Lashon Hara

Lashon harah, or evil speech, is defined as information which is either derogatory or potentially harmful to another individual. A derogatory statement about someone is lashon Hara, even if it will definitely not cause that person any harm. To focus on the shortcomings of another person is in itself wrong.

A statement that could potentially bring harm to someone, be it financial, physical, physiological or otherwise, is lashon Hara even if the information is not negative. Even true statements which are derogatory or harmful, are lashon Hara.