Truthful Prayer Despite Self-Interest

בענין אמונת אליעזר שכתב במדרש ששרת הצדיק באמונה.

Concerning the faith of Eliezer, as it is written in the Midrash that the righteous one’s servant acted with faith.

The Sefat Emet begins by recalling the Midrashic praise of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, who performed his mission with steadfast faith and loyalty.

שדרשו חז"ל אלי כתיב שביקש עילה לתת בתו.

For our sages interpreted the word “Eliezer” as if written “to me,” meaning that he sought a pretext to give his own daughter [to Isaac].

The Midrash notes a subtle reading of the text, suggesting that Eliezer’s personal desire was to connect his family with Abraham’s through marriage.

אעפ"כ ראינו שהתפלל להשי"ת הקרה נא לפני כו'.

Nevertheless, we see that he prayed to the Holy One, blessed be He: “Let it happen before me…”

Despite his personal inclination, Eliezer turned to God in prayer, seeking divine guidance rather than relying on his own motives.

ואדרבא ע"י שהבין שיש לו נגיעה. התפלל להשי"ת שיעשה השליחות באמת ויצליח:

On the contrary, precisely because he understood that he had a personal interest, he prayed to the Holy One that the mission be carried out in truth and succeed.

Eliezer’s awareness of his own bias became the source of his sincerity. Recognizing his inner pull, he sought that the mission be fulfilled with pure truth, not colored by self-interest.

Summary: The Sefat Emet teaches that true faith is shown when one recognizes personal motives yet turns to God for integrity and success. Eliezer’s prayer exemplifies serving with faith despite inner inclination.