Turn a Blind Eye
To turn a blind eye, we ignore something.
We pretend not to see it or know about it. However, we do see and know. We simply don’t want to do anything. We sweep it under the rug.
To turn a blind eye to small issues may cause no problem.
- Children sneak a bit of food before dinner.
- Families have small disagreements.
- People make embarrassing mistakes.
To turn a blind eye to larger issues may cause great problems.
- Children (or adults) have little or nothing to eat.
- Family members suffer abuse.
- People bully a disabled person.
We must take action when people suffer.
First, we figure out what we can do. Then we do it.
“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse” (Proverbs 28:27 NIV).
Thanks to Frank Cheatham for the suggestion and to Barbara Snow for the picture.
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5 thoughts on “Turn a Blind Eye”
Good reminder, Diana. Merry Christmas. God bless.
Thank you, Nancy. As a former social worker, this expression hits home. Christmas blessings!
Diana, I sat reading your words and pondering a bit 🙂 When we turn a blind eye, we are deliberately choosing to ignore what we have already seen. In so doing, we cause others to suffer and a problem to continue. But this morning, I cannot help but wonder if in so doing, we do not also cause our hearts to grow cold, or maybe colder. When we choose to see, and step into the pain of others, our hearts feel. Our hearts hurt. Our hearts are moved to do something. Our hearts grow more compassionate. Thank you for continuing to share these idioms, for by them, we grow.
What tremendous insight, Joanne. You are so right; everyone suffers when we turn a blind eye. Thank you for your powerful comments.