SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON days 43-44 Above, we discussed the question of how it is that in our day those who habitually speak loshon hora are not afflicted with tzaraas. Another answer to this is found in Sefer Davar Kedushah, who cites Sefer HaKaneh: The sufferings of poverty take the place of tzaraas, for by being dependent upon others for survival, the poor man becomes rid of any arrogance — a prime cause of loshon hora.1 Moreover, the poor man is actually afraid to speak disparagingly of others, lest they learn of his remarks and cease to assist him. Tikkunei Zohar, as well, states that this sin can lead to poverty. Therefore, one who seeks to avoid material strain should be zealous in shmiras haloshon. The Torah relates (Bamidbar ch. 12) how Miriam criticized her brother Moshe for not living with his wife after the Torah was given through him. Miriam did not realize that a man of Moshe’s humility and selflessness would not have done so unless he had been commanded to be in a constant state of readiness to receive prophecy. Miriam was punished with tzaraas, and was subsequently healed through the prayers of Moshe. The Torah states: “Beware of a tzaraas affliction, to be very careful and to act; according to all that the Kohanim, the Levites shall teach you ...’’(Devarim 24:8). The very next verse exhorts the Jewish people to “Remember what HASHEM, your God, did to Miriam on the way when you were leaving Egypt.’ Sifre comments: Why are these two verses juxtaposed? — to teach that Miriam was punished [with tzaraas] only because she spoke loshon hora. It is a kal v’chomer (a fortiori): If Miriam, who spoke against her younger brother, was punished [so severely], then how much more so one who speaks against someone greater than himself. Alternatively: If Miriam, whose words were heard by no one other than the Holy One, Blessed is He, as it is written, “And HASHEM heard” (Bamidbar 12:2), was punished [so severely] then how much more so one who speaks disparagingly of his fellow in public. Ramban comments: “[With this verse,] we are commanded to make known [the episode of Miriam] to our offspring and to relate it to future generations. It would have been fitting to conceal this episode so as not to speak the disgrace of the righteous; nevertheless, Scripture commands that we make it known and revealed, so that we be well versed in the prohibition of forbidden speech, which is a great sin and brings about many bad happenings, yet is transgressed frequently.’’
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:03:58 +0000
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