Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai says: Is it possible that a person plows at the time of plowing, sows at the time of sowing, reaps at the time of reaping, threshes at the time of threshing, and winnows at the time of the wind; what will become of the Torah? Rather, when Yisrael do the will of the Omnipresent, their work is done by others, as it says, “Strangers will stand and tend your flocks” (Yeshayahu 61:5); and when Yisrael do not do the will of the Omnipresent, their work is done by themselves, as it says, “And you shall gather in your grain.” And not only that, but the work of others is done by them, as it says, “And you will serve your enemies” (Devarim 28:48).

Abaye said: Many acted as Rabbi Yishmael [taught], and it succeeded in their hands; [many acted] as Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai [taught], and it did not succeed in their hands.