8. "Noah was a righteous man." This is assuredly so, for his righteousness corresponds to YESOD above. That is why it is written: "the righteous are the foundation (Heb. Yesod) of the world" (Mishlei 10:25), and the earth is established upon him. He is the pillar that upholds the world, WHICH IS MALCHUT. THAT IS WHY HE IS CALLED THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. And what is THIS YESOD? It is the Righteous. Thus, Noah is the righteous below, AMONG THE SOULS. AND HENCE IT IS WRITTEN: "NOAH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN" - TO TEACH US THAT THE WORLD IS MAINTAINED BY HIM.