(Hakhel)
During this pivotal week between the misdeed of Miriam and the cheit of the Meraglim, we continue with our thoughts on strengthening ourselves in Shemiras HaLashon. The Chofetz Chaim (Sefer Shemiras HaLashon II, end of Chapter 6) writes that when a person watches his words, he profits continuously–for each time that he wants to speak, he considers for a moment whether what he is about to say is or includes Lashon Hora, Ona’as Devarim, Leitzanus and the like, and he quashes his desire to so speak.
When this happens, in Shomayim it is considered as if he fulfilled a Mitzvah with his actions, as Chazal (Makkos 23B) specifically teach: “Yashav Adam V’Lo Avar Aveirah Ke’sheh Bah L’Yado, Nosnin Lo Sachar Ke’Oseh Mitzvah–when one has the opportunity to do an aveirah and does not do so, Hashem credits him with having fulfilled a Mitzvah by his inaction! The Chofetz Chaim concludes: over the year, by inaction, one will amass several thousand more Mitzvos to his credit!
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