They Blinded His Eyes and Left Him

128 - They Blinded His Eyes and Left Him It is stated in the Gemara (Yoma 69b) regarding the evil inclination for sexual immorality, that "they blinded its eyes and left it." Thus, we find that although the eyes of the evil inclination for immorality were blinded, nevertheless it still remains This corresponds to what is sometimes found among somewhat righteous individuals: because the fear of God touches their heart, they lower their eyes and do not gaze at women. Nevertheless, they "steal a glance," as if incidentally, and look from the side. This reflects the concept of "they blinded its eyes"—that he blinds the eyes of the evil inclination that desires to look, by preventing himself from looking directly. Yet, the evil inclination remains active, as he still looks sideways, as if unintentionally.