The Sages taught [the following chapter] in the language of the Mishnah, blessed is he who chooses them and their teachings. 'RMeir says: Whoever engages in [the study of] Torah for its own sake merits many things. Moreover, the whole, entire world is worthwhile for his [sake]. He is called “Friend,” “Beloved”; he loves the Onmipresent, he loves [His] creatures; he gladdens the Omnipresent, he gladdens [His] creatures; [the Torah] clothes him [in] humility and fear [of God], and it makes him fit to be a righteous, devout, fair, and trustworthy person; distances him from sin, and draws him near to merit; and they enjoy from him counsel and wisdom, understanding and strength, as it is said: With me there is counsel and wisdom, I am under- standing, with me is strength; it gives him kingship and dominion and analytical judgment; they reveal to him secrets of the Torah, and he becomes like a steadily strengthening wellspring and like a river that does not cease; he will be discreet, patient, and forgiving of insult to himself; and it makes him great and exalts him above all things.

'RYehoshua ben Levi said: On each and every day a bas kol emanates from Mt. Chorev and it proclaims and says, “Woe to them, to people, because of the disgrace of the Torah.” For anyone who does not engage in Torah study is called “banned,” as it is stated: [Like] a golden ring in the snout of a pig, [so] is a beautiful woman whose good sense has departed. And it says: The Tablets were God's handiwork, and the script was the script of God, engraved upon the Tablets, do not read [the word as] “charus” (engraved) but [as] “cheirus” (freedom); [this teaches] that there is no free person except one who engages in Torah study. And anyone who engages in Torah [study] is elevated, as it is stated: From Mattanah to Nachliel and from Nachliel to Bamos.