Although the trait of chessed-kindness is so praiseworthy, as clarified above, one must not erroneously think that it is sufficient that he act with kindness while there is no need for fear of Heaven. Heaven forbid! This is not so. Rather, one must follow the paths of the Torah and accept the yoke of Heaven upon himself while at the same time develop himself further in the trait of chessed.

Our Sages teach that the Holy One, blessed is He, said to Israel: “Accept the yoke of Heaven upon yourselves, encourage each other with the fear of Heaven and act towards each other of deeds of chessed” (Sifrei Ha’azinu, 323). One who does so is praiseworthy and all is well for him.