Pirkei Avos: Rav Chaim Volozhin - The Clothing Won't Help
Rebbi Yosi says whoever is Michabed the Torah his Guf or body is respected by the people. Whoever disgraces the Torah, his Guf is disgraced by the people (Avos 4:6). What does this mean and what is the connection?
Rav Chaim Volozhin in Ruach Chaim says that sometimes the Yetzer Hara tricks a Talmid Chochom, persuading him that he should wear fancy clothing, not for himself but for Kavod HaTorah. He represents the crown of Torah and people will respect him more if he is dressed the part. He learns less to leave time to earn enough money to afford his high style wardrobe.
The Mishna, says Rav Chaim, is telling him that he is making a mistake. If a person respects the Torah and spends all his time learning it, then his Guf will be respected by the people and it will make no difference how he is dressed. However if someone is Michalel the Torah in the pursuit of fancy attire, it will not help him since he himself will be a disgrace in the eyes of the people.
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