Guarding the Eyes and Mind in Judaism: The Spiritual Power of Self-Control

Human curiosity is natural. We’re drawn to look at or think about things that are unusual, tempting, or seductive. Even if we intellectually understand the consequences of certain thoughts or images- that they can lead us down a path we don’t truly want to follow- the power of curiosity can often blind us to reason. That’s why the Torah instructs: “Do not stray after your heart and after your eyes, which you tend to follow” (Numbers 15:39). This Divine command helps us resist temptation and protects us from harm, especially when logic and willpower aren’t enough.

The Sefer HaChinuch explains this mitzvah in depth: We are commanded not to allow our thoughts to dwell on ideas that contradict Torah values, because this can lead a person to heresy. If such thoughts arise, we are to redirect our minds back toward truth and Torah.

Similarly, we are forbidden from chasing after what our eyes desire, whether physical temptations or materialistic cravings. The Sages taught: “Do not follow your heart” - this refers to heretical thoughts. “Do not follow your eyes” - this refers to immoral desires. As we see with Samson, who demanded to marry a woman saying, “She is pleasing in my eyes”- a choice that ultimately led to his downfall.

The root of this command is clear: when we guard our eyes and thoughts, we guard our connection to G-d. Our thoughts are the seeds, and our actions are their fruits. If we can stop a destructive thought before it grows into action, we’ve uprooted the entire issue at the source.

The Sefer HaChinuch continues: “If you give in to desire once, it will likely happen again. But if you succeed in conquering it even once, it becomes easier next time. Just like a person addicted to wine grows more dependent the more he drinks, so too with lust. But if you choose water- if you choose simplicity and holiness- you’ll find real satisfaction.”

The Inner Peace of Spiritual Discipline

A person who guards their eyes and thoughts avoids becoming overstimulated, distracted, or constantly restless. They enjoy greater inner peace, contentment, and joy. Someone who indulges in every impulse is left vulnerable, emotionally stirred, and at higher risk of spiritual or moral mistakes.

This is all true on a practical level. In Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), there’s a deeper dimension to this teaching.

The Body as a Temple

The Zohar teaches that each person is a microcosm of the Temple. Just as the Temple had sacred vessels and holy spaces, so too does the human body mirror that spiritual architecture:

• The eyes are like the golden Menorah that brings light.

• The stomach reflects the altar, where offerings were brought.

• The nose corresponds to the incense altar.

The holiest place- the Holy of Holies- is the brain, where the soul resides. Just as the Ark of the Covenant rested in the Holy of Holies, our divine awareness rests in the mind.

When a person allows immodest or harmful images into their mind, it’s like placing an idol in the Holy of Holies, causing a desecration of the most sacred space. In Jewish thought, seeing something can be spiritually similar to touching it, using the eyes improperly is akin to misusing one’s hands or body in a prohibited way.

The Importance of Early Marriage

The Talmud teaches that an unmarried man lives “without protection.” Without a wife, his spiritual and emotional balance is lacking. The Zohar states that once a man marries, he becomes truly fit to serve G-d, because his heart becomes more settled, and he’s less vulnerable to temptation.

The Tomer Devorah writes: “A man who has not yet married does not have the Shechinah (Divine Presence) resting upon him in fullness. The Shechinah only dwells through the presence of a woman.”

Those who delay marriage for financial reasons often find that they fail to save money, and are more likely to stumble spiritually.

Torah wisdom urges to marry early and love and honor your wife. Through that, you will succeed and be blessed.