Daily Rambam · Beginner – Jewish Basics · Bite-Sized
Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 7
Hook
Ever caught yourself chatting about someone else, maybe sharing a "true" story? We all do it! But what if those seemingly innocent words carry a surprising punch?
Full Experience in the App
Listen. Chat. Go deeper.
Audio playback, interactive chevruta, Hebrew tools, and every daily learning track — only in Derekh Learning.
Context
- Who: Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, often called Maimonides or the Rambam.
- When: A brilliant Jewish legal scholar from the 12th century.
- Where: He lived and taught in Egypt, leaving a huge legacy.
- Key Term: Lashon Horah – negative speech about someone, even if true. It's a serious form of gossip.
Text Snapshot
The Rambam teaches us in Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 7:
There is a much more serious sin than [gossip], which is also included in this prohibition: lashon horah... Our Sages said: "There are three sins for which retribution is exacted... idol worship, forbidden sexual relations, and murder. Lashon horah is equivalent to all of them." "Anyone who speaks lashon horah is like one who denies God..." "...Lashon horah kills three [people], the one who speaks it, the one who listens to it, and the one about whom it is spoken."
(See the full text at: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Human_Dispositions_7)
Close Reading
Insight 1: Truth Doesn't Always Set You Free (or Them)
The text makes a crucial point: lashon horah isn't about lying. It's about sharing true negative information. We often think, "It's true, so it's okay!" But the Rambam shows us that even factual, deprecating talk can be deeply destructive, equating it to some of the gravest sins. That's a serious wake-up call!
Insight 2: Your Words Have a Body Count
That line about lashon horah killing three people is incredibly powerful. It reminds us that negative talk isn't just between two people. The speaker harms their own soul, the listener is tainted, and the person being spoken about is damaged, often without even knowing it. Think of the ripple effect!
Apply It
This week, try a "pause and ponder" before you speak about someone. Just a quick breath. Ask yourself: "Does this really need to be said? Will it build up or tear down?"
Chevruta Mini
- What's one small way you've seen words, even true ones, cause unexpected harm?
- How might the idea of lashon horah change how we interact on social media or in group chats?
Takeaway
Our words are incredibly powerful; choose to use them for good.
derekhlearning.com