Too Much, Too Fast

בס"ד

Why did Reuven, the actual firstborn, not receive the birthright portion from Yaakov? After all, Yaakov Avinu was very sensitive to the subject – he fought his own brother over it in an epic struggle that lasted more than twenty years!

In his final message to Reuven, Yaakov tells him exactly that, why he didn’t get the birthright.
"You are too much like water, and you didn’t leave anything over" [Bereshis 49:4]
The Netziv explains that water possesses two qualities, both of which are linked to its consistency. Water will pour out faster than other liquids (which are thicker) and water will pour out cleaner than other liquids, leaving fewer droplets in the utensil from which it was poured.
These were Reuven's two faults. He was rash to act quickly and he stubbornly clung to a commitment once he made it – "going all in". At face value these seem like excellent qualities, who wouldn't want a leader who is alacritous and steadfast? At second glance, however, we see these qualities in a truer light. To look before you leap is not a contradiction to swiftness and commitment is wonderful but should not replace levelheaded analysis.
It was these two failures that prevented Reuven from earning his rightful place at the throne of the twelve sons of Yaakov.
The next time a decision come our way, will we think it through or act recklessly? When we are at a crossroads, will we go forward without leaving a drop in the bucket, so we can reassess and reconfirm, or will we go all in, and never change regardless of the consequences?

Let us learn from Reuven's example and utilize both our zeal and our intellect to their utmost capacity in the service of our Creator.

Hatzlacha !!