Parashat Tazria-Metzora

The Midrash offers several thoughts which serve as valuable pieces of advice as to how to combat the desire to speak “Lashon Hara”.

Our Rabbi’s teach us that every word which leaves a person’s mouth is taped in heaven.  One day, all his words will be played back to him.  He will then attempt to excuse himself before the heavenly tribunal by claiming “I was not aware of the gravity of the transgression; I did not sin willfully”.

He will, however be answered, “Too late now. It was your duty to realize that each of your statements, whether good or evil, pronounced purposely or unintentionally, was put on record.” 

A person should realize that a word once spoken does not evaporate in the air without leaving a trace and therefore need not be taken seriously.  On the contrary, every spoken word etches out a mark for eternity which cannot be erased.

Rabbi Shimon ben Yoachai declared “Had I been present at Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai), I would have requested the Almighty give every human being a second mouth to serve no other purpose except learning Torah, for it is not proper that the mouth which engages in the superior occupation of speaking words of Torah should also be used for eating and discussing business matters."

On second though however, he changed his mind.  That wouldn't be good, he decided.  If a person has only one mouth and speaks so much “Lashon Hara”, what would happen if he had two? 

In order to brace oneself against slanderous speech, a person must acquaint himself with the major tragedies which such speech caused throughout the generation.
                                                           
From the “Midrash”
 
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Benhamu