Chofetz Chaim: Lesson A Day

The concepts and laws of proper speech arranged for daily study. In giving Jews the Torah, G-d granted them a system of laws and beliefs designed to elevate the human personality to a lofty state. Among these laws, the principles of shmirat halashon -- harnessing the awesome power of the tongue -- address most directly the question of what G-d requires in man's relationship with his fellow man. How we speak of others -- how we see them, judge them, empathize with them and, when necessary, how we criticize them -- defines us as people and as Jews. These aspects of life occur throughout each day, and these are the aspects that shmirat halashon addresses. The laws of speech were written by man's Creator to instruct His creation on how to live in this world. In their entirety, they comprise a precisely designed guidebook, one that is well within the ordinary person's ability to assimilate and observe. By following these Godly principles, each Jew builds