"Do not delay bringing your first fruits or your trumah (gifts to the Kohanim)" (Shemos 22:28). Rashi relates that the Torah is warning us to do these mitzvos in the proper order. First bring the bikurim (first fruits), then separate the trumah, and finally the maaser. This is actually one of the 613 mitzvos written in the Torah. The Sefer HaChinuch explains the reason for this mitzvah. When things are done in the proper order, they are done correctly, without confusion. Conversely, if the order is mixed up, mistakes always result.

This mitzvah shows us the great importance of seder (order). Rav Simcha Zissel zt"l, the Altar of Kelm, stressed that seder is one of the foundations of Avodas Hashem (serving Hashem). He saw that the entire Torah is based on precision and order. One moment separates Shabbos and the weekday. One millimeter is the difference between a kosher shechita (proper slaughtering) or a posul (unfit) shechita. One drop of water is the difference between a kosher mikveh and a posul mikveh. In the Kelm Yeshiva, seder was emphasized as a fundamental spiritual value. External disorder is a reflection of internal disarray. If a person's possessions are sloppy, his thoughts are also jumbled. If he is not careful about the cleanliness of his house, he is also lax about the purity of his spirit.

Once Rav Simcha Zissel zt"l, went to visit his son, Nochum, when he was a bochur in Yeshiva. First, he went to the boy's room. He found his possessions in order. From this alone, he could tell that his son was doing well in Yeshiva. Only then did he go to see Nochum.

"Distance yourself from a false matter" (Shemos 23:7). The Pele Yoatz writes that this refers to speaking sheker (lies and falsehoods). The words, "distance yourself" are not used by the Torah in reference to any other sin. Therefore, one can see how harmful it is to speak falsely. We must stay very far away from a lie. The Orchos Tsaddikim lists nine different categories of sheker. Some examples include not fulfilling a promise, or saying that you did something when you really did not do it.

One of the main subjects of Parshas Mishpatim is the law of property damages. Forty verses and ten mitzvos are devoted to these laws, including damages inflicted by a person's property, his actions, and his negligence. This is such an important subject that an entire Mesechta in the Talmud (Bava Kamma) is dedicated to it. It is very important to guard your property so that it does not damage anyone. When you are watching or borrowing someone's object, you must be very careful to take good care of it. Having things is a privilege, but also a responsibility. Make sure that you fulfill your responsibilities.