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.