Ethical Speech

Hebrews place great emphasis on words and the power of speech. Jews understand the prohibition against lashon ha-ra, i.e. evil tongue. Under Jewish law, you are forbidden to speak evil of another even if what you say is true. While there are limited exceptions, the general principle that forbids negative speech is universally applied. The Hebraic approach is that you are to guard your neighbor's reputation as if it was your own. The early Jewish Christian believers had great unity. Perhaps this is a reason why.

If you would like to improve your speech, I suggest the following verse: "O Lord, open my lips, and let my mouth declare Your praise." Psalm 51:17 (JPS) Before you speak to someone or about someone, ask yourself will your speech declare the praise of G-d? If it will, continue on; if not, perhaps you would do well to cease the speech to avoid the possibility of lashon ha-ra. This challenge can change your life. It will also help you understand the unity of the early Jewish Christians. They had unity and power.

Our speech tends to drift toward the negative. It will take work to reverse the trend. However, G-d has given His words to instruct us. Our speech should declare His praise. Think of the impact you would have for G-d on the lives of others if your speech brought praise to G-d continually. How might this impact your life at home, or at work, or with your community of believers? Spread the word of praise.