LXV: Our Fellow Man

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind; but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:14).

There are some times when you would think that certain legislation would not even be necessary, and perhaps this is one of them. How terrible is it for anyone to take advantage of people who have disabilities? How base and shallow is a person if they must say nasty things to people who cannot hear, or put hindrances in the way of people who cannot see?

But is God really only interested here in those who are physically blind and deaf? What about those who live in ignorance, either because of disability or simply a lack of understanding?

It is quite interesting that it is only a few verses later that God declares that Israelites should "love [their] neighbor[s] as [themselves]" (v. 18), a concept also established in the new covenant (Romans 13:8-10).

God has no desire for anyone to take advantage of the deficiencies of their fellow men. Yet how many are so shallow and base as to do such things? Perhaps it is only a few revelers or punk kids who would curse the deaf or put hindrances before the blind. But there are many in society who profit off people in their ignorance and take advantage of people because of their circumstances.

Payday loan centers stay in business because of such practices. Banks have little difficulties loaning money to people who they know are unable to repay. Senior citizens and those who are disabled are especially prone to con men and con corporations. As opposed to trying to instill proper spending habits in people (especially the young), plenty of people, agencies, and corporations are more keen to profit on their ignorance or lack of self-control. The government looks away.

God is the God of the dispossessed (Exodus 22:21-23, James 5:1-6), and does not take kindly to people taking advantage of their fellow men. Our society would be much better off if these principles were more diligently considered. Love your neighbor as yourself-- how much different would America be if people actually heeded this charge?

ELDV