Our Rabbis learned: One should always be humble like Hillel and not confrontational like Shammai. There was a case of two people who made a bet, saying: “Whoever will go and anger Hillel will get 400 zuz.” One said: “I will go and anger him.” That day was Friday, and Hillel was washing his head. He went and passed by Hillel’s house. He said: “Who here is Hillel? Who here is Hillel?” Hillel got dressed and came out to him.
Honor is one of man's greatest stumbling blocks, and it is impossible for a person to serve God and be a truly faithful servant so long as he is concerned about his own honor. Indeed, according to the sages “there is no honor but Torah” (Avot 6:3).
Why are the days between Pesach and Shavuot called sefirat haomer instead of sefirah l’kabbalat haTorah? Why is the mitzvah of the omer accorded the special status of a brit? The answer to these questions reveal the true message behind the korban haomer;