I decided I would try for a few weeks to watch what I say and rather be quiet if I had something negative to say. After a while, I started noticing how much brighter the world and the people in it looked to me - and how much happier I felt. It wasn't long before it became difficult for me to SEE bad in people, never mind talk about them. How we think and speak about others defines us as individuals and colors every aspect of our world. Shmiras haloshon is the Torah's perfect guide for bringing out the best in ourselves and the unity that is so crucial to our people.
Improper speech is called 'loshon hara' or 'evil tongue' and is the source of many ills.
It has caused the dissolution of numerous friendships, the termination of countless marriages, and has generated immeasurable suffering. The evils of hatred, jealousy, and contention spread through the medium of loshon hora, as diseases do through filth and germs. The evils of loshon hora are universally recognized. But, it's true. Loshon hora has a myriad of laws associated with it.