Commentary for Nedarim 43:2
בר ברתיה דרבי ינאי סבא אתא לקמיה דרבי ינאי סבא אמר ליה אילו הוה ידעת דפתחין פינקסך וממשמשין בעובדך מי נדרת אמר ליה לא ושרייה
came before him Said he to him, 'Had you known that [when you vow] your ledger<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' The notion that there is a Heavenly ledger in which man's doings are recorded (cf. Aboth, III, 20) is probably connected with the idea of the Book of Life, in which are inscribed on the Judgment Day of New Year those who are to be granted life for the ensuing year (cf R.H. 15b). The Sefer Hasidim (13th century) observes that God is in no need of a book of records: 'the Torah speaks the language of man', i.e., figuratively. Cf Aboth, (Sonc. ed.) p. 12, n. 9. ');"><sup>3</sup></span> is opened [in heaven] and your deeds examined — would you have vowed?' On his giving a negative reply, he absolved him R. Abba said: Which verse [teaches this]? After vows cometh examination.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Prov. XX, 25. ');"><sup>4</sup></span>
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