The Attitude that Uplifts and the Attitude that Undermines

"“When we view life through the lens of gratitude and purpose, we discover opportunities to grow and contribute”

Parashat Korach is a dramatic confrontation—not just of people, but of attitudes. At the surface, it tells the story of Korach and his followers who challenge the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. This dispute might appear to be political or theological, but at its core, it’s a powerful lesson on the difference between a destructive attitude or a constructive attitude. It also reveals the powerful role of attitude in shaping our lives. 

Korach was a man of prominence, a Levite with status. Yet he was dissatisfied. Korach’s rebellion begins not with action, but with a mindset — one of arrogance, jealousy, and entitlement.  

The Torah tells us: “Vayikach Korach...” — “And Korach took…” (Bamidbar 16:1)

Rashi explains this to mean that Korach “took himself to one side”—he separated himself, driven by ego and jealousy. Before he said a word, he had already internally separated himself from the community. The seeds of rebellion were sown in his thoughts, in his perception of others, and in his inability to accept that others could be chosen for roles he desired. His attitude was not rooted in genuine concern for the community, but in personal ambition masked as idealism. He claimed, “For all the community are holy… why do you exalt yourselves?” (16:3). On the surface, this sounds egalitarian. But as the commentators point out, Korach’s true aim was not equality—it was power.

This teaches us a profound truth: Attitude precedes action. The downfall of Korach began not with the uprising, but with his inner disposition. His attitude poisoned his perspective and blinded him to the possibility that Moshe and Aharon were not self-appointed, but divinely chosen. Instead of approaching the situation with humility and inquiry, he approached it with cynicism and pride.

This is the attitude that poisons: jealousy disguised as justice, arrogance disguised as altruism. Korach’s attitude created division, confusion, and ultimately destruction—not only for himself but for his followers and families. The earth literally opened up to swallow him. When attitude is fueled by ego rather than integrity, it destabilizes everything around it.

In contrast, look at Moshe’s response. The Torah says: "Vayishma Moshe, vayipol al panav" — “Moshe heard, and fell on his face” (16:4).

Moshe’s posture is the opposite of Korach’s. While Korach stands tall in rebellion, Moshe falls in humility. This gesture is more than physical; it represents Moshe’s deep attitude of service, submission to HaShem, and concern for peace. Moshe does not respond with ego or defensiveness. Instead, he listens, he mourns, and he seeks resolution. He doesn’t react with immediate anger or pride. He pauses, humbles himself, and seeks a path to clarity and peace. Moshe’s attitude is one of responsibility, not rivalry; humility, not hostility.

We learn here that attitude isn’t just a mindset—it’s a force that can shape outcomes, for good or ill. The wrong attitude (like Korach's) can make someone reject even the most meaningful mission. The right attitude (like Moshe’s) can carry someone through the most difficult challenges with dignity.

In our own lives—whether in community, family, or workplace—the difference between division and unity often comes down to attitude. Do we speak out of jealousy or justice? Are we motivated by truth or by ego? Are we building others up—or pulling them down?

From these contrasting attitudes emerge different outcomes. Korach is swallowed by the earth — symbolizing how a prideful attitude collapses in on itself. Moshe, on the other hand, exemplifies true servant leadership and humility, ultimately leading to enduring leadership.

May we learn from Moshe to respond to challenges with humility, from Aharon to pursue peace, and from Korach—what to avoid: an attitude that seeks to elevate the self at the expense of others. 

So what does this mean for us?

Attitude is the lens through which we see the world. When we look through the lens of resentment, we see injustice everywhere. When we view life through the lens of gratitude and purpose, we discover opportunities to grow and contribute.

Korach teaches us the danger of a distorted attitude, while Moshe models the strength found in humility and perspective.

Let us ask ourselves:

Do I approach challenges with curiosity or cynicism?

Do I assume the worst about others’ intentions, or give them the benefit of the doubt?

Do I strive to be right, or do I strive to do what’s right?

As we move through life’s inevitable tensions and disagreements, may we remember the words of Charles Swindoll: “...The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.” Your attitude determines presence, impact, and ultimately, destiny.