Shall I Cover Up

It is very interesting to see how the Torah portrays Hashem as “thinking out loud,” in the matter of destroying the cities of Sodom and Amora.

The text reads that Hashem says to himself, “Shall I cover up from Avraham what I am about to do to Sodom? For I know how he will command his children to do acts of kindness and justice.”

This particular section is quite amazing and is the highest level of Chinuch, education, from which we can learn. Hashem realizes that it would be wrong to even possibly perceived as an unfair G-d. If Avraham is to put his faith in Him, he must see the justice of His ways.

This is why He felt the need to explain Himself to His most faithful follower. He goes on to show that there is no choice but to destroy the evil inhabitants of those cities. Avraham is given the opportunity to argue on their behalf, but eventually realizes that Hashem is acting with true justice.

Parents and grandparents are important educators in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Their influence is enormous. The best form of education, is educating by way of example. One must never say, “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say.” Such talk carries with it very little validity. Much more is gained by setting the correct example, rather than saying empty words.

Hashem taught us this valuable lesson. We don’t have to justify all of our actions to our children. But there are certain times when an explanation is appropriate. But the greatest educational device that we have at our disposal, is our own ability to be consistent in setting the proper example by our own behavior.