(a) The Maharsha (Megilah 28a) explains that it is never proper to become angry. Yet, inside one's house it is appropriate for the head of the house to invoke the respect and fear of the members of his household. Rav Ada emphasized that even when invoking the fear of his household, he was careful not to express of anger.

This implies that Rav Ada certainly did not express anger out of his house. The IYUN YAKOV asks that this does not seem to be consistent with the story in the previous section of the Gemara, in which Rav Ada became angry with Rav Huna for taking advantage of his righteousness.

(b) It therefore seems reasonable that the Maharsha means Rav Ada specifically took care not to become angry in his house. Because the pitfall is so common, Rav Ada was especially careful not to become angry in his house.

(c) The Sefer Benayahu, as well as Be'er Mayim Chaim (end of Ki Tisa), explain that "my house" is referring to Rav Ada's inner heart. Rav Ada took care that even when he expressed anger, he expressed it outwardly only. Inside, he felt anger to nobody.

This answers the Iyun Yakov's question from the previous section.

Best regards,

Mordecai Kornfeld

Kollel Iyun Hadaf