Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
As you treat others here below, so you are treated above.
Perhaps someone once tried to tell you about the ugly deeds of another.
You really wanted to hear. But you knew that’s not right. Gossip is a form of murder, and you did not wish to be an accomplice.
Mustering all your moral strength, you quietly responded, “I’m not interested.”
And you didn’t listen.
So you will be treated above.
When your soul returns to its place above, a prosecuting angel will appear to report on your deeds down here. And it’s possible that some of those deeds may also not have been so pretty.
But just as you responded, so too G‑d will also say, “I’m not interested. I don’t even want to listen.”
The sweat was worthwhile.