The Blind Leading the Blind
The blind leading the blind does not work.
I have two friends who are blind. Both possess amazing talents — musically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. However, they can’t help one another, or anyone else, safely cross a street. That requires someone with sight.
Both have loving family and friends who assist them when needed. Both also have guide dogs specially trained to help them.
The blind leading the blind describes people unable to do a task who try to help others perform that same task.
They can’t do it. If they try, both end up in a right smart of trouble.
People need to know what they are doing in order to help someone else.
They must have:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Skills
For example:
- Help with math requires an understanding of math.
- Assistance with cooking requires the ability to cook.
- Guiding a tour group requires knowledge of the area.
We find the blind leading the blind in the Bible.
Jesus used it in Luke 6:39 and Matthew 15:14. In Matthew, religious leaders rejected the truth. Jesus described them as the blind leading the blind.
To help others is a good thing. Yet, that requires:
- A willingness to learn
- The ability to assist
Learn and develop skills first.
Then offer help.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 NIV).
Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion and to Cole Torbert (and Louie) for the photo.
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6 thoughts on “The Blind Leading the Blind”
Another saying aptly explained, Diana.
Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers, Tracy.
So much wisdom in your message, Diana. If we’re honest, I expect we’ve all, at one time or another, tried to lead in a situation where we were “blind” (not visually, but ignorant). Thank you for guiding us to reflect on what we know (and don’t know) before leaping into a situation.
Thank you so much, Katherine. I think you’re right about all of us trying at some time to lead while still blind ourselves. Blessings.
Have uttered this phrase so many times. Usually when prefacing my doing something to correct the situation or fix the problem before they made it worse. Thanks for sharing Ms. Diana.
I hear you, J. D. Thank you for your encouragement. Stay safe and warm during this wintry weather.