The Torah states, “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling-block before the blind, but fear your Elohim. I am YaHuWaH.” – Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 19:14.
While the literal meaning warns against physically endangering the blind, the verse also carries a profound ethical lesson. “The blind” can refer metaphorically to those who lack knowledge or discernment, making them susceptible to deception.
To mislead someone who is unaware is to act deceitfully, thereby violating the Ninth Commandment, “You do not bear false witness against your neighbour.” – Shemoth (Exodus) 20:16. This type of deception is known in Hebrew as genevat da’at (גְּנֵבַת דַּעַת), “theft of the mind”, as it involves manipulating someone’s trust through misinformation.
For example, in the realm of politics, it is common for leaders to selectively disclose information, offering half-truths that serve personal agendas. This act of misleading others for self-benefit is a form of both lying and stealing, violating not only the command not to bear false witness but also, “You do not steal.” – Shemoth (Exodus) 20:15, ISR98.
The Scriptures clearly declare: “A righteous one hates a lying word…” – Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 13:5. Lying is abhorrent to the righteous because it destroys trust, leads others astray, and defiles the integrity of truth.
This issue becomes particularly dangerous in spiritual matters. Today, certain groups within the Messianic and Hebrew Roots communities have fallen into error by rejecting Sha’ul (Paul), declaring him a false teacher. They go on to spread these doctrines to spiritual newcomers, those just entering the Reign of Elohim, who are especially vulnerable and lacking discernment.
Be watchful, beloved brethren, for the days are evil indeed.
Timotiyos Aleph (1 Timothy) 6:3–5, 20–21
If anyone teaches differently and does not agree to the sound words, those of our Master Yahusha Messiah, and to the teaching which is according to reverence, he is puffed up, understanding none at all, but is sick about questionings and verbal battles, from which come envy, strife, slander, wicked suspicions, worthless disputes of men of corrupt minds and deprived of the truth, who think that reverence is a means of gain – withdraw from such.O Timotiyos! Watch over that which has been entrusted to you, turning aside from the profane and empty babblings and contradictions of the falsely called ‘knowledge,’ which some, having professed it, have missed the goal concerning the belief. Favour be with you. Amĕn.