Sifre Deuteronomy on the Importance of Torah Study

One time, R. Tarfon, R. Akiva, and R. Yose the Galilean were reclining to dine at Beit Aris, near Lod. A question was raised before them: Which is greater—study [of Torah] or deeds [of Torah]? Said R. Tarfon: Deeds are greater. R. Akiva said: Study is greater. Everyone else [at the table] replied, saying: Study is greater, since study leads to deeds.

R. Yose the Galilean said: Study is greater, for the obligation of Torah-study preceded [the actual observance of] the Dough-offering by forty years, [the observance of] the Tithes by fifty-four years, [the observance of] the Sabbatical cycles by sixty-one years, and [the observance of] the Jubilees by a hundred and three years. And just as He punished neglect of study more than neglect of deeds, so, too, He gave a reward for study greater than that given for deeds. For it is stated: And you shall train your children, to speak of them (Deuteronomy 11:19). And, then, what does He say? So that your days, and those of your children shall be extended (Deuteronomy 11:21). And He says: And He gave them populous lands, and the labor of nations they inherited, by virtue of preserving His laws (Psalm 105:44–45)—[the reward for deeds is this worldly, while that for study is eternal life].