Why the Tribes Could Not Speak Peaceably to Joseph

Midrash Aggadah, Leviticus 19:17

"Do not hate your brother in your heart." Rather, learn from the tribes, for out of their disgrace we learned their praise, as it is said, "and they could not speak to him peaceably" (Genesis 37:4). That is to say, they hated Joseph and were not able to speak with him peaceably with the mouth, since the heart hated. And the Torah warned you not to keep the hatred in your heart while you speak soft words with the mouth; rather, remove the hatred, and be among the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace.

Themes

Biblical References