The contrast in these pesukim is striking. On the one hand, we are positively enjoined to maintain a strict degree of holiness. On the other hand, we are admonished not to degrade ourselves by acting licentiously. Do not the mitzvos of the Torah focus on establishing us as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? Therefore, it seems incongruous that a nation which willingly has accepted the entire Torah should need to be cautioned regarding debauchery. It is unlikely that these two antagonistic attitudes coexist within the same individual. Obviously, a nation, whose goal is to maintain a hallowed existence devoted to serving the Creator with love and devotion, does not entertain immoral thoughts!
This is unfortunately not the case. We live in a society which is largely antithetical to Torah values. Thoughts which have been considered unthinkable have become acceptable and routinely accepted. Immoral activity, vulgarity, and violent deeds, which the Torah deems reprehensible, are openly flaunted. Moral laxity has so corroded our society that many unfortunate members of society are beginning to become disoriented, their morale and self-respect gradually eroding. The lifestyle which is in vogue has become the standard for determining acceptable behavior. The faithful Jew, guided by the Torah perspective, must remain steadfast in face of this onslaught of secular values. He must not deviate even slightly from the Divine imperative. In this pasuk, the Torah is teaching us that we must always be vigilant in order to protect ourselves from the negative influences to which we are all vulnerable. By strengthening our Torah study, we will reinforce ourselves so that we will emerge victorious in our constant battle with the “yetzer horah”.
