WHEN DESIRE BUILDS RATHER THAN DESTROYS
We are commanded to settle the world, and this responsibility primarily falls to a man. His role is to marry a woman, build a home, raise children, and work diligently to sustain his family. This foundational structure is essential for the continuity and stability of society.
Building a family requires a man to cohabit with a woman. Understanding that this is what G-d wants will inspire some men but not all. Humanity cannot rely solely on the ‘good inclination,’ as those with wicked intentions do not heed G-d’s will. Therefore, a second commander is necessary, known as the ‘evil inclination.’
This second commander plays a crucial role in bringing the world to its perfection and is, paradoxically, described as “very good.” It embodies a man’s natural desire to be with a woman, fostering relationships and family bonds.
However, this “very good” evil inclination retains its positive designation only when it focuses on the noble goal of building a family. What happens when this inclination seeks to fulfill its desires beyond the realm of family? When it wishes to exert its powers to work excessively and pursue whatever it wants? At that moment, it loses its title of “very good.” In such instances, it transforms into the “evil inclination,” which is then viewed as hated, abhorred, and detestable.
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Binyon Ha Bayis Hebrew by Rabbi Moshe Shuchatowitz, p. 211
You decide: TO CHANNEL DESIRE TOWARD FAMILY BUILDING
The benefits
• Foster loving and lasting relationships within marriage
• Create a stable home environment and continuity for society
• Harness natural desires to positively build and support family life
Risks when you do not channel desire appropriately
• Damage relationships and family stability
• Contribute to selfishness, excessive pursuit, and unrest within yourself and society
• Transform a potentially constructive force into one that is destructive, detestable, and harmful
