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Why does Koheles describe foolish speech as progressing from self-destruction to hurting others? Rashi (רש"י)'s distinction between giving advice versus persuading reveals that wise communication empowers others to make independent decisions, while foolish communication seeks control through manipulation. This yesod transforms how we approach parenting and marriage.
Rabbi Zweig examines three consecutive verses from Koheles (10:12-14) that contrast the communication styles of the wise versus the foolish. The verses describe how a wise person's words find favor, while a fool's lips "swallow him up," progressing from foolishness to evil. Initially puzzled by Rashi (רש"י)'s seemingly repetitive commentary using the example of Bilaam, Rabbi Zweig discovers a profound insight about the nature of communication. The key distinction lies in the Hebrew words Rashi uses: "l'ya'etz" (to give advice) versus "l'hasi'o" (to convince/persuade). This connects to two Torah (תורה) prohibitions: "lifnei iver lo siten michshol" (don't put a stumbling block before the blind) and the prohibition against putting someone down. While both involve the same scenario of someone seeking advice about selling a field while the advisor wants to buy it, they represent different dynamics of communication.
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Koheles 10:12-14
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