Q&A: Clarification Regarding the Prohibition of Cursing
Clarification Regarding the Prohibition of Cursing
Question
Hello,
Is the prohibition on cursing meant in the sense of wishing something bad on someone, something from the realm of mysticism, like saying to someone, "I hope you die in terrible agony," and the like, or is it "just" ordinary swearing as is common and widespread among the general public, like "you piece of ****" / "you m*****" and the like (sorry for spelling out the examples…)
It is absolutely clear to me that this is improper / immoral / impolite etc. etc.; I am asking from the dry halakhic side.
Thank you!!!
Answer
The prohibition is to wish evil on someone while using God's name (which many understand as something that would actually bring the harm upon him). It has nothing at all to do with profanity or foul language. https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%90%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A8_%D7%A7%D7%9C%D7%9C%D7%94