Torah deals principally with preserving and observing, learning and teaching, so as to benefit the public. One should not be a foolishly pious person, who sits and studies without fulfilling any commandments, and says: "Since Torah study is equated to all the commandments, what need have I to fulfill any other commandments?" For it has already been said that "It is a time to act for the LORD, for they have violated Your teaching". Especially in the case of a person dealing in public affairs, for whom the need to postpone prayer and the like is more likely, for "…it is not the exposition (of Torah) that is essential, but the action".
Maskil LeDavid, Volume 1, Sermon 6 for Shabbat HaGadol, p.51a-b, published by the Organization for Immigrants from Djerba and South Tunisia, Pardes Katz, 1976