# Mastering the Art of Self-Control [Day 166 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Repentance 23]

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/mastering-the-art-of-self-control-day-166-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-23
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/mastering-the-art-of-self-control-day-166-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-23.md
Podcast: [Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe](https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642)
Published: 2026-07-17T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/73095210
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/73095210/88bc6348.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1916

## Resource

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance ( Shaar HaTeshuvah ), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues discussing the third protective fence of teshuvah : developing self-control by moderating physical pleasures. The Orchot Tzaddikim teaches that holiness is not achieved through deprivation, but through balance and restraint . Rabbi Wolbe explains that Judaism does not advocate excessive fasting or denying ourselves life's legitimate pleasures. Rather, it encourages us to enjoy Hashem's blessings responsibly while resisting the urge to indulge every desire. Whether it is food, drink, comfort, or entertainment, learning to leave "a little on the table" strengthens our ability to control ourselves when faced with greater spiritual challenges. A central theme of the episode is that the Yetzer Hara rarely begins with outright sin . Instead, it first encourages a person to overindulge in what is completely permissible, gradually weakening self-discipline until forbidden behavior no longer feels so distant. Rabbi Wolbe illustrates this principle through contemporary examples of overeating, unhealthy lifestyles, internet temptations, and financial dishonesty. The evil inclination succeeds incrementally, never demanding major wrongdoing at first, but slowly blurring the line between moderation and excess. The antidote is cultivating restraint in the areas that are permitted, because a person who can master legitimate desires is far better equipped to resist prohibited ones. The lesson concludes with a practical exercise in building the muscle of self-control . Rabbi Wolbe recalls his grandfather's advice to overcome one's impulses several times each day—even in completely permissible matters. Delaying a sip of tea, taking one less bite of dessert, or resisting the urge to react immediat…

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## Transcript

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