In all positive and negative commandments there are “fathers” (the base commandment) and “children” (other laws which are derived from the commandment). In the same way, Chazal say that that which is derived from something pure will also be pure and that which is derived from something which is impure will remain impure. One good deed leads to another, whereas a bad deed also leads to another bad deed. Sometimes the “father” will disappear from view and the “child” will testify that there is a “father”, for if there is no father there is no “child”. An example of this is the character-trait of arrogance which is itself hidden from the eyes of all living things, and every person will claim that he is not arrogant, whereas in truth there is almost nobody who is free from this character-trait, as the consequences of arrogance are anger, taking offence, hatred and competition. It follows that a person should distance himself from sins and bad character-traits for each one draws after it many consequences.
