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Why does the Torah (תורה) add 'fear your God' specifically to the prohibition of onaas devarim? The shiur explains this refers to sins 'masul laleiv' - matters of the heart where only the speaker knows their true intentions. People often rationalize hurtful words as mitzvos, making verbal oppression particularly dangerous in religious contexts where tochacha can become a pretext for cruelty.
This shiur provides a comprehensive analysis of onaas devarim (verbal oppression) based on the verse in Parshas Behar: 'V'lo sonu ish es amito, v'yarata mei'Elokeicha' (You shall not wrong one another, and you shall fear your God). Rabbi Greenberg begins by examining Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation that this refers to onaas devarim rather than onaas mamon (monetary oppression), specifically prohibiting causing emotional harm through words and giving harmful advice while claiming it benefits the recipient. The shiur addresses a fundamental question raised by the Rosh Yeshiva: why does the Torah (תורה) specifically mention 'v'yarata mei'Elokeicha' (fear your God) regarding these violations? The answer lies in the fact that these transgressions are 'masul laleiv' - matters of the heart where only the speaker knows their true intentions. Unlike other sins that can be observed externally, verbal oppression often appears legitimate on the surface while harboring malicious intent.
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Parshas Behar 25:17
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