Contrary to common belief, the ostrich does not bury its head in the sand to ignore danger. An ostrich can run at a speed of 45 miles per hour, kick powerfully, and peck aggressively with its beak. As the largest and fastest bird in the world, it doesn't need to bury its head.
"Burying your head in the sand" is
a saying that describes someone who wants to ignore his shortcomings or those
of others. The prophet Nathan did not allow King David to forget his sins of
adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1-14). It took a brave man to confront a king
about his errors. Yet Nathan was obedient to God and wise in his approach.
In this week’s Torah portion we are
instructed that one way to love our neighbor is to “reprove your kinsman but
incur no guilt because of him.” (Lev. 19:17) “The Sages forbid carrying
reproach to the point of embarrassing someone, thus incurring guilt because of
that exchange, something that is forbidden by the Torah (Sifra) The obligation
to reprove is limited to cases in which one has reason to believe the reproof
will bring about a change in behavior. It should always be a loving rebuke,
never an occasion to belittle another for errant behavior.” (Etz Hayyim
commentary below the line. Page 696)
We shouldn't go looking for sin in the lives of other, of
course. But neither should we bury our head in the sand when it needs to be
confronted wisely, appropriately, and done in such a way that the reproach will
be heard.
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