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Mekor Hachayim Sefer Chafetz Chayim
Hilchot Esurei Lashon Hara

Kelal Heh

in the 1st perek of Mishnayot Avot (17th mishnah): Lashon Hara,
forbidden speech, are bad stories told about the “victim”or his faults
or demeaning him by any means of degradation even if the “victim”
has those character flaws. The Rambam goes on to elaborate there
that Lashon Hara is defined as truthful statements (i.e., truthful
statements that demean the “victim”). (Please see that reference).
Also see what the Rambam wrote in the 7th perek of Hilchot De’Aut,
the 5th halacha, that Lashon Hara is any form of communication that
if it became known would harm a person physically or monetarily
or cause the “victim” anguish or fear.

It is clearly obvious that expressing someone else’s (relative)
inadequacies is absolute Lashon Hara and is prohibited by the
Torah. If one delves into this subject he will see that it could cause
the “victim” financial loss or emotional pain, etc.

First, I will explain this topic from the perspective of a speaker
who said the “victim” is not a Chacham \ clever \ smart. Truthfully
speaking, there is no bigger degradation than this remark. Because
if the “victim” is not yet married and word gets out that he is not
“smart,” he will not be able to find anyone who would want to
marry him. If the victim is a businessman, whatever that business
is, if he is a tradesman or a teacher, he will not find anyone who
will join him in that business. This would be especially true if
this speaker makes comments about a victim who is an halachic
Authority, someone who decides the law in Jewish society, and this
speaker tells people that the “victim” is not a Chacham. Besides it
being Lashon Hara and prohibited by the Torah, most assuredly if
these listeners believe him and publicize the comments throughout
society it will cause a monetary loss to this victim because no one
will go to him to adjudicate or arbitrate a dispute.

Other harm can also result from the speaker’s remarks. As word
gets out that the victim was demeaned he will eventually lose his
position, and his blood (livelihood) and the blood (welfare) of his
family will hang on the speaker. Because of the speaker’s Lashon
Hara this victim has lost his livelihood. (Besides all this) The
speaker also greatly diminishes the honor of the Torah and of those

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volume 2