If Hashem has graced a person with knowledge, that he is capable of being a man of books, then this is how he shall learn Torah for its sake: He should not let even one day go by without studying the final rulings of Halacha, in order to know what he must do. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to study the Orach Chaim section of the Shulchan Aruch as well as other Torah laws needed by all Jews. It is a daily obligation just like prayer and Tefillin.

Anyone [who does not do this] will one day have to give a reckoning for why he did not strive to know the Halacha. But it is not the learning that is the main thing, but one’s deeds. Therefore, whatever new law a person learns or hears should be inscribed on one’s mind or in writing, so that he can have a reminder before his eyes, and that way he will know what he has to do — for this is the essence of learning and hearing.

Whenever a person has a doubt about the law, he should be strict. One should be much more fearful of transgressing the law then fear of the sword. And even in cases where the Halacha has been ruled leniently by the decisors, a person of refined soul should be strict for himself. The blessing of good will be upon him.