The concluding saying of Shemaya is said in recognition of the dangers of becoming too familiar with the government, or becoming part of it. Because government is the seat of power, it contains the power to corrupt its administrators. The wielders of power are targets for bribery, and it is easy to succumb to the temptation of accepting and compromising one's function.

Shemaya is advising that to be put into such a situation is a test which one may fail, and he endangers his own security and life. Furthermore, positions of power invite jealousy and animosity. Best beware of those situations.

To illustrate these points the Mishna cites two examples:

"...A person should be wary of saying I am the 'power' behind the public authorities... because [he comes to be perceived] as robbing the people." (Avos D'Rav Nasson Chapter 11) It is not a matter of actually robbing the people. It is perception that is significant. In the eyes of the community there is always a cynicism about politicians. He gained his position by payoff, bribery, etc.... and it really doesn't matter if it's true or not.

" ...Avoid getting close to power, for at first they open the door of opportunity and benefit to a person, [with security and permanence], but in the end they open the door most difficult to him." (Avos D'Rav Nasson Chapter 11) Power, government, serves its own end. The wielding of power often loses it purpose, the benefit of the citizens, and becomes an end, striving for its own perpetuation. While this is basically true in unlimited monarchies and dictatorships, we can draw countless examples even in our own democracy of the abuse of power in the highest offices of our nation, and the sacrificial lambs offered on the alter of 'national interest.' Just think of Nixon, Dean, and a host of people who were sacrificers and sacrificed, respectively, to preserve power. Power uses its adherents as long as it serves its purpose, and then discards them wantonly.

The Mishna remarks: ...Woe to authority, for it buries its adherents.

There are times, however, that demand those who are able, to assume the reigns of power. Some of our great rabbis of the Mishna maintained extremely close personal relationships with the powers of Rome, and often sailed the Mediterranean to visit the emperors. The Talmud often repeats that when Rabbon Gamliel, Rebbe Akiva and Rebbe Yehoshua and others were on a ship... it is referring to their pilgrimage to Rome on behalf of the Jewish community in Judea.

There were great scholars like Shmuel, Rebbe Avahu who frequented the centers of government on behalf of their people. There were many Roman Patron and Matrons with whom the scholars associated and maintained excellent business and personal relations. These however, were for the enhancement of the community at given times, not for personal gain... and the times called for their participation... but, they were always wary of the agenda of the ruling powers.

The classical example of this is Mordecai, who became the advisor to Ahasuerus, King of Persia, replacing Haman. Those who recall the last words of the Megilla that is read on Purim night in the synagogue, remember the interesting conclusion... "he [Mordecai] was accepted by the majority of his brethren...." Why the majority and not all? After all, he had just saved the Persian Jewish community from destruction!

The answer lies in the inherent distrust for those who wield power... even in the loftiest of individuals.

Do not become intimate with the ruling power is advice to everyone. The Hebrew "Al Tisvada" really means not to make yourself known. Shemaya is also saying keep a low profile. It's good advice.

This illustration suffices to show its meaning. Suppose you are speeding 100 miles per hour on the thruway with a speed limit of 55. Now if everybody is going 60, you are going to stick out like a sore thumb and probability is that you're a target for the trooper. But if you are going 60, even though it exceeds the speed limit, chances are nobody is going to get a ticket because you are lost in the crowd, and you don't stand out. You have kept a low profile.

So it is with all your life's activity. Keep a low profile. Don't attract the eye of those who could harm you. Don't be a thorn in anyone's eyes that creates envy and animosity. If you do attract attention to yourself, and the authorities or any one begin to scrutinize you, they will undoubtedly find more than what at first met the eye. Has anyone heard of the IRS?

The successful person moves quietly through his life and environment without upsetting his surroundings and softly achieves his goals.

The Hebrew phrase "ayin Hara" (evil eye) is more than a folk comment. It connotes that when one is given the 'ayin hara' he is under the scrutiny of man and of Heaven -- and he is in danger.

Again, the Mishna illustrates this point aptly. "A man has a shop in the market place and his friend enters and proclaims aloud, with all good intent... May Hashem grant you everything today! That day he was blessed with great success. Through the grapevine bandits heard of the success and robbed him of everything... About him the verse says: "He who blesses his friend in a loud voice, it is considered as a curse" (Proverbs 27)(Avos D'Rav Nosson 11)

The Torah way to proceed in life is with minimum ostentation, low profile and quiet negotiations. Our Torah scholars of today and of previous generations have employed the technique of approaching government and power through the back door... talking, never confronting to embarrass. It is a way, which we can all emulate.

You catch flies with honey!