Elul Day 20 - Gossip
Words are so powerful that the Lord used them to create the universe. They shape identity, influence behavior, and impact both physical and mental well-being.
When our words become gossip, they damage reputations, erode trust, and fracture relationships. If you've ever been the subject of gossip, you know how deeply it wounds.
Ohr HaChaim teaches that our mouths are spiritual vessels — funnels meant for holy use.
Gossip is a severe sin that releases harm difficult to undo.
The Talmud teaches that gossip harms three people:
- The speaker
- The listener
- The subject
Even Miriam, who spoke against her brother Moses, was struck with leprosy — a visible sign of the spiritual damage caused by gossip.
Ephesians 4:29
'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.'
Proverbs 18:8
'The words of a talebearer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the inmost body.'
Today: May our words bring light and righteousness into the atmosphere. Let us reject the tasty morsels of gossip and speak only what builds up.
