What do we learn from "Adam To'eh mi'Derech Haskel [bi'Khal Refa'im Yanu'ach]"?
Rashi, from Bava Basra 79a: Anyone who separates himself from learning Torah 1 falls to Gehinom. 'Refa'im' refers to Gehinom - "Refa'im Sham b'Imkei She'ol."
R. Yonah: This is one who is drawn after desire. Due to it, he rebels against the Nefesh of Chachmah.
Malbim: Sechel is a sharp power in man to understand in Elokus, spirituality and wonders. One cannot know these via comparisons, proofs and senses. This power enables understanding Hashgachah and all Emunah that depends on Elokus. Usually Ru'ach ha'Kodesh accompanies it, and then it is called Sechel Tov - "v'Ruchacha ha'Tovah Nasata Lehaskilam" (Nechemyah 9:20).
Lev Eliyahu (Bereishis p.101): One who never learned is unlike one who entered the world of Torah, and separated.
Why does it say "bi'Khal Refa'im Yanu'ach"?
R. Yonah: It is not proper for him to stand among the living, rather, to rest among the dead; the four 'elements' (in his body - earth, fire, wind and water) will return to their source. Man was formed in order that the Nefesh of Chachmah will rule over desire and serve Hashem 1 . One acquires this Midah via Yir'as Hashem. Fear is honor - "Kol ha'Nikra vi'Shmi v'Lichvodi Berasiv
Sha'arei Teshuvah 1:10: Hashem breathed into me Nishmas Chayav Misah, to recognize Him, fear Him and rule over the body and its offshoots. If I am the opposite of this, why do I live?!
