Characteristics of Mussar

Characteristics of Mussar

Mussar is a system of moral principles or rules of conduct recognized by the Ransomed as authoritative. It entails the study of values relating to Christian conduct with respect to the rightness or wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness or badness of the motives and ends of such actions.

Mussar, though including ethical principles, is more than ethics. In Adonaic theology, Mussar does not merely entail guidelines to successful living. It teaches us not merely what we should “do” but what type of persons we should “be”.

It is this element of character building that makes Mussar so unique. It says you need to be this or that kind of person regardless of the circumstances; regardless of the outcome. For instance, human ethical systems would say, “Be willing to lay your life down if you can save other people.” Mussar teaches, “Lay your life down even if no one else is saved.” If a group of men were molesting my daughter, Mussar would dictate that I take them on and try to save her even if, in the end, I am unsuccessful. Trying to save her and tangentially, taking out a few men who would have otherwise molested her, is worthwhile in and of itself.

Mussar’s principles are thus vastly different from human ethical systems. Therefore, it is important to understand its governing characteristics. At present, I have determined nineteen of these fundamental characteristics.

Revealed. They are not an arbitrary list of human ideas quantified and crystallized into a collection of socially accepted behaviors. God showed up and told us what to do.

Exodus 19:16-20 HCSB On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and a loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp shuddered. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the LORD came down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. 20 The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, at the top of the mountain. Then the LORD summoned Moses to the top of the mountain, and he went up.
2 Peter 1:20-21 HCSB First of all, you should know this: no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.
1 Peter 1:10-13 HCSB Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that would come to you searched and carefully investigated. 11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when He testified in advance to the messianic sufferings and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you concerning things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things. 13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Historical. It is rooted in God’s interaction with humans and the consequences or rewards that have arisen from those interactions.

Deuteronomy 7:18 HCSB do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt:
Deuteronomy 8:2 HCSB Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.
Deuteronomy 15:5 HCSB if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow every one of these commands I am giving you today.
Deuteronomy 16:12 HCSB Remember that you were slaves in Egypt; carefully follow these statutes.
Deuteronomy 24:18 HCSB Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.
Deuteronomy 24:22 HCSB Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.
Ephesians 2:11-13 HCSB So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh--called "the uncircumcised" by those called "the circumcised," done by hand in the flesh. 12 At that time you were without the Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, with no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.
Jude 1:17 HCSB But you, dear friends, remember the words foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Revelation 2:5 HCSB Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.
Revelation 3:3 HCSB Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you.

Covenantal. God has graciously deigned to interact with us. He is willing to have d’vekut with us - to marry us. But as with any such relationship, exclusivity is demanded and obligations accrue.

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 HCSB For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 "The LORD was devoted to you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 9:4-5 HCSB When the LORD your God drives them out before you, do not say to yourself, 'The LORD brought me in to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.' Instead, the LORD will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness. 5 You are not going to take possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity. Instead, the LORD your God will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness, in order to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Isaiah 54:5 HCSB For your husband is your Maker--His name is Yahweh of Hosts--and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
Isaiah 61:10-11 HCSB I greatly rejoice in the LORD, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Isaiah 62:4-5 HCSB You will no longer be called Deserted, and your land will not be called Desolate; instead, you will be called My Delight is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be married. 5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
Jeremiah 2:2-3 HCSB "Go and announce directly to Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: I remember the loyalty of your youth, your love as a bride--how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who ate of it found themselves guilty; disaster came on them." This is the LORD's declaration.
Hosea 2:19-20 HCSB I will take you to be My wife forever. I will take you to be My wife in righteousness, justice, love, and compassion. 20 I will take you to be My wife in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.
1 Peter 2:9-12 HCSB But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 (THEREFORE) Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.

Common or Comprehensive. It is an every day practical ethic. It is not merely ritualistic and limited to certain places or times. It is an ethic of the fishmarket as well as of the cathedral.

Leviticus 19:17-19 HCSB 17 "You must not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. 18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. 19 "You are to keep My statutes. You must not crossbreed two different kinds of your livestock, sow your fields with two kinds of seed, or put on a garment made of two kinds of material.
Leviticus 19:35-36 HCSB 35 "You must not act unfairly in measurements of length, weight, or volume. 36 You are to have honest balances, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure; I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 HCSB 13 "You must not have two different weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. 14 You must not have two differing dry measures in your house, a larger and a smaller. 15 You must have a full and honest weight, a full and honest dry measure, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 16 For everyone who does such things and acts unfairly is detestable to the LORD your God.
Proverbs 16:11 HCSB Honest balances and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
Ezekiel 45:10-12 HCSB "You must have honest balances, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure. 11 The dry measure and the liquid measure will be uniform, with the liquid measure containing five and a half gallons and the dry measure holding half a bushel. Their measurement will be one-tenth of the standard larger capacity measure. 12 The shekel will weigh 20 gerahs. Your mina will equal 60 shekels.
Amos 8:4-6 HCSB Hear this, you who trample on the needy and do away with the poor of the land, 5 asking, "When will the New Moon be over so we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so we may market wheat? We can reduce the measure while increasing the price and cheat with dishonest scales. 6 We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and even sell the wheat husks!"
Micah 6:10-11 HCSB Are there still the treasures of wickedness and the accursed short measure in the house of the wicked? 11 Can I excuse wicked scales or bags of deceptive weights?

Religious. Religion and ethics are irretrievably intertwined. One may not develop an adequate ethic without understanding that we are accountable to God. Stoicism leads to apathy toward our fellow human. Reductionism leads to excusing all animalistic behavior and moral relativism.

Leviticus 9:6 HCSB Moses said, "This is what the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you."
Deuteronomy 23:17-18 HCSB 17 "No Israelite woman is to be a cult prostitute, and no Israelite man is to be a cult prostitute. 18 Do not bring a female prostitute's wages or a male prostitute's earnings into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God.
Jeremiah 7:8-11 HCSB But look, you keep trusting in deceitful words that cannot help. 9 "Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known? 10 Then do you come and stand before Me in this house called by My name and insist: We are safe? As a result, you are free to continue doing all these detestable acts! 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your view? Yes, I too have seen it." This is the LORD's declaration.
Matthew 22:37-40 HCSB He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."

Matthew 25:19 HCSB "After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
Hebrews 9:27 HCSB And just as it is appointed for people to die once--and after this, judgment--
1 Peter 2:9-12 HCSB But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 (THEREFORE) Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.

Universal. Because it deals with the underlying moral infrastructure, it is not a subject limited to religious experts. It is a matter of interest to all humans regardless of culture or socio-economic status.

Exodus 19:6 HCSB and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation. These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 HCSB He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.
Romans 1:18-20 HCSB For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.
Leviticus 19:15 HCSB "You must not act unjustly when rendering judgment. Do not be partial to the poor or give preference to the rich; judge your neighbor fairly.
Leviticus 24:22 HCSB You are to have the same law for the foreign resident and the native, because I am the LORD your God."
Numbers 9:14 HCSB "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreign resident and the native of the land."
Numbers 15:16 HCSB The same law and the same ordinance will apply to both you and the foreigner who resides with you."
Deuteronomy 1:17 HCSB Do not show partiality when rendering judgment; listen to small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 HCSB 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing. 19 You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 16:19 HCSB Do not deny justice or show partiality to anyone. Do not accept a bribe, for it blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Imitating. It is not theoretical or abstract. God has provided us with an example to follow.

Philippians 2:5 HCSB Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,
1 Peter 2:21 HCSB For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example (hupagos), so that you should follow in His steps.
Ephesians 5:1 HCSB Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.
Genesis 1:26-27 HCSB Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.

Responsible/Accountable. Mussar teaches personal responsibility. It says we are not only responsible for what we do but for what we leave undone.

Exodus 21:28-29 HCSB "When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten, but the ox's owner is innocent. 29 However, if the ox was in the habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox must be stoned, and its owner must also be put to death.
Deuteronomy 22:8 HCSB If you build a new house, make a railing around your roof, so that you don't bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it.
Proverbs 24:10-12 HCSB If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. 12 If you say, "But we didn't know about this," won't He who weighs hearts consider it? Won't He who protects your life know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?
Exodus 32:32-33 HCSB Now if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written." 33 The LORD replied to Moses: "Whoever has sinned against Me I will erase from My book.
Jeremiah 31:30 HCSB Rather, each will die for his own wrongdoing. Anyone who eats sour grapes--his own teeth will be set on edge.
Ezekiel 18:4 HCSB Look, every life belongs to Me. The life of the father is like the life of the son--both belong to Me. The person who sins is the one who will die.

Communal. It’s about interacting with others. It is not isolationist. It does not promote hermitry.

Matthew 7:12 HCSB Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them--this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 22:37-40 HCSB He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments."
Matthew 23:11 HCSB The greatest among you will be your servant.
Luke 22:25-27 HCSB But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' 26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn't it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.
Philippians 2:4-8 HCSB Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross.

Ministering. God values how we treat each other more than the external form our worship takes.

Isaiah 1:12-17 HCSB When you come to appear before Me, who requires this from you--this trampling of My courts? 13 Stop bringing useless offerings. I despise your incense. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies--I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. 14 I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to Me; I am tired of putting up with them. 15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 "Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. 17 Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow's cause.
Isaiah 58:6-12 HCSB Isn't the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and to not ignore your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the LORD's glory will be your rear guard. 9 At that time, when you call, the LORD will answer; when you cry out, He will say: Here I am. If you get rid of the yoke from those around you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, 10 and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. 11 The LORD will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry. 12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.
Jeremiah 7:8-11 HCSB But look, you keep trusting in deceitful words that cannot help. 9 "Do you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known? 10 Then do you come and stand before Me in this house called by My name and insist: We are safe? As a result, you are free to continue doing all these detestable acts! 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your view? Yes, I too have seen it." This is the LORD's declaration.
Amos 5:21-24 HCSB I hate, I despise your feasts! I can't stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. 22 Even if you offer Me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; I will have no regard for your fellowship offerings of fattened cattle. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream.

Compassionate. This is not a cold hard set of rules that run contrary to the heart. They are the way to make sure that compassion’s obligations are fulfilled:

By making sure the poor do not suffer.

Exodus 22:26-27 HCSB "If you ever take your neighbor's cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset. 27 For it is his only covering; it is the clothing for his body. What will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will listen because I am compassionate.
Deuteronomy 24:12-13 HCSB 12 If he is a poor man, you must not sleep in the garment he has given as security. 13 Be sure to return it to him at sunset. Then he will sleep in it and bless you, and this will be counted as righteousness to you before the LORD your God.

By making sure they have a way to escape their poverty.

Leviticus 19:9-10 HCSB "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident; I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 23:22 HCSB When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap all the way to the edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident; I am the LORD your God."
Deuteronomy 24:20-21 HCSB 20 When you knock down the fruit from your olive tree, you must not go over the branches again. What remains will be for the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you must not glean what is left. What remains will be for the foreign resident, the fatherless, and the widow.

By making sure all men receive justice.

Leviticus 19:15 HCSB "You must not act unjustly when rendering judgment. Do not be partial to the poor or give preference to the rich; judge your neighbor fairly.
Deuteronomy 24:14-15 HCSB 14 "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether one of your brothers or one of the foreigners residing within a town in your land. 15 You are to pay him his wages each day before the sun sets, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be held guilty.
Malachi 3:5 HCSB "I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the widow and the fatherless, and cheat the wage earner; and against those who deny justice to the foreigner. They do not fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts.

By making sure even animals and plants are not mistreated.

Exodus 23:4-5 HCSB "If you come across your enemy's stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. 5 "If you see the donkey of someone who hates you lying helpless under its load, and you want to refrain from helping it, you must help with it.
Deuteronomy 22:1-4 HCSB 1 "If you see your brother's ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; make sure you return it to your brother. 2 If your brother does not live near you or you don't know him, you are to bring the animal to your home to remain with you until your brother comes looking for it; then you can return it to him. 3 Do the same for his donkey, his garment, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it. 4 If you see your brother's donkey or ox fallen down on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.
Deuteronomy 22:6-7 HCSB 6 "If you come across a bird's nest with chicks or eggs, either in a tree or on the ground along the road, and the mother is sitting on the chicks or eggs, you must not take the mother along with the young. 7 You may take the young for yourself, but be sure to let the mother go free, so that you may prosper and live long.
Deuteronomy 20:19-20 HCSB 19 "When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it in order to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can get food from them. You must not cut them down. Are trees of the field human, to come under siege by you? 20 But you may destroy the trees that you know do not produce food. You may cut them down to build siege works against the city that is waging war with you, until it falls.

Contrary to the norm in war, concern is even shown for the young married men.

Deuteronomy 20:5-7 HCSB 5 "The officers are to address the army, 'Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. 6 Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7 Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man marry her.'
Deuteronomy 24:5 HCSB "When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.

We are even to love our enemies.

Matthew 5:43-44 HCSB "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 25:31-46 HCSB "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?' 40 "And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.' 41 Then He will also say to those on the left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn't take Me in; I was naked and you didn't clothe Me, sick and in prison and you didn't take care of Me.' 44 "Then they too will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?' 45 "Then He will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.' 46 "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Luke 10:29-37 HCSB But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 Jesus took up the question and said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.' 36 "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37 "The one who showed mercy to him," he said. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do the same."
Luke 16:19-30 HCSB "There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. 20 But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was left at his gate. 21 He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man's table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 'Father Abraham!' he called out, 'Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!' 25 "'Son,' Abraham said, 'remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.' 27 "'Father,' he said, 'then I beg you to send him to my father's house-- 28 because I have five brothers--to warn them, so they won't also come to this place of torment.' 29 "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30 "'No, father Abraham,' he said. 'But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

Passionate. God does not want stoicism or apathy. He wants us to be neither complacent nor resigned to our fates. He wants a passionate, zealous people who will fight to establish justice.

Exodus 32:26-29 HCSB And Moses stood at the camp's entrance and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me." And all the Levites gathered around him. 27 He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'Every man fasten his sword to his side; go back and forth through the camp from entrance to entrance, and each of you kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.'" 28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and about 3,000 men fell dead that day among the people. 29 Afterwards Moses said, "Today you have been dedicated to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother. Therefore you have brought a blessing on yourselves today."
Numbers 25:7-13 HCSB When Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw this, he got up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand, 8 followed the Israelite man into the tent, and drove it through both the Israelite man and the woman--through her belly. Then the plague on the Israelites was stopped, 9 but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. 10 The LORD spoke to Moses, 11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the Israelites because he was zealous among them with My zeal, so that I did not destroy the Israelites in My zeal. 12 Therefore declare: I grant him My covenant of peace. 13 It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
Exodus 35:22 HCSB Both men and women came; all who had willing hearts brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry--everyone who waved a presentation offering of gold to the LORD.
Exodus 35:29 HCSB So the Israelites brought a freewill offering to the LORD, all the men and women whose hearts prompted them to bring something for all the work that the LORD, through Moses, had commanded to be done.
Revelation 3:15-16 HCSB 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.

Holistic. Mussar is concerned with the body, the mind and the spirit. We are to care for the poor, but mussar is not merely social justice for we are to lead them to Christ. We are to lead the world to Christ, but the care we demonstrate is what makes the doctrine attractive.

Mind

Exodus 18:20 HCSB Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.
Exodus 35:34 HCSB He has also given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.
Deuteronomy 4:9 HCSB "Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don't forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don't slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
1 Corinthians 4:17 HCSB 17 This is why I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
1 Timothy 4:11 HCSB Command and teach these things.

Body

Deuteronomy 15:4-7 HCSB 4 "There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD is certain to bless you in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance-- 5 if only you obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow every one of these commands I am giving you today. 6 When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised you, you will lend to many nations but not borrow; you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. 7 "If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the LORD your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.
Matthew 14:16 HCSB "They don't need to go away," Jesus told them. "You give them something to eat."
John 14:12 HCSB "I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
Romans 12:13 HCSB Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 15:26 HCSB for Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Romans 16:2 HCSB So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many--and of me also.
2 Corinthians 8:4 HCSB they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,
Revelation 2:19-20 HCSB 19 I know your works--your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.

Spirit

Matthew 28:18-20 HCSB Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Sensuous. It is not afraid of the body. It is not ascetic. It celebrates sex and encourages a simple, tactile lifestyle.

Genesis 1:27-28 HCSB So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."

Deuteronomy 24:5 HCSB "When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.

Proverbs 5:15-20 HCSB Drink water from your own cistern, water flowing from your own well. 16 Should your springs flow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares? 17 They should be for you alone and not for you to share with strangers. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and take pleasure in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful fawn--let her breasts always satisfy you; be lost in her love forever. 20 Why, my son, would you be infatuated with a forbidden woman or embrace the breast of a stranger?
Hebrews 13:4 HCSB Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.
Hebrews 13:5 HCSB Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
Ephesians 4:28 HCSB The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 HCSB 11 to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

Positive. In marked contrast to Buddhist ethics, Mussar does not stop at “Thou shalt nots.” It goes on to “Thou shalts.”

Proverbs 24:10-12 HCSB If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. 12 If you say, "But we didn't know about this," won't He who weighs hearts consider it? Won't He who protects your life know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?

Matthew 7:12 HCSB Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them--this is the Law and the Prophets.

Preventative. It anticipates the origins of sin and nips it in the bud.

Matthew 5:21-22 HCSB "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Fool!' will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, 'You moron!' will be subject to hellfire.
Matthew 5:27-28 HCSB "You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
James 3:14-16 HCSB But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and lie in defiance of the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.
James 4:1-3 HCSB What is the source of the wars and the fights among you? Don't they come from the cravings that are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and don't receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure.