Parsha Mitzvot: Shemini: Mitzvah 163 – Concept 186

“Everything that creeps on its belly, and everything that walks on four legs, up to those with numerous legs, among all teeming things that teem upon the earth, you may not eat them for they are an abomination (Vayikra 11:42).” We may not eat worms found in fruit on the ground after leaving the fruit (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot – The Laws of Forbidden Foods).

“Everything that creeps on its belly,” is an allusion to the snake, or people similar to the snake, who uses his wisdom and slyness to trick others. We are warned to stay away from such people in order to protect ourselves, physically, financially, and spiritually. (Rabbi Avraham Zerach Aryeh Yehuda of Brozhan – Imrei Yehudah)