The Hidden Damage of “Just Words” [Day 136 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Slander 2]

In day 136 of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his study of the Gate of Slander from Orchos Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous). He explains why the Sages consider Lashon Hara worse than the three cardinal sins: unlike those sins, which stem from momentary temptation and allow for Teshuvah, habitual slander becomes normalized, minimized in the speaker’s eyes (“It’s just words”), and extremely difficult to fully repent because of the hidden, far-reaching damage it causes.

Rabbi Wolbe highlights the practical devastation caused by negative speech — lost jobs, ruined marriages, damaged family relationships, and even generational harm — and the challenge of seeking forgiveness when one cannot remember everyone affected. He strongly criticizes modern media and comedy that casually destroy reputations under the guise of “journalism” or “just joking.” The class ends on an inspiring note about the tremendous positive power of speech: the same tongue that can destroy can also build, encourage, teach Torah, and bring people closer to God, as “life and death are in the hands of the tongue.”
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 26, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on May 25, 2026
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv

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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #lashonhara, #guardyourtongue, #chafetzchaim, #reputationsmatter, #spiritualgrowth