I will bring you out from under the burdens of Egypt and I will save you from their slavery. (Shemos 6:6)
Rav Huna said in the name of Bar Kaparah: In the merit of four things, the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt. They did not change their names, they did not change their language, they did not have lashon hara, and none of them behaved licentiously. (Yalkut Shimoni 226)
Even when our forefathers were in Egypt, they spoke Hebrew, Lashon Hakodesh. This signifies more than just speaking a Jewish language. They also kept up the special nature of Lashon Hakodesh; they spoke purely and did not use vulgar words and expressions. This is the nature of Lashon Hakodesh. The Rambam writes that Hebrew is called Lashon Hakodesh, the Holy Tongue, because it does not have words for obscene things. It is composed only of holy, clean language.
If a person uses foul language, even if he thinks he is speaking in Hebrew, this is not Lashon Hakodesh. This is not the language that our forefathers kept up, in the merit of which they were redeemed from Egypt.
It is not small thing at all that our forefathers maintained their purity of speech in Egypt. The land of Egypt is called ervas ha’aretz because the rules of decency were not observed there at all. It is a special zechus that our forefathers continued to speak purely there, and because of this, they were redeemed.
In this day and age, when the basics of decent behavior are trampled upon, it is a special thing to keep one’s speech pure. Our success in all matters depends on this, as will be explained.
Purity of speech means more than just avoiding dirty words. Even someone who would never talk like that needs to make sure he does not use overly harsh language. Even when he is expressing anger over the deeds of resha’im. The Chofetz Chaim, besides totally eschewing all lashon hara, never ever expressed himself in an uncivil or discourteous manner, even when speaking against evildoers, despite the fact that denigrating resha’im is permitted and sometimes even a mitzvah.
A person’s mouth may be compared to the spigot of a wine cask. If the spigot has filth on it, even a little, all the clean wine that comes out through it will get contaminated and will be undrinkable.
Let’s say a person is full of tefilah, Torah and yiras Shamayim. But his mouth is soiled with crude speech, even a little. All the Torah and all the tefilos that come out of his mouth will get fouled and lose their value.
This is really something to think about. It seems like a minor detail, but if we don’t pay attention, it can cause major damage.
And the converse is true. If the spigot is imbued with a delicious flavor or fine scent, it can turn even a barrel of plain water into something really special.
If a person’s speech has grace, if his choice of words is refined, this affects everything that comes out of his mouth. Even when he is speaking about worldly matters, his words will pick up a delightful fragrance, and sanctify the Name of Heaven, and Hashem will be proud of him: “I will be sanctified among the children of Israel.”
