Guarding The Eyes

Jealousy, hatred, slander, malicious gossip, confusion and despondency, all these vices begin with the eyes. On the other hand, we have the choice to use our free will to guard our eyes. We can keep them closed and save ourselves from the anguish of envy, and then continue to use our free choice to think of the Almighty! But if we refuse to guard our eyes, we will surely stumble, as is written, “The eyes see and the heart covets.” When the heart desires forbidden things, it become polluted with evil thoughts and desires.

(Rabbi Shalom Arush)