This week we begin translating the Chofetz Chaim’s sefer entitled, “Sfas Tamim.” Sefas Tamim, from which our foundation takes its name, focuses on the importance of honesty in word and deed. We begin with Chapter One – Defining Deceit.
“Deceit is defined as all speech that man makes with the intent of misleading another, including all matters of fraud and financial abuse in trade and in partnerships. Even if, within a lie, there is no actual damage or loss, but a possibility of bringing about damage or harm [it is still forbidden]. An example is one who misleads another so that he will further trust him, since he likes him or is his trusted friend. His intent is so that he will trust him and not be wary of him so he can eventually take advantage of him. This is also a serious sin.
One who does so is of those whom Hashem hates. As our Sages have said (Psachim 113b): There are three [groups of people] who the Holy One Blessed be He hates, and one of them is one who speaks one way through his mouth and another way in his heart.”
