PURITY OF SPEECH

 

 

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In the merit of this learning may Netanel Shalom ben Chana Bracha be blessed with complete health, happiness, and only revealed good. 

 

I
When someone tells us something negative, even without mentioning names - it is important to beware of our comments. Even though we don't know who they are talking about, they do. What we say and our reactions can seriously affect the serious relationship with the person, conception of the story, and approach to the issue. 

II - example
Your sister tells you, "I lent a bike pump to someone in my neighborhood and she never returned it!" You then make a negative facial expression, or you comment, "that's disgusting!" Even though you don't know who it is, you have just spoken lashon hara. Why? Because your sister is aware of who is being spoken about. She is listening and might accept it. The best thing to do is to try to judge favorably by saying, "she must have been very busy this week and forgot that she even borrowed the pump from you."

(Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman)