"Before the Blind, Do Not Place a Stumbling Block" -- A Mitzvah We Encounter Every Day

The Prohibition of Causing Others to Stumble

"You shall not curse the deaf, and before the blind you shall not place a stumbling block; you shall fear Hashem, I am Hashem" (Vayikra 19:14)

The mitzvah of not placing an obstacle in the path of a blind person emphasizes our obligation to maintain honesty and fairness in relationships between people. We must be careful not to cause someone to stumble or err when they are disadvantaged due to lack of knowledge or inability to recognize danger.

Ramban (Nachmanides) interprets this verse literally, explaining that it prohibits placing a physical obstacle before a blind person that would cause them to fall. Rashi adds an allegorical interpretation of the verse and notes that the prohibition also refers to providing someone with misleading advice that could harm them if they act upon it.

A Deeper Understanding of this Mitzvah

The Sefer HaChinuch explains the meaning of this commandment in detail, and how it should be fulfilled.

"Not to cause Jews to stumble by giving them bad advice, but rather to give guidance when they ask for advice, according to what we believe is right and good counsel, as it is said (Vayikra 19:14): 'Before the blind, do not place a stumbling block.'"

We must avoid misleading someone who comes to ask for our advice. We should act honestly and provide correct guidance based on what will benefit the person asking, not our personal interests.

"If someone who is blind in a certain matter seeks advice from you, do not give him inappropriate advice. And our Sages of blessed memory said, a person should not say to his fellow, 'Sell your field and buy a donkey,' while he is scheming to take it from him."

The Midrash expands on this commandment, establishing that even in cases where a person is not physically blind, but rather blind in a specific area -- that is, lacking knowledge -- it is forbidden for people to mislead them. The example given clearly illustrates this: If someone asks for advice about selling his field, a person who wants the field for himself may not recommend selling it and buying a donkey (which is worth far less) if his intention is to exploit the situation and purchase the field at a bargain price.

"This prohibition also includes a person who helps someone commit a sin, for he causes him to be tempted to transgress again in the future. In this vein, our Sages of blessed memory said (Bava Metzia 75b) regarding people who lend and borrow with interest, that both transgress 'Before the blind, etc.'"

This mitzvah also includes a prohibition against helping or encouraging someone to commit a sin. Someone who does so becomes part of a process that encourages the other person to sin again and again. An example of this is the case of someone who lends money at interest, as he thereby enables the borrower to participate in the transgression, and vice versa, and therefore both of them violate, "Before the blind, do not place a stumbling block."

"The root of this commandment is obvious, for the world is made a better place when we guide people  correctly and give them good advice."

The reason for this commandment is clear, the Sefer HaChinuch writes: to encourage people to act honestly and fairly. When we do so, we ensure that society as a whole functions in a proper and just manner.

Practical Examples

Good Financial Advice: If a friend asks for financial advice regarding an investment and so forth, one must provide advice based on what will benefit the friend, regardless of one's own potential gain.

Preventing Transgressions: If we know that someone is about to commit a sin out of ignorance, we should warn them and guide them toward the correct path.

Support and Guidance: If someone asks for help with a particular task, we must ensure that our assistance won't harm them or cause them damage in the future.

Maintaining Honesty in Business: Business owners must ensure they don't knowingly sell defective or low-quality products to unwary customers, especially when the customer is unable to discern the defects on his own.

Proper Guidance in Health Matters: If a friend asks for a recommendation regarding medical treatment or medication, you should provide reliable and well-evidenced information, avoiding recommendations for unsubstantiated or dangerous treatments based on personal interest or lack of knowledge.

Proper Stock Investment: If someone asks for advice regarding investing in stocks or funds, you should provide professional and objective advice. It is forbidden to recommend investing in a certain asset if your goal is to sell your own shares in that asset because you know they are about to decline in value.

Assistance in Job Hunting: If someone approaches you for help in finding a job, you should direct them to positions that match their skills and experience. Don't recommend unsuitable positions just to avoid having to spend the time figuring out what might work for them.

Advice on Child-Rearing: If a parent asks for advice regarding their children's education, provide well-founded and correct advice that takes into account the child's welfare, not advice based on prejudices or unsubstantiated personal experiences.

Guidance on Tzedakah: If someone asks for advice regarding tzedakah (charity) donations, advise them to donate to reliable and efficient organizations and causes. Avoid directing them to donate to unworthy causes or organizations that waste money.