Hakol l'fi rov maaseh.
Its all in the numbers. But its knowing how to decipher the numbers is in itself a chochmah. Let's take a look at the simple rule of following the 'Rov' - the majority.
Rambam explains that its not one big deed that defines one's character, rather through many minor deeds a person develops accordingly.
Rashi says if one has a majority of merits he is a tzaddik etc.
Sounds nice & simple. We may even feel somewhat smug before elul & rosh hashanah as the Rambam too write in hilchos teshuvah that the judgement is based on majority. However, totally contrary to our initial understanding, this is quite a 'rough' & demanding Mishnah.
The gemarah in kedushin 39b states that one who has a majority of mitzvos will be judged for his sins in this world. (This is based on schar mitzvah b'hai alma leka which the Rambam paskens like.)
A Tzaddik who is Rov mitzvos is a tzaddik, BUT WOE TO HIM! A tzaddik who does not eradicate his minority of sins, with proper teshuvah is due for harsh times ahead r"l! This mishnah is comforting that just by a majority one is a tzaddik & he's 'on Hashem's good side (k'vayochal)' so he will have a pristine olam habah, but it certainly should not provide a feeling of complacency! If anything this should be a wake up call before we are judged for next year's success. The minority may not define the whole, but at least in this case it is not 'batul b'rov'. If it is there we must do our part to erase it.
Following the majority is wonderful to define someone as a tzaddik. But don't be fooled by the numbers.
