Why is lashon hara—speaking negatively about others—such a serious sin that it can result in tzaraas, a leprosy-like affliction?
The Torah describes Adam as becoming a “living being.” Onkelos translates this as a “speaking spirit,” teaching us that speech is closely connected to the soul. When a person misuses his speech, he damages something deeply spiritual within himself.
Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel once sent his servant, Tavi, to purchase “good food.” Tavi returned with a tongue. When asked to buy “bad food,” he again returned with a tongue. Tavi explained that nothing is better than a tongue that speaks kindness, praise, and encouragement—but nothing is worse than a tongue that spreads hatred and lashon hara.
Mishlei teaches, “Death and life are in the hands of the tongue.” Words can build people up or destroy them. Unlike a physical object, a spoken word cannot be retrieved once it has been released.
That is why our mouths are guarded by two gates—the teeth and the lips. Before speaking, we should pause and ask: Will these words bring life, or cause harm?