"Behold the day is still long; it is not time to bring back the sheep." Genesis
29:7
Jacob came to Haran to find a wife as his parents commanded him. He came to a well covered by a large stone,
and saw the shepherds just waiting around, wasting time. He first asked them about the welfare of Laban and his family and
then went on to ask them, "Why are you just standing around not doing your job? It's not time to go home."
Was Jacob out of line in criticizing the shepherds? What business was it to him what they were doing? They
were not his workers.
The Rabbis point out that a righteous person cannot bear to see wrongdoing. When Jacob saw them not doing
their job, it pained him, therefore he gave them some constructive criticism.
When we see something wrong and do not react, it will be easier for us to fall into that same trap. When
we see disrespectful or dishonest behavior, we should consider the proper way to address it rather than just overlook
it. This way we will be less prone to be influenced by that same behavior. Of course, it is not always possible
to say something - each situation must be judged separately.
