It is forbidden to cause a person pain through words or actions. As it says, “Do not wrong one another, but fear your God; for I the Lord am your God” (Leviticus 25:17). This prohibition includes calling anyone an offensive nickname, making fun of something about them (e.g., being fat or stupid), or making fun of something they did or said. Additionally, it is forbidden to hurt a person by reminding them of their mistakes, which they now regret.
The greater the hurt, the greater the sin. Therefore, someone who publicly embarrasses another is committing a serious transgression. In a sense, it is considered murder, as a psychological wound may destroy a person’s life. Sometimes, traumas a person experienced as a child or teen leave them fearful of forming relationships. As a result, they never marry and remain alone, missing out on love and happiness. Sometimes, a person insulted by colleagues stops believing in themselves and their ability to succeed, so they fail at work and lose their livelihood. When someone elderly is hurt, they may well think life is worthless, which can lead to premature death. In light of such cases, the Talmud states, “It is better to throw oneself into a fiery furnace than publicly shame anyone” (Bava Metzia 59a).
