Derech Eretz Corner: “OEBFR TEH DLIBN, OD ONT UPT A BLMUTSNG LKCOB”( Leviticus 19:14 )

What kind of title is that? Once you unscramble it you will see that I did exactly

what it says NOT to do.

(Chas v’ shalom that any of you readers are DLIBN!)

When we think of this commandment, we usually think of things like:

kids’ toys left on the floor; opening up a conversation that might lead to Lashon Harah;

giving bad business advice; or even leaving significant amounts of money around where

our workers may be tempted to steal it.

A big part of Derech Eretz involves being extremely careful not to lead anyone else into

doing Aveiros.

Here’s a little poem to help us out in that department:

We each have hidden blind spots, some big and some small.

For someone to pick at one

Is not nice at all!

Choose words, that “lift“ another.

Give guidance gentle and clear.

Guard yourself from leading others astray, and causing undue fear.

Goodness grows most quickly when we guard each other’s way.

Think to avoid causing stumbling blocks each minute of every day.

Laugh WITH your friends, not at them it shouldn’t feel like a push or shove.

Life‘s path will be smoother still,

When Kindness leads our will.

Unfortunately, some people delight in seeing others fall (especially if that

“other” has caused hurt or harm.)

It is clearly written in our Torah, however, that we are not to be part and

parcel of causing anyone else’s fall.

We need to think about every action we do or words we say and constantly

ask ourselves if they could possibly cause any harm.

If we know they will or even suspect a remote possibility, it’s our duty to

harness our impulses and refrain from creating stumbling blocks for others.