The Dangers of Ego: An Insightful Lesson from Pharaoh

“by softening our hearts, we can create space for growth, understanding, and connection with the Divine”

In Parashat Va'era, we witness the escalating conflict and confrontation between Pharaoh and HaShem through Moshe and Aaron as they deliver the message to free the Israelites.. At the heart of this narrative lies a profound exploration of the human ego and its capacity to blind, harden, and ultimately destroy.

Pharaoh’s refusal to heed HaShem’s command wasn’t merely a political decision, it was a manifestation of his inflated ego. Pharaoh's ego is perhaps most evident in his repeated refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the increasingly devastating plagues. When Moshe and Aaron approach him, Pharaoh's response reflects not only his defiance but also his belief in his own divine status: "Who is HaShem that I should heed His voice and let Israel go? I do not know HaShem, nor will I let Israel go" (Shemot 5:2).  The idea of submitting to a higher power was unthinkable for him. Even as his own advisors warned him of the consequences (Shemot 8:15, 9:20), his ego blinded him to reason and compassion, leading him to defy HaShem repeatedly. Pharaoh's ego does not allow him to recognize a power greater than his own. In his mind, he is the ultimate authority, and acknowledging HaShem would mean admitting vulnerability and relinquishing control. 

The Torah describes that Pharaoh hardened his heart after each plague, refusing to let the Israelites go. While the first few instances of stubbornness are attributed to Pharaoh himself, later in the parashah, it is HaShem who hardens Pharaoh’s heart. This shift invites us to consider the role of ego in shaping our destiny. When we allow ego to dictate our actions, it can snowball into a point where we lose control. Ego, in this sense, becomes a barrier to self-awareness and growth. Pharaoh's unchecked ego led him into a downward spiral, where his pride overrode his ability to act justly, even when it meant the suffering of his own people, the destruction of his land, and the inevitable negative outcome of his actions.

The Torah contrasts Pharaoh's ego with Moshe's humility. Moshe repeatedly expresses his doubts about his worthiness for the mission, calling himself “of uncircumcised lips” (Shemot 6:12). Yet, Moshe’s humility doesn’t paralyze him, it allows him to serve as a vessel for HaShem’s will. Moshe, though initially reluctant to lead, accepts his role with a sense of duty rather than personal aggrandizement. While Pharaoh clings to his self-image as an all-powerful ruler, Moshe submits himself to a greater purpose. This humility allows Moshe to serve effectively as a leader and mediator, guiding the Israelites toward freedom. His actions exemplify true leadership.

This juxtaposition challenges us to examine our own lives. How often does ego prevent us from acknowledging our mistakes, asking for help, or admitting that we don’t have all the answers? When we act out of ego, like Pharaoh, we close ourselves off from growth, compassion, and the possibility of teshuvah. But when we embrace humility, like Moshe, we open ourselves to greater possibilities and align ourselves with our higher purpose.

From this story, we learn an essential lesson about the dangers of ego. When we allow our egos to dominate, we can become blind to truth, resistant to change, and disconnected from others. Ego can harden our hearts, making it difficult to admit when we are wrong or to acknowledge a perspective beyond our own. Parashat Va’era teaches us that ego, when left unchecked, leads to destruction, not only for ourselves but for those around us. The plagues didn’t just afflict Pharaoh; they devastated all of Egypt. Similarly, the consequences of ego-driven decisions ripple outward, affecting families, communities, and even nations.

At the same time, Parashat Va'era reminds us that humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our place in the larger scheme of things. It is about being open to growth, listening to others, and acknowledging a power beyond ourselves. Just as Pharaoh's ego led to his downfall, our own unchecked egos can prevent us from achieving true freedom and connection. May we learn from Pharaoh’s mistakes and Moshe’s example to cultivate humility and recognize that true strength comes not from asserting dominance but from aligning ourselves with a purpose greater than ourselves.

This week, may we reflect on the ways ego manifests in our own lives. Are there times when our pride prevents us from admitting mistakes or seeking help? Can we cultivate humility in our relationships and actions, following the example of Moshe rather than Pharaohs? By softening our hearts, we can create space for growth, understanding, and connection with the Divine.