Question (R. Yirmeyah citing R. Shmuel bar Rav Yitzchak): "Tzedakah Titzor Tam Darech v'Rish'ah Tesalef Chatas", "Chata'im Teradef Ra'ah v'Es Tzadik Yeshalem Tov", "Im la'Letzim Hu Yalitz vela'Anavim Yiten Chen", "Raglei Chasidav Yishmor u'Resha'im ba'Choshech Yidamu", "Kavod Chachamim Yinchalu u'Chesilim Merim Kalon"! (These imply that Hash-m guides Tzadikim to do Mitzvos, and Resha'im to do Aveiros.) Does [Hash-m] make a fence and close the gate [in front of Resha'im, to withhold Mitzvos from them]?

Answer: Yes, He makes a fence and closes the gate, like R. Yirmeyah taught in the name of R. Shmuel bar Rav Yitzchak. If a person guards himself from Aveirah the first, second and third times, from now and onwards Hash-m guards him. (And if one accustoms himself to sin the first, second and third times, evil will pursue him.)

What is the reason? "Hen Kol Eleh Yif'al Kel Pa'amayim Shalosh Im Gaver" (Hash-m will do all this if a person guarded himself three times).

(R. Zeirah): This is as long as he does not retract [from his righteousness]. What is the reason? It is not written 'veha'Chut ha'Meshulash Lo l'Olam Yenatek', rather, "Lo vi'Mherah Yenatek." If one pulls on it (he retracts from his righteousness), it will snap (he will not be guarded).