25

Not to follow the whims of your heart or what your eyes see

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Thought – מַחֲשָׁבָה

We are forbidden from entertaining any thoughts which could lead one to accept ideas contrary to those of the Torah. Rather, we must control our thoughts and establish limits to what is acceptable, i.e. the commandments of the Torah and its prohibitions.

This mitzvah forbids following thoughts and desires that lead a person away from Hashem. The “heart” represents heretical ideas and rebellious desires, while the “eyes” symbolize temptations and lusts. By restraining the heart and eyes, a person safeguards both faith and purity, remaining devoted to Hashem’s will.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 2:3): Following the heart refers to straying into heretical ideas; following the eyes refers to lust and temptation.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 387): The root is to preserve holiness of thought and action, preventing the soul from being drawn into sin.
  • Talmud (Berachot 12b): The mitzvah of tzitzit includes this verse to remind us not to be misled by our hearts and eyes.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְהָיָ֣ה לָכֶם֮ לְצִיצִת֒ וּרְאִיתֶ֣ם אֹת֗וֹ וּזְכַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹֽא־תָת֜וּרוּ אַחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְׁלַח
Numbers 15:39 - "That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of יהוה and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Thought - מַחֲשָׁבָה

Information Icon

Relates to internal intentions, beliefs, and mindfulness in performing mitzvot or avoiding transgressions.

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

View Badge →

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

125

To have children with one's wife
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

רְאֵה - Re'eh

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:13-14
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha