Rabash, in the article “It is Forbidden to Hear a Good Thing from a Bad Person,” writes that if you observe that the advice you have accepted promises to increase your efforts, then the direction is correct; conversely, if it serves to reduce your effort, then it is incorrect.

Accordingly, if the action before you requires effort, then, apparently it comes from a good side and is aimed in a good direction. And if it does not require effort, then, it seems, it is directed in a bad direction.
What are “efforts”? A person might plan a bank robbery with the sweat of his brow. This is no easy task. Several people work on it, they prepare everything, and try their best. Desire obliges.

So what exactly constitutes “effort”? Relative to what are they evaluated? If an effort is added to a desire in order to realize it and enjoy it without any connection with the Creator, this is the effort of the evil inclination.

You can sweat your whole life trying to earn what you have set as your life’s goal, but that does not count as effort. Efforts in spirituality is that which leads you to adhesion with the Creator, that which improves you in some ways so that you become like Him. Everything else is not effort.
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From the Daily Kabbalah Lesson 4/9/26, Rabash, “It is Forbidden to Hear a Good Thing from a Bad Person”

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Endless Efforts
Purposeful Exertion
Check if You are Not Wasting Your Efforts without Benefit

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