开云体育

SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON

S. Krell All Messages By This Member #207 开云体育 SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON A Swindler Comes to Town ? People who speak loshon hora tend to rationalize their sinful behavior with the contention that the listener wanted to hear the gossip and that he obviously enjoyed it. Moreover, the two remained good friends after their discussion. Could one really be guilty of causing his listener harm when he obviously had such a good time? The fallacy of such thinking can be explained with the following parable: ? A swindler came to a certain town and disguised himself as a respected leader of the community. When a visitor arrived in the town, the swindler welcomed him like an old friend and invited him to a local inn where the two could enjoy each other’s company. At the inn, the swindler said, “It’s been so many years since the last time we saw one another. My joy is indescribable. This calls for a celebration! Please, go to the counter and tell the manager to serve us the very best of everything he has to offer! Of course, I’ll pay the bill.’’ ? The two wined and dined until they had both eaten more than their fill. At that point, the swindler slipped out the door, leaving his “guest” with the enormous bill to pay. The poor fellow explained to the manager what had transpired, but to no avail. “All I know,’’ said the manager, “is that you came to the counter and ordered all that food and drink. Whatever happened between you and that other fellow is of no concern to me. Pay up!’’ ? One who listens to loshon hora is like the visitor in our parable. The listener is happy and feels no enmity toward the speaker, who seems to be entertaining him free of charge. The listener sees the speaker as his dear confidant, who tells him private information that he might not divulge to others. But all this is only on this world, while “the shop is open, and the Merchant extends credit” (Avos?3:20). In the next world, however, where “the ledger is open ... and the collectors make their rounds,’’ one will have to stand judgment for having listened to and accepted forbidden talk. Every word that he listened to will be recorded there, and he will have to pay a very heavy price. ? ?

#207

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