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People who think badly of others are often guilty of speaking lashon ha-ra about them. Both of these are usually manifestations of baseless hatred, a terrible epidemic. Since lashon ha-ra has the power to poison social interactions, in a sense it is equal to all of the most serious transgressions. Therefore, one should train oneself to think well of other people and make a habit of not speaking badly of them. Someone who succeeds in this will merit living a good, long life, as we read, “Who is the person who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech. Shun evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34:12-15).
If we listen to lashon ha-ra and accept it, we become partners in the sin. Therefore, if we hear lashon ha-ra, we must judge its subject favorably and resolve not to believe what we have heard. This is also a very reasonable approach, as the listener is not in possession of all the facts. Often it becomes evident that the story was missing a crucial detail which dramatically alters everything. Additionally, even if the story was a hundred percent true and the subject did act badly, it is possible that he or she has since repented and expressed regret. Since repentance has the power to change a person for the better, the subject is now a different person. Thus, the person who believes lashon ha-ra is making a poor decision.
One should avoid people who regularly speak badly of others, especially those who tell seemingly innocuous stories but subtly inject poisonous innuendos. If we have no choice but to talk to such people, we must keep our guard up and resist believing their nasty stories.
