Pipeline Torah Gem #900 2025-10-22: Do not Mingle
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Vaughn Seward
Oct 28, 2025, 1:44:08 PM10/28/25
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Do not Mingle
"With a revealer of secrets, a bearer of tales, or a simpleton of lips, do not mingle." (Proverbs 20:19) This verse lists three groups of people who should be avoided, because they misuse the gift of speech. All divulge private information. Such behavior can be extremely hurtful, particularly if it concerns the confidential advice and stratagems of the previous verse (Malbim). One should certainly not consult such people, even if their counsel might be valuable, because doing so will surely cause more loss than gain. Besides the fact that by doing so one interferes with someone else's life, the breach of confidence is itself criminal (R' Yonah, Shaarei Teshuvah 3:225). The first two types (revealer of secrets, a bearer of tales) intentionally divulge information (either maliciously or because they lack self-control. The simpleton speaks without thinking (R' Yonah); and because he is naive, he reveals confidences when skillfully questioned (R' Saadiah Gaon). Adapted from Artscroll's "The Writings; Proverbs" by Rabbi N. Scherman & Rabbi M. Zlotowitz, page 177. Torah Gem Archives: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/torahtidbits
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Yiddish Corner
DOS LEBN IZ MER NISHT VI A KHOLEM, OBER VEK MIKH NISHT OYF. Life is but a dream, but don’t wake me up. YEDER MENTSH HOT ZAYN EYGN MESHUGAS. Each person has their own craziness. [Adapted from 15-Min Yiddish (Season 4 Episode 9)]
"With a revealer of secrets, a bearer of tales, or a simpleton of lips, do not mingle." (Proverbs 20:19) This verse lists three groups of people who should be avoided, because they misuse the gift of speech. All divulge private information. Such behavior can be extremely hurtful, particularly if it concerns the confidential advice and stratagems of the previous verse (Malbim). One should certainly not consult such people, even if their counsel might be valuable, because doing so will surely cause more loss than gain. Besides the fact that by doing so one interferes with someone else's life, the breach of confidence is itself criminal (R' Yonah, Shaarei Teshuvah 3:225). The first two types (revealer of secrets, a bearer of tales) intentionally divulge information (either maliciously or because they lack self-control. The simpleton speaks without thinking (R' Yonah); and because he is naive, he reveals confidences when skillfully questioned (R' Saadiah Gaon). Adapted from Artscroll's "The Writings; Proverbs" by Rabbi N. Scherman & Rabbi M. Zlotowitz, page 177. Torah Gem Archives: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/torahtidbits
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Yiddish Corner
DOS LEBN IZ MER NISHT VI A KHOLEM, OBER VEK MIKH NISHT OYF. Life is but a dream, but don’t wake me up. YEDER MENTSH HOT ZAYN EYGN MESHUGAS. Each person has their own craziness. [Adapted from 15-Min Yiddish (Season 4 Episode 9)]
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