Torah and Greek Wisdom
Our Sages have commented on the relationship between the nation of Israel and the other nations: their wisdom, customs and manners. They pointed out two contradictory verses by the prophet Ezekiel. In one verse, he accuses the Jews: "you have acted in accordance with the laws of the nations in your midst." Yet elsewhere he accuses them: "you did not act in accordance with the laws of the nations in your midst." The Sages reconciled these two verses: you did not act like the best but like the most degraded of the gentiles.
The faithful basis of such action is that we carefully guard our spirit and heart. If at times we see something good, an honest way of action, a decree that promulgates civilization amongst the nations, and we take this and bring it into our border, we should remain careful not to allow the spirit of the nations in its entirety enter the content of our inner life. Once the spirit of the nations enters the life of Israel, there is no stopping or withstanding it.
The spirit of Israel must be strong and set in our heart. The Torah, mitzvos and all the holy attributes connected to [the Torah] must be our treasure and strength. In regard to an external and secondary aspect of life, in regard to a present need and a current civilization, we may at times take from every good thing that we find amidst the nations surrounding us. But our spirit within must remain strong and faithful to the God of Israel and His Torah.
Ein Ayah