47. As a rule, it is forbidden to ask a teacher or a Torah scholar to perform any kind of work. However, he himself is permitted to practice a trade or serve someone if it is for his livelihood and there is a need for it.
48. The commandment to help another person applies to everyone, even the greatest sages, and if no one else is nearby who can help someone in distress, a teacher or sage must come to their aid.
49. The positive commandment to cleave to the sages and their students is derived from the verse (Deuteronomy, 10:20): “Cleave to Him...” Studying Torah without drawing close to sages and genuine teachers is practically impossible. True wisdom and purity are acquired when we are close to righteous people who carry within them a measure of perfection. This is precisely why the Torah commands us to “cleave” to genuine righteous people and Torah sages and remain close to them. This desire to “cleave” can be expressed in various ways, for example, through study, by helping one's teacher, by starting a business together, by becoming related to him through marriage, and so on.
By being close to the wise, a person receives a special blessing from Above that helps him succeed in his affairs and his studies. This is why the Sages said: “One who assists a teacher gains more than one who simply studies Torah with him.”
50. If a person has a choice between going to a study hall where sages have gathered and going to a place where people entertain themselves and engage in idle pursuits, then by choosing the latter, he violates the Torah's commandment to draw close to the sages.
51. If a teacher or Torah scholar stirs up disputes, sows discord within the community, or gossips, there is no obligation to rise in his presence.