SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
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Day 138 ¨C Constructive Intent?????????????
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People who speak rechilus usually have some motive in mind which they consider a positive one. The Torah¡¯s view, however, is that unless the motive is clearly constructive, the speaker is doing nothing more than gossipmongering
and his words are strictly forbidden.
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The most common constructive motive that would permit relating such information is to forewarn a person of someone else¡¯s intent to harm him so that the person can protect himself; to inform a person that someone is presently harming him, so that he can put
an end to the situation; or tell a person that someone has already harmed him, so that he can seek restitution for the damage (if it is monetary) or at least prevent any further damage.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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In Man¡¯s Hands
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God has made man upright, but they sought many intrigues (Koheles 7:29).
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The Holy One, Blessed is He, Who is upright and righteous, created man in His image so that he too would be upright and righteous. One may ask: If so, then why did God create the evil inclination, as it is written, ¡°The imagery of man¡¯s heart is evil from his
youth¡± (Bereishis 8:21)? If God Himself refers to this inclination as ¡°evil,¡¯¡¯ then who can possibly transform it into something good?
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God responds: ¡°It is you who has made it evil! As a child, you did not sin ¡ª it is when you matured that you sinned! There are many items in this world more rigid and bitter than the evil inclination, yet you make them sweet. There is nothing more bitter then
turmusin, yet you diligently cook it seven times until it turns sweet ... surely then, you can do the same with the evil inclination that is given over into your hands¡± (Midrash Tanchuma, Bereishis 7).
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The intent of the above Midrash is clear. Hashem has given man the ability to subdue his evil inclination, so that it can be utilized in accomplishing his spiritual goals, as it is written, ¡°... yet you can conquer it [the evil inclination]¡¯¡¯ (Bereishis 4:7).
It is man alone, through his ways and deeds, who determines who will be the victor in this crucial struggle.
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