Lashon hara is the Hebrew phrase for the “evil tongue” and it refers to gossip, slander and all sorts of malicious speech. It was a source of great concern to rabbis down through the centuries, including Jesus. Below is a poem about gossip that is very wise.
Nobody’s Friend
My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted,
the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me
because I have no name or face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try,
the more elusive I become.
I am nobody’s friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation,
it is never the same.
I topple governments
and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers
and cause sleepless nights,
heartaches and indignation.
I make innocent people
cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
(author unknown)
~~~~~
For more, see the article: Putting Out a Tongue of Fire
Also, see the chapter called “How to Have a Kosher Mouth” in Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus.
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