Why a Common Man's Curse Should Not Be Taken Lightly

It is forbidden to gaze upon the likeness of a wicked man, as it is said (concerning the prophet who would not look at Jehoram): "Were it not for the presence of Jehoshaphat I would not look toward you nor see you" (II Kings 3:14). Rabbi Eleazar said: his eyes grew dim, as it is said, "And it came to pass when Isaac was old, that his eyes were too dim to see" (Genesis 27:1), because he had gazed upon Esau the wicked. But was it this that caused it? Did not Rabbi Yitzchak say: Never let the curse of an ordinary man be light in your eyes, for behold, Abimelech cursed Sarah, and it was fulfilled in her offspring, as it is said, "Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes" (Genesis 20:16). Read not "covering" [kesut] but "dimming" [kehut] of the eyes, as it is said, "and his eyes grew dim." So this and that together caused it. He said to her: Since you covered it from me and did not reveal to me that he is your husband, and caused me this distress, may it be His will that you have children with covered eyes.