Commentary for Avodah Zarah 37:11
רבא רמי כתיב (משלי ט, ג) על גפי וכתיב (משלי ט, יד) על כסא בתחלה על גפי ולבסוף על כסא
Rava pointed to the following contradictions: Scripture says, “Upon the highest places,” (Proverbs 9:3) and then it says, “On a seat” (vs. 14). At the beginning [the student occupies] any place, but ultimately [he will occupy] a seat.
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
Rava refers to a seeming contradiction between Proverbs 9:3 and 9:14. Where does one who studies wisdom/Torah dwell? On the highest places or on a seat? He resolves this by detecting a progress in a student’s learning. When he begins he is in the highest places, perhaps out of excitement for beginning to learn. But when he proceeds, he moves down to a seat, a position of honor, where others will be able to learn from his Torah.
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