In Jewish tradition, an entire set of laws govern how we speak about, and to, other people. These are known as the laws of Lashon Hara, the Evil Tongue. They include prohibitions against any speech that may damage other person or cause emotional distress. Insults, Lies and Breaches of confidence are forbidden. When we discussing the existence of these laws, someone may react with shock and derision and say: Thats ridiculous!!! How can you control human nature? Speaking about other people is as natural as breathing! Judaism maintains that, on the contrary, speech is very much under our control, that we can determine what we say and how we say it. We bear tremendous responsibility for what we say, even beyond any tangible impact on the subject. Why?? Because when we speak about someone in a derogatory fashion we corrupt both ourselves and our listeners. Even if what is said is true, and even if it will not cause any measurable damage, it is still forbidden to speak negatively about another person, because this is a misuse of the power speech. Revealing secrets and breaking confidence is spreading dissent or hatred by being a gossip-monger - one who tells things about others. Even if its true, the narration creates acrimony. Such a person thrives on the ill feeling and damage that he cause with his tale-bearing. The verse in Proverbs states, Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 02:43:39 +0000