Fixing Our Broken World, Word, by Word…. by Word
We are required to emulate the attributes of G-d. "Just as He is merciful and compassionate, so too, we must be merciful and compassionate. Among God's attributes is His hatred for Lashon-Hara.
"YOU SHALL NOT GO ABOUT AS A TALEBEARER AMONG YOUR PEOPLE" (LEVITICUS 19:16)
"YOU SHALL NOT UTTER A FALSE REPORT" (Exodus 23:1) This verse is also rendered as "You shall not accept a false report" (Psochim 118A This prohibition bans the the speaking of or accepting of evil speech.
TAKE HEED CONCERNING THE PLAGUE OF LEPROSY (Deuteronomy 24:8) Sifri explains that this verse refers to Lashon Hora (Evil Speech) which is punishable by the infliction of leprosy.
"BEFORE THE BLIND DO NOT PUT A STUMBLING BLOCK" (Leviticus 19:14) This verse prohibits us from placing a spiritual stumbling-block in the path of others. If someone causes another to sin, he violates this prohibition. By speaking or listening to Evil Speech, you not...
"BEWARE LEST YOU FORGET THE LORD YOUR G-D" (Numbers 8:11) This prohibition is against being conceited. One who ridicules others is generally motivated by a felling of superiority. If he were aware of his own faults, he surely would not deprecate others. The gravity of...
"YOU SHALL NOT PROFANE MY HOLY NAME" (Leviticus 22:32) Do not speak G-d's name in vain.
"YOU SHALL NOT HATE YOUR BROTHER IN YOUR HEART" (Leviticus 19:12) Do not speak in a friendly manner about someone to his face and then speak badly about that person behind his back.
"YOU SHALL NOT TAKE VENGENCE NOR BEAR ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF YOR PEOPLE" (Leviticus 19:18) If you are angry at someone because he refused to grant you some favor and in revenge you speak evil speech about him, you have violated these two prohibitions, in...