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Having discussed the laws of constructive speech regarding both loshon hora and rechilus, it becomes obvious that there are no shortcuts in deciding whether or not to speak up for a constructive purpose. Silence when in doubt may be true of non-constructive
situations, but when someone else¡¯s life ¨C or quality of life ¨C hangs in the balance, one may be required to become involved. One must be well versed in the proper applications of the seven conditions for constructive speech listed above (see Day 50) or at
least be in contact with an authority who is well versed in these matters.
? SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
? ¡°Turn from Evil and Do Good¡±
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In this work, we have focused on King David¡¯s words, ¡°Which man desires life, who loves days of seeing good? Guard your tongue from
evil, and your lips from speaking deceit¡± (Tehillim 34:13-14). Let us now examine the next verse, ¡°Turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.¡¯¡¯
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There is a basic distinction between the reward or punishment for mitzvos that are between man and God and those that are between
man and his fellow. The primary reward or punishment for the former is reserved for the World to Come. Such is not the case with mitzvos between man and his fellow. As performance of these commandments betters one¡¯s fellow¡¯s lot in this world, a significant
portion of one¡¯s reward is bestowed in this world, measure for measure. Conversely, by transgressing these mitzvos, one worsens his fellow¡¯s lot in this world.
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Therefore, a significant degree of retribution is exacted in this world. In the above verse, the terms evil and good, refer to matters
between man and his fellow. Thus, David informs us that one who seeks a good life in this world and the next must be especially zealous in the fulfillment of his interpersonal obligations as expressed in the Torah. Turn from evil refers to the full gamut of
actions prohibited by the Torah: robbery, usury, lending with interest, causing hurt or embarrassment, etc. Do good includes the giving of tzedakah (charity), performing acts of kindness, offering financial assistance to a struggling businessman, burying the
dead, visiting the sick, hosting guests, returning a lost object, paying a worker¡¯s wages on time, etc.
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Hearing the blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is a mitzvah which everyone makes every effort to fulfill. In the same way, one
should strive to fulfill every mitzvah, and to rejoice in its fulfillment. As we say each night in the Ma¡¯ariv prayer, ¡°Therefore, Hashem, our God, upon our retiring and arising, we will discuss Your decrees and we will rejoice with the words of the study
of Your Torah and with Your commandments ...¡¯¡¯
Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation ¡¤ 361 Spook Rock Rd ¡¤ Suffern, NY 10901-5314 ¡¤ USA
