Pirkei Avot 1:15

Pirkei Avot, 1:15

"Shammai said: Make your Torah study fixed, say little and do much, and receive everyone with a cheerful countenance."

The juxtaposition of fixed Torah study and modesty, good deeds and the cheerful countenance with which we are to greet each other implies that the former leads to, and is fulfilled by the latter.  As Torah is the word of G-d, study of Torah leads to action in accordance with G-d's wishes, which is modesty in speech, good works and benevolence toward others.  The result of Torah study is not described as erudition or wisdom, but actions towards others.  This is reminiscent of the instruction of Hillel to the skeptic that the essence of Torah is not to do unto others what is hateful to oneself. Although Shammai and Hillel represented differing schools of Talmudic thought, they both viewed the result of Torah study in terms of benevolent actions toward others.  This does not diminish the value of study of Torah for its own sake; rather it enhances it, because it makes it manifest in one's actions in the world, in a constructive way toward others.  Such actions must therefore be seen as what intends of us, as the fulfillment of our best potential. 

It is also noteworthy that the mishna does not just say we should be modest, do good deeds and be benevolent to others, but rather it says that we should make a fixed practice of study of Torah, which will lead to such behavior.  If we do not study Torah, we will not understand the reason for such behavior.  The behavior becomes internalized only when we connect it to Torah.  Good deeds are the result of study of Torah, but Torah is also the necessary route to understanding the reason to act justly.