The Holy One, blessed is He, — to Whom greatness is His and to Whom glory is fitting — apportioned of His glory to His creatures, and He commanded each person to show honor to those greater than he. A child must show honor towards a father and mother, or a disciple to his teacher or to anyone greater in wisdom or age. Similarly, a sibling is obligated to honor an older brother. One who acts disrespectfully towards a person whom he is obligated to show honor is like someone who disgraced the Holy One Who commanded the person to show honor.
It is not proper to seek greatness, for our Sages said, “Woe to lordship which buries its possessor” (Pesachim 87b) because it is impossible that such a person would not be affected by the blight of haughtiness unless the person engages in constant battle with himself. But it is proper for every city to appoint upon themselves one leader to guide them with his council. The townspeople should be very careful with his honor and not disobey his instructions. Even if everyone in a certain place is of equal stature, they should elevate one of their numbers to be like a king among his troops. Similarly, in every family there should be a leader of the house and the leader should, in turn, consult with the smaller one. The smaller should honor the greater and not disobey his instructions. All this is an important principle for society and for the development of cities and for peace in the home.
