Observe them faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws (chukim) will say, “Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.” (D. 4:6)
Is Moshe stating that we, the people, care what other people think? Or does G-d actually care when non-Jews think of Judaism and the Torah?
Even stranger: the verse says that non-Jews will praise the wisdom of chukim – the symbolic laws! Some Jews claim that we cannot understand such laws. If we cannot understand them, then surely non-Jews cannot understand them, either, right?
Or perhaps we have this backward? Perhaps we are indeed meant to understand – and communicate – the meaning of chukim to ourselves and to non-Jews?! Otherwise how can this verse make sense?
What Matters?
Isn’t it odd that this verse speaks of wisdom and discernment, and not other metrics of success? There is no mention of wealth or beauty or power at all. Are we supposed to aspire to those things, or are they only means to a spiritual end?
Are non-Jews only supposed to envy us our wisdom? If so, how do we best demonstrate it?