Two Types Of Students

The mishna in Pirkei Avos asks what the difference is between the talmidim of Avraham Avinu and Bilaam HaRasha. The mishna explains that Avraham's talmidim have an ayin tova [happy at the success of others and a generous, benevolent attitude], ruach nimucha [humility] and nefesh shfala [didn't pursue financial gain]. Bilaam's talmidim, in contrast, had an ayin ra'a [negative view of the success of others and in general corrupt character], ruach givoha [arrogance and a general attitude that he is the center of the universe and nobody else matters] and a nefesh rechava [an excessive immersion in money and physical pleasures].

Avraham's students excelled in three basic categories, 1] Intellect [as evidenced by their humility and perception that they are really not so important]. 2] Soul [as evidenced by their ayin tova and all around good character]. 3] Body [as shown by their refraining from pursuit of financial gain and physical pleasures].  Bilaam's talmidim failed in these three same basic categories.

There is also a parallel to the three traits that Pirkei Avos says removes a person from this world, namely קנאה תאוה וכבוד - jealousy [עין רעה], illicit desire [נפש רחבה] and honor [רוח גבוהה].

Amazing! You can have to types of students sitting in the SAME BEIS MEDRASH! Some are students and followers of Avraham Avinu and others are followers of the nefarious Bilaam.

Wonder of wonders.

[Based on the Maharal, Vilna Gaon and Rav Meir Chodosh]