In this chapter and the next, he will discuss another type of melancholy, caused by concern over one’s sinful thoughts and desires. This category itself may be further subdivided into two: (1) where these thoughts occur while one is occupied with his material affairs and (2) where these thoughts disturb his service of G-d in Torah study, prayer, and the like.

In this chapter, the Alter Rebbe discusses the first situation. He states that not only are these thoughts no cause for sadness but on the contrary, they ought to give rise to joy.