The commandments are compared to a lifeline at sea. Grasping them is tantamount to grasping life; forsaking them is like forsaking life.

“You shall not rove after your heart and after your eyes” (Numbers 15:39). The heart and the eyes are agents for the body; they cause the body to stray. Therefore, the verse states [immediately afterward]: “So that you shall remember, and perform all My commandments” (15:40). This can be explained by means of a parable of one who was cast into the water, and the captain extended a lifeline to him. The captain told him: Seize this rope with your hand and do not release it, for if you release it, you will have no life. Here too, the Holy One, Blessed be He, said to Israel: As long as you cleave to the commandments, it is stated concerning you: “But you, who cleave to the Lord your God, all of you live today” (Deuteronomy 4:4). Likewise the verse states: “Hold fast to admonition, do not let go; safeguard it, as it is your life” (Proverbs 4:13). “And be holy” (Numbers 15:40). When you perform the commandments, you are sanctified and dread of you is cast over all the nations. When you abandon the commandments and transgress, you are immediately desecrated and dishonored. (Tanĥuma, Shelah)