How Words Affect Our Fate - You Won't Believe How It Happens

Daily Quote

'And behold, through this, the one who speaks negatively about his friend or causes him distress should tremble. For when he thinks about it deeply, he will find that not long ago he himself transgressed in the very same matter, or in similar matters.'

'And even if he checks himself thoroughly and finds nothing, he should still know within himself that from now after telling this story, if he transgresses in this matter again, it will be immediately counted against him from above for speaking about his friend. This matter is mentioned in Yevamot {105:}'

(Shemirat HaLashon, Part 1, Gate of Understanding, Chapter 17).

Meaning of the Quote

The words of the Chafetz Chaim deal with the spiritual and practical consequences of slander or distress caused to another person.

The Chafetz Chaim explains that a person who speaks derogatorily or causes distress to his friend, if he reflects carefully, will find that he usually also fails with the same sin or something similar. This realization should make him understand that he has no place to judge or distress others, for he is not entirely free of faults himself.

Even if the person does not find a similar sin in his past, he must know that hurtful words or distress caused to others will lead to him being punished if he commits a similar act in the future.

Therefore, one should develop moral sensitivity towards others and avoid negative speech and causing distress, understanding that he too is not free from sins and that his actions are judged in this world and the next.

A Few Words About the Author

Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan, who passed away about 91 years ago (11th of Shevat 5638 - 24th of Elul 5693), was one of the most prominent rabbis in the generation before the Holocaust. He is best known by the name "Chafetz Chaim," after his book on the laws of derogatory speech. The Chafetz Chaim founded and led the Radin Yeshiva and was the author of other important works, including "Mishnah Berurah" and "Shemirat HaLashon."

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