The Laws of Proper Speech vol. 4, no. 2
In last week’s issue
we discussed situations where one is permitted to relay negative information about someone
else. We will discuss in this issue several of the prohibited situations where the
prohibition may not be obvious.
One may not relate a story for entertainment purposes if it contains embarrassing or
damaging information.1 It is prohibited to relate negative information, even
without mentioning names, if the listener can determine about whom he is speaking.2
One must be careful when praising someone in public. There may be listeners who
might try to take advantage of the subject’s positive traits, such as his generosity.3
Or there may be listeners who will take the opportunity to counter with negative
statements.4
The prohibition regarding negative speech is not limited to verbal information.
Any form of communication such as body language or facial expression which conveys a
negative message about someone else is prohibited.5
Even if one’s intentions are for the good, for instance to stand up for the truth, he
may not speak negatively about someone else.bEven if he doesn’t believe that any harm
will result on account of his relating something negative about someone else it is still
prohibited to relate negative information.
One may not relate negative speech about someone even if the incident is public knowledge.7
One should not say he does not want to talk about someone because he is afraid to
transgress the laws of negative speech. He is essentially stating that there is
something negative about this person.8
One should not speak derogatorily about children. It is forbidden to say something which
could cause long term damage.9
1)Chafetz Chaim 3:3 2)ibid3:4 3)ibid9:3 4)ibid9:1 5)ibid1:8 6)ibid8:1 7)ibid2:3 8)ibid9:1 9)8:3
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