The Yetzer Tov Wins

David was very upset at his brothers. He knew he had just had his turn cleaning up, and they were treating him unfairly. David’s Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination) saw David feeling sad and upset and saw the chance to take advantage of his weakness. He told David to shout, “Why me? They’re always bossing me around! It’s so unfair! I’m so angry that I think I’m going to cry and throw a fit!”

But before David could do so, his Yetzer Tov (Good Inclination) stepped in and said, “Come on, David, cleaning up is no big deal. What have you got to lose by doing it, other than a little time and sweat? And if you do this extra work, you’ll actually be gaining something more important than getting your brothers off your back. You’ll receive merit from Hashem because you did the special and important mitzvah (good deed) of honoring your parents. Your mother will be proud of you, and your father will be so happy. You’ll also be showing kindness to the whole family, because everyone will enjoy the neat and tidy house. Above all, Hashem will be happy with you, David. Isn’t that a better deal?”