 The way to the tree of life is said to be ""derekh eretz"" (good behavior), while the guarding of the tree of life is like the guarding of the word of God.By "derekh eretz" the midrash understands that which is fitting, useful, and honest; and these three qualities are the fundamental principles upon which the human world-system and society rest.An example of "derekh eretz" in this midrash is the following