Speech is an amazing mechanical wonder. When performing all physical actions you must concentrate on their execution. When you lift something you must consciously position your hand and the same with walking. With speech each syllable uses a different mechanical action whether the tongue, throat, lips, teeth, etc. Yet we speak torrents of words without having to put any thought into the mechanics whatsoever.
The Chofetz Chaim (Toras Habayis Perek 2) says that Hashem gave us this speedy and precise ability to spew forth words without any effort in order to make it easy for us to say many many words of Torah in our short lifetime. If someone uses this gift for evil speech, Woe is unto him and the amount of aveiros he can accumulate over a short span of time!
“Zachor Eis Asher Asa Hashem L’Miriam BaDerech B’Tzaischem MiMitzrayim”
The Ramban and other Rishonim count among the Mitzvos Aseh Min HaTorah the mitzva of remembering and saying with your mouth each day what Hashem did to Miriam when she spoke about her brother Moshe. The Chofetz Chaim in Shaar Tvunah Perek 12 says that being Mikayem this mitzva can save you from the aveira of Lashon Hara. More than just saying the pasuk, says the Chofetz Chaim, one must think about the incident in order for it to have its intended effect.
Take advantage of this great opportunity and sign up to our daily email reminder. Feel free to email this to your friends and family. Who knows, it may arrive just on time to inspire you to switch topics in your conversation and make yourself a better person and the world a better place!
printable version
