Bachya ben Yosef ibn Paquda

We find that ten different words are used in the Holy Tongue of Scripture for the matter of bitachon , which corresponds to these ten levels: mivtach (trust), mishan (support), tikvah (hope), machaseh (refuge), tochelet (anticipation), chikui (awaiting), ...

The author continues by stating that, as a rule, the more understanding a person has of G-d, the more he will have trust in Him: The general rule regarding the matter of trust in G-d: The level of trust of those who trust in G-d is based on the level of t...

In this chapter, the author will list a number of impediments to a person’s bitachon. He will then continue by saying that a person’s level of bitachon will be in accordance with his understanding of G-d. He will illustrate this by discussing various leve...

There was once a pious man who would proclaim to his fellow people: “People! Is it conceivable that the Creator would demand of you today to fulfill the obligations of tomorrow, or that which you are obligated to do afterward, in a year or two from now?” ...

The first response we say to such a person is this: You are a person who doubts if all of a person’s needs have been preordained by the decree of the Creator and who doesn’t believe in the greatness of G-d’s strength and ability. You are a person whose li...

The previous chapter concluded with the attitude of a person who lacks bitachon in regard to his duties toward G-d. Such a person will first ensure that all his needs are met, and only then will he contemplate his duties toward G-d. This chapter will pose...

The seventh difference: A person who relies on G-d will not be worried if his request is denied or if he loses that which is beloved to him. He doesn’t hoard his possessions, nor does he concern himself with making efforts to obtain more livelihood than f...

The sixth difference: A person who relies on G-d is beloved by all types of people, and they feel at ease with him, because they feel secure that he will not harm them, and their hearts are at peace because of him. They are not afraid of his taking their ...

The fifth difference: A person who relies on G-d involves himself in the various worldly means of making a livelihood so that he will be able to prepare provisions for the end of his days and for his ultimate resting place— in the World to Come. Therefore...

The fourth difference: When the person who relies on G-d has more money than he needs for his livelihood, he spends it on matters that please the Creator, may He be blessed, such as charity and the like. Furthermore, he does so generously and from the goo...