SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON ?
Study the Laws ?
There is another meaning to the description of the art of silence as a craft. One who seeks to become a craftsman must study and train until he has mastered the skills of a given craft. There is no other way to become a true expert at one¡¯s trade.
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With regard to speech, one might be inclined to think: ¡°Why must I study the laws of shmiras haloshon in all their fine details? I will simply train myself to avoid conversation. That way, I will surely not transgress!¡¯¡¯ This is a mistake, for not always is
silence desirable. In fact, there are even times when the halachah requires that one relate negative information about a given individual! Therefore, one must study and know well the laws of speech in all their details, so that he will truly master the art
of silence.
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The Sages were very exacting in stating, ¡°Which craft should man pursue in this world?¡¯¡¯ For one might mistakenly think: ¡°It has been my way for many years to be careful in avoiding forbidden speech. I have more experience in this ¡®craft¡¯ than a real craftsman
has in his particular expertise! Shmiras haloshon is by now second nature to me; there is no longer any need for vigilance.¡¯¡¯
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To preclude this false notion, the Sages state: ¡°Which craft should man pursue in this world?¡¯¡¯ to indicate that all man¡¯s days in this world he must be alert to the pitfalls of forbidden speech.
