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Based on the writings of Rav Chaim Cohen, the Chalban, p. Why was Yosef HaTzaddik criticized by the Sages for making an extra effort to be released from jail by asking Pharaoh's butler? Yaakov prepared much more for his meeting with Esav yet was not punished. Quoting the Abarbanel: What does it mean to be strong in a certain midah (character trait), e.g., courage; this depends on the source of that midah. Is a person walking at the edge of the cliff because he had to summon up the courage, or because he does not care to live. Real courage means overcoming the fear. A charitable person as opposed to someone who doesn't care about money and "things" and simple wastes them. Working hard for something as opposed to receiving a gift. Different reactions to certian situations based on our tevah (nature). If a person is naturally born strong in a certain charachter trait, it's not such a big deal to excel in that trait.
