The Epistle of Ramban (Nachmanides)

Iggeret HaRamban is a letter that the Ramban (1194–1270) wrote to his son. The letter admonishes his son to live a humble and modest life. At the conclusion of the letter, he instructs his son to .read the letter at least

Listen, my son, to the instruction of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother (Proverbs 1:8).

Accustom yourself to speak gently to all people at all times. This will protect you from anger, which is a most serious character flaw that causes one to sin. As our Rabbis taught: "Whoever becomes angry is as if he worshipped idols." And when you free yourself from anger, the quality of humility will enter your heart. This admirable quality is the finest of all admirable traits, as Scripture states: "The result of humility is fear of God" (Proverbs 22:4).

Through humility you will also come to fear God. It will cause you to always think about from where you have come and where you are going, that in life you are but a maggot and a worm, and even more so after death. It will remind you before Whom you will ultimately have to give an accounting and reckoning – before the King of all kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.

When you reflect on all these matters, you will come to fear God who created you, and you will protect yourself from sinning. These qualities will lead you to be happy with your lot in life.

When you conduct your business dealings with others, always speak gently and respectfully. Consider everyone as greater than yourself. If someone speaks to you harshly, answer softly and pleasantly. If another person insults you, do not respond in kind. In all your actions, words, and thoughts – at all times – imagine that you are standing before the Holy One, blessed be He, and that His Presence rests upon you. For His glory fills the entire world.

Speak with reverence and awe, as one who stands before a king. Act with restraint in the presence of others, and when you are alone in your room, be no less modest before the gaze of the All-seeing.

Be careful to recite the Shema morning and evening. When you pray, rid your mind of all extraneous thoughts. Prepare your heart before the Omnipresent, blessed be He. Purify your thoughts and consider your words before you utter them.

Act in this manner every day. All your life, refrain from speaking untruths, obscenities, slander, tale-bearing, or any other form of harmful speech. For God is near to all who call upon Him in truth, and He distances Himself from those who speak falsehood. Cleanse your heart and your thoughts from all evil plans and from every stain.

Study Torah diligently every day, for it will perfect you. When you rise from studying, think carefully about what you have learned, to see what in it you can put into practice. Review your actions every morning and evening, and in this way you will live all your days in repentance.

Remove all worldly matters from your heart during prayer. Prepare your heart before God, purify your thoughts, and think about your words before you express them. Act this way every day, read this letter once a week and neglect none of it. Fulfill it, and in so doing, walk with it forever in the ways of God, may He be blessed, so that you may succeed in your ways and merit the World to Come which is prepared for the righteous.

Every day that you read this letter, heaven will answer your heart's desires. Amen, Selah.