Shlom Bayit is Jewish domestic or family peace, harmony, and tranquility. Sometimes it is necessary to make sacrifices in order to preserve shlom bayit.
For example, you may choose to avoid complaining to noisy neighbors when you know that you are not likely to win the battle.
It may be wiser and better to maintain a reasonable relationship and to suffer with the noise. The alternative may be a poor relationship – after which you may still suffer with that same noise.
You may also enjoy a modicum of personal gain by your restraint. It may be better if the neighbor does not know the degree to which he is disturbing you. In this way, you can enjoy the smug knowledge that the neighbor was given no implied reinforcement for his behavior.
The same concept applies with other relationships. You may choose to remain silent in the face of issues with children, parents, the administration, the principal, the boss, or others.
True, some people will present the following arguments to the contrary:
Perhaps. This is certainly a judgment call.
However, it is important to know your own limitations. You should know what you can and cannot do. If you know that you can't win a certain argument or issue, then it may not be advisable to fight at all.
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Keywords: Can do, Home, Limits, Rebuke, Silence
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