Commentary for Avodah Zarah 109:10
והיינו דאמר ריש לקיש מאי דכתיב (משלי ג, לד) אם ללצים הוא יליץ ולענוים יתן חן בא לטמא פותחין לו בא לטהר מסייעין אותו:
This is similar to what Resh Lakish said: What is it that is written, “If it concerns the scornful, He scorns them, but to the humble He gives grace” (Proverbs 3:34). If one comes to defile they provide him with an opening to do so, and if he comes to purify himself they support him.
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
The Talmud brings the above statement of Rav in line with a statement by Resh Lakish. Resh Lakish says that Heaven (God, or some other power, he does not say) helps a person follow the path they have chosen. If they have chosen the dark side, the side of idolatry, then they are provided with help to continue down that path. In the case above, God created the heavenly bodies to give people the illusion that they are gods. But the converse is also true—if people choose the Force, the side of good, they too are aided on their path. So choose wisely.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy