THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
It is fitting for the faithful to extend sympathy to those in distress and to refrain from being offended by matters deserving of regret, as well as to avoid unleashing their anger upon individuals already burdened by offense. Though it may seem easy for anyone to commit wrongful acts in secrecy, the law rightly instructs against such wickedness, stating, “Thou shalt not speak evil against the deaf, nor lay anything before the blind to stumble him” (Leviticus 19:14). Would it not be more appropriate for those who are truly virtuous to constrain their speech and avoid speaking ill of any person? The apostle of our Lord teaches, “Speak not evil against one another, brethren” (James 4:11).
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The law’s admonition not to speak against a deaf individual serves, I believe, as an indication that those possessing genuine integrity should strive to avoid causing offense, even when it may seem easy to do so.
The deaf and the blind, despite their physical limitations and lack of certain senses, are not devoid of dignity. The deaf man cannot hear the reprimands directed at him, just as the blind man is unable to perceive the obstacles placed in his path. Consequently, those who wish to disparage them often do so from concealment. Yet, in doing so, they wound those who deserve compassion, as these individuals are already inclined to hardship. Causing a blind person to stumble places them in an undesirable situation, of which they are unaware, while addressing a deaf individual with seemingly kind words can inadvertently bring them sorrow where they perceive none. Thus, if one engages in such actions, even if their malice goes unnoticed, they cannot escape the moral weight of their cruelty and profound inhumanity.