19

Not to gossip about others

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Between a person and their fellow – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

We are forbidden from gossiping.

This mitzvah forbids speaking gossip or tale-bearing about others, whether true or false, when it causes harm or discord. Gossip destroys trust, damages reputations, and divides communities. The Torah demands restraint of speech, directing us instead to use words for peace, truth, and encouragement.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 7:2): Defines tale-bearing as carrying stories from one person to another, even if accurate, since it fosters hatred.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 236): Speech is powerful; misusing it for gossip corrupts society and contradicts holiness.
  • Talmud (Arachin 15b): Compares gossip to murder, idolatry, and immorality combined, emphasizing its severity.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹא־תֵלֵ֤ךְ רָכִיל֙ בְּעַמֶּ֔יךָ לֹ֥א תַעֲמֹ֖ד עַל־דַּ֣ם רֵעֶ֑ךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
Leviticus 19:16 - "You shall not go around as a gossipmonger amidst your people. You shall not stand by [the shedding of] your fellow's blood. I am the L-rd."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Between a person and their fellow - בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

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Encompasses mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, and justice in human relationships.

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Speech - דָּבָר

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Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.

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