It takes great wisdom to know how to truly and correctly receive those things for which we have prayed.
On a certain level, success and a good and pleasant life are dangerous.
They lead a person to a thoughtless life, to an island of tranquillity far from inspiration and exaltation of the spirit.
Yet nevertheless, we pray for these things and do not pray for suffering.
This is the paradox of the juxtaposition: “Happy is the man whom You, O God, chasten.”
—Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz