Lashon ha-ra is a Jewish term that refers to speech that is negative or harmful about a person, even if it is true. It can damage a person emotionally or financially, or lower their standing in the eyes of others. The term literally translates to “the evil tongue”.
Some sources indicate that lashon ha-ra is equal in seriousness to murder, idol worship, incest, and adultery (the only three sins that you may not violate even to save a life).
A few nights ago I couldn’t sleep. I began to examine my emotions. I asked the LORD to reveal the problem. I turned to my side and felt as if I was being whipped with something like a towel. Fear swept over me like a dark cloud. I prayed again but this time I declared First John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I had uninterrupted sleep till sunrise.
I believe there were some evil tongues out there who disagreed with what I said and I became the topic of their discussion. And for sure darkness carried it to disturb me in my sleep. God used my fear push me to seek the LORD more.
The morning after I thought of the Jewish term lashon ha-ra. I prayed for whoever the evil tongues were. God knows them and that is enough for me.
I have suffered with anxiety and worry most of my life. That piece of scripture have helped me to keep on keeping on. I’m still learning, still growing and still learning to trust GOD.