Where by the word HBL, _Hebel_ (which is usually translated “vanity”), is understood the breath from those supernal breathers forth which are called the nostrils of the King. But when he saith HBLI, _Hebeli_, of my breath, Tzedeq, Justice, is to be understood, which is MLKVTHA QDISHA, _Malkutha Qadisha_, the holy Malkuth (_Sanctum Regnum_, the Holy Kingdom). For when She is stirred up in Her judgments and severities, then hath this saying place, “There is a just man who perished in his Tzedeq.” For what reason? Because Judgment, Meshephat, is far from Justice, Tzedeq. And therefore is it said, Prov. xiii. 23, “And there is that is destroyed because therein is not Meshephat.” Come and see! When some sublimely just man is found in the world, who is dear unto God the Most Holy One—may He be blessed!—then even if Tzedeq, Justice, alone be stirred up, still on account of him the world can bear it. And God the Most Holy—may He be blessed!—increaseth His glory so that He may not be destroyed by the severity (of the judgments). But if that just man remaineth not in his place, then from the midst is he taken away for example by that Meshephat, Judgment, so that before it he cannot maintain his place, how much less before Tzedeq, Justice. David the king said at first, Ps. xxvi. 2, “Try me, O Tetragrammaton, and prove me!” For I shall not be destroyed by all the severities, not even by Tzedeq, Justice Herself, seeing that I am joined thereunto. For what is written, Ps. xvii. 15, “In Tzedeq, Justice, I will behold Thy countenance.” Therefore, properly speaking, I cannot be destroyed through Tzedeq, seeing that I can maintain myself in its severities.(840) But after that he had sinned, he was even ready to be consumed by that Meshephat, Judgment. Whence it is written, Ps. cxliii. 2, “And enter not into Meshephat, Judgment, with Thy servant!” Come and see! When that Tzedeq, Justice, is mitigated by that Meshephat, Judgment, then it is called TZDQH, _Tzedeqah,_ Liberality. And the world is tempered by Chesed, Mercy, and is filled therewith. As it is written, Ps. xxxii. 5: “Delighting in TZDQH, Liberality, and MSHPT, Judgment; the earth is full of the CHSD, Mercy, of Tetragrammaton.” I testify concerning myself, that during my whole life I have been solicitous in the world, that I should not fall under the severities of Justice, nor that the world should be burned up with the flames thereof. As it is written, Prov. xxx. 20, “She eateth and wipeth her mouth.” Thenceforward and afterward all and singular are near unto the Abyss. And verily in this generation certain just men are given (upon earth); but they are few who arise that they may defend the flock from the four angels (otherwise, but judgments arise against the world, and desire to rush upon us). Chapter X: Concerning Microprosopus in Especial, with Certain Digressions; and Concerning the Edomite Kings