Guarding the Tongue and the Word That Wards Off Leprosy

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Metzora 4:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation of "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).] Do not say, "Since permission has been granted me to speak, behold, I will speak whatever I wish," for the Torah has already warned you, "Guard your tongue from evil [and your lips from speaking deceit]" (Psalms 34:14). And should you say that you are suffering a loss, you are in fact only gaining. And the Holy Spirit cries out, "One who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles (mi-tsarot)" (Proverbs 21:23). Do not read it thus, but rather, "guards from the leprosy (mi-tsara'at) of his soul."

Themes

WisdomWarMusicDavidSoul

Biblical References

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