in check.
