Our parsha is the source for just how sensitive the Torah is to abusive speech. The prohibition of “Onaat Devarim” – verbal oppression – is articulated by Maimonides in the following manner:
For instance, if a person is newly religious one must not say to him: Remember your former deeds.
If a convert comes to study Torah, one must not say to him: Shall the mouth that ate unclean and forbidden food study Torah which has been given by the Lord?
If a person has been afflicted with disease and suffering, or if he has buried his children, one must not say to him in the words used by Job’s companions in addressing Job: …what guiltless man has ever perished? (Job 4:6-7). (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Sales 14:13)
Please discuss:
- What do each of these cases have in common?
- Why should a person not remind a penitent or a convert of his former life?
- Why should a person refrain from suggesting that an individual is suffering because of their sins?
- What are the friends of this sufferer thinking? Do they intend to heal or to harm? If they intend to heal, then what’s the problem?
Click here to read more from Rabbi Alex Israel on Parshat Behar: Words Hurt.
