"If you want to know someone's mind, listen to their words. If you want to know their heart, watch their actions."
Sometimes, we are too close to a situation. Recently, I watched a friend in a horrible and abusive situation repeatedly justify her partner's behavior. She just couldn't see it for what it was - destructive.
Doctors don't treat family members and psychologists don't treat their own kids. When we are emotionally charged, we lose our objectivity.
In this week's Torah portion Bo, we see that Pharaoh was unwilling to let the Jewish people go. He had witnessed seven plagues that had caused severe pain and suffering, but he was adamant in his opinion. One of his servants warned him that if the Jews were not freed, then Egypt and its inhabitants would be completely destroyed. Pharaoh was too close to the situation, and his emotions were too charged.
That's why we should seek advice from people whose opinions we value. These people can often see the bigger picture. It's not always easy to listen to others, but it's a way to grow and accomplish more in the world.
Shabbat Shalom.
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