The plague of turning the Nile to blood (Ex 7:19-20) was carried out by Aaron rather than by Moses, because the Nile had given Moses refuge as an infant. (Ex 2:3) Although a river is inanimate and insentient, Moses nevertheless was told not to harm it.

Appreciation and gratitude rank high on the list of spiritual values. We sometimes find that some people befriend a person only as long as they can benefit from the relationship. When they see no further personal gain, they terminate the friendship and even turn against their friend, if this is to their advantage. This selfish behavior indicates a baseness of character.

Government and politics are often characterized by corrupt "ethics." Commerce appears to have rules of its own, which are referred to as business "ethics." Neither of these may be morally justifiable. It is a grave mistake to adopt such values and especially to allow them to enter into our personal lives. Yet, since we are involved in business, there is a danger that our true ethical values may be eroded.

We would be wise to protect ourselves against such erosion.