Shalom, Mitspacha!
Avoiding Stumbling Blocks Before Others
"Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy Elohim: I am YHVH."
- Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:14
"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
- Romans 14:21
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
- Romans 14:19
The mitzvah against placing a stumbling block before the blind teaches us not to cause others to fall into harm, confusion, or sin. This commandment extends beyond physical obstacles. It also applies to our words, actions, and influence.
We are responsible for considering how our behavior affects others. When we knowingly encourage wrongdoing or place temptation in someone’s path, we become participants in their stumbling.
Each of us has influence within our families, communities, and friendships. Our actions can either guide others toward righteousness or create obstacles that make their path more difficult.
Wisdom asks not only, “Is this acceptable for me?” but also, “Will this help or harm someone else?” When we act with love and awareness, we help remove stumbling blocks and make the path clearer for others.
Abba YHVH, help us to walk with care and wisdom so that our actions never become a stumbling block for others. Teach us to consider how our words and behavior influence those around us. May we encourage righteousness, strengthen the weak, and help others walk safely in Your ways.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.