Mishna, Pirkei Avot 5:10
משנה, פרקי אבות ה:י
ארבע מדות באדם האומר שלי שלי ושלך שלך זו מדה בינונית ויש אומרים זו מדת סדום שלי שלך ושלך שלי עם הארץ שלי שלך ושלך שלך חסיד שלי שלי ושלך שלי רשע:
There are four types of character in people: 1) One that says, "Mine is mine, and yours is yours." This is a neutral type; some say this is a Sodom-type of character. 2) One that says, "Mine is yours and yours is mine," is an unlearned person. 3) One that says, "Mine is yours and yours is yours," is a pious person. 4) One that says, "Mine is mine, and yours is mine," is a wicked person. [Soncino translation. Edited for gender neutrality]

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. Why are each of the four characters defined as such?

2. What is the disagreement over the type of person who says "Mine is mine, and yours is yours"? With which opinion do you agree?

3. Do you agree that one who says "mine is yours and yours is yours" is pious? What model of giving does this provide us?

Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)