Slander and the Foot: A Mystical Perspective. The Power of our Words.

Discover how our words etch enduring marks upon the souls of others, and learn to walk paths that either nurture or wound both ourselves and those around us.

Oct 20, 2024

Personal Note

In recent months, I have been deeply engaged in uncovering the remarkable convergence between Biblical truths and the latest advancements in modern science, particularly concerning personal and communal health. My journey has led me to the transformative research of Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr. Bruce Lipton, whose pioneering work in epigenetics reveals the profound influence our thoughts and words have on our physical and spiritual well-being. Although their studies originate outside of a Biblical framework, the insights they offer have become a rich and enlightening foundation for interpreting timeless Scriptures such as:

Proverbs 23:7: "For as he thinketh so is he."
Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones."

Additionally, I have had the privilege of collaborating with my esteemed friend, Dr. Anthony Phan, MD, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and an expert in cellular biology. Dr. Phan has not only validated the scientific principles behind these epigenetic studies but has also provided deeper insights and explanations as to what is happening at the cellular level.

This synthesis of faith and science has profoundly shaped my understanding and inspired me to share some of these revelations with you. As you embark on reading this blog, you will discover how the profound wisdom of the Bible is being mirrored and validated by contemporary scientific discoveries. Join me on this journey in learning how to nurture our thoughts and choose our words with care to experience remarkable transformations in our lives and communities. Uncover the harmonious blend of spiritual insight and scientific knowledge that empowers us to cultivate a healthier, more harmonious, and dynamic existence.

The Power of Words: Walking with Integrity in Spiritual Tradition

Have you ever pondered the profound impact a single word can wield, shaping destinies or leaving indelible scars? In Psalm 15:3, the Psalmist articulates a person who “does not slander with his tongue,” employing the Hebrew term רָגַע (ragah), which translates to “evil” or “bad.” While ragah shares its root with רֶגֶל (regel), meaning “foot,” the Psalmist crafts a vivid metaphor that equates the destructive nature of evil speech to the physical act of treading or trampling on others. This powerful imagery underscores a nuanced interplay of physicality, intention, and spiritual consequence, deeply embedded in the mystical tradition of Judaism.

The Power of Words

In the profound language of Kabbalah, words transcend mere communication; they are pathways and channels for energy that possess the capacity to create or destroy. Proverbs 18:21 encapsulates this truth succinctly:

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

This metaphorical association between the destructive nature of evil speech and the act of trampling emphasizes our words' profound impact on others' spiritual journeys. Just as one treads with their feet, words traverse the lives of others, leaving footprints—sometimes heavy, destructive impressions. רֶגֶל (regel), meaning "foot," also symbolizes habitual behavior; it evokes the image of something ingrained, something walked upon repeatedly. To engage in evil speech, then, is not merely an isolated act—it is a spiritually damaging pattern, a path of chronic negativity that scars both speaker and subject.

Walking the Path of Light or Darkness

Building upon the profound impact of our words, let us delve deeper into how the metaphor of "walking" further illustrates our spiritual journey. Mystically, "walking" symbolizes our navigation through spiritual realities. The Psalmist's description of a person who "walks with integrity" (Psalm 15:2) transcends mere moral behavior; it describes one who aligns themselves with the divine flow, what Kabbalists term ספירת יסוד (Sefirat Yesod)—the foundation of the righteous path.

By walking with integrity, we harmonize with the אוֹר הַגָּנוּז (Or HaGanuz)—the Hidden Light. Or HaGanuz represents an ancient, concealed divine light that serves as a guiding force toward righteousness and spiritual enlightenment (Genesis 1:1-5). This concept resonates with Yeshua's declaration,

"I am the Light of the World." (John 8:12)

While Kabbalah as a formal tradition developed centuries after Yeshua, the symbolic resonance between Yeshua's role as the revealer of divine light and Or HaGanuz's role as the foundational, hidden light underscores a shared spiritual motif: the illumination of truth and guidance towards spiritual fulfillment.

Conversely, the act of engaging in evil speech—רָגַע (ragah)—is akin to stepping into the סיטרא אכרא (Sitra Achra), the “Other Side” representing disconnection and distortion. When we “walk all over” someone's reputation, we are trampling on their divine spark, diminishing the light within them and ourselves. Every soul contains a spark of the שכינה (Shechinah)—the divine presence, the dwelling of God. To tread upon that spark with words of evil is to obscure the divine, to erect barriers between ourselves and the light.

The Spiritual Weight of Speech

Yeshua of Nazareth emphasized the profound power of words and the alignment of the heart:

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)

This teaching aligns seamlessly with the understanding that our words carry immense spiritual weight. It ties into the concept of מידה כנגד מידה (midah keneged midah)—measure for measure—where the consequences of our actions, including our words, reflect back upon us in equal measure. Just as evil speech can harm others, it ultimately brings spiritual harm to ourselves, creating a cycle of energy that mirrors our intentions. Just as evil speech can harm the divine spark within others, so too can our words justify or condemn us, forging or severing connections to the divine.

Yeshua further teaches,

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)

This speaks directly to the mystical understanding that our words reflect our inner state. If we are connected to the Or HaGanuz, the Hidden Light, our words will radiate light, truth, and compassion. Conversely, if we are aligned with the Sitra Achra, our words will manifest distortion, darkness, and disconnection. In Kabbalah, this inner alignment is crucial, as everything begins in the דעת (Da'at)—the knowledge that connects the intellectual and the emotional, giving rise to actions and words.

The Weight of Words

The Hebrew language is לשון הקודש (Lashon HaKodesh)—the Holy Tongue—which is both descriptive and creative. Words possess a weight—they are spiritually substantial. In the realm of the ספירות (Sefirot)—the ten emanations of God—words align with מלכות (Malchut), the Sefirah that takes what is abstract and makes it tangible in our world.

Dr. Bruce Lipton and Dr. Joe Dispenza's research on epigenetics resonates profoundly with this idea, demonstrating how our thoughts and beliefs, expressed through words and actions, can manifest physically, affecting our biology and reality. Just as Malchut grounds spiritual energies into the physical, our words and intentions can shape our experiences and even influence our health on a cellular level. Thus, evil speech not only harms reputation; it disrupts the harmony of the micro- and macro-cosmic order, tipping the balance of חסד (Chesed)—loving-kindness—and גבורה (Gevurah)—severity—pulling us away from our ultimate purpose of unification, יחוד (Yichud).

"Modern science, particularly in the field of epigenetics, is beginning to validate what ancient spiritual traditions have long taught us: our thoughts and words hold the power to shape our reality." – Dr. Bruce Lipton

Aligning with Divine Unity

Yeshua’s appeal in the Sermon on the Mount,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

reflects that our words and actions can either sow discord or create harmony. To be a peacemaker is to align oneself with תפארת (Tiferet)—the Sefirah of beauty and balance, harmonizing חסד (Chesed)—kindness and mercy—and גבורה (Gevurah)—strength and judgment. Through this balance, we help repair the world, תיקון עולם (Tikkun Olam), and bring the fragmented sparks of the divine back into unity.

The Hebraic Mystical World

Yeshua recites the Torah when he says,

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

This is the ultimate expression of this mystical unity and conveys the principle of אהבת ישראל (Ahavat Yisrael)—the love for all souls that are part of the divine whole. To love another is to recognize the divine spark within them—we are all divine image bearers, regardless of sex, nationality, or faith persuasion—to uplift rather than trample upon them. In doing so, we elevate others and ourselves, as we are all interconnected in the great tapestry of אין סוף (Ein Sof)—the Infinite.

Expert Insight:

"In Kabbalistic tradition, every word spoken carries a fragment of divine energy. Therefore, choosing our words with care is not just a moral obligation but a sacred duty." – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Practical Applications: Words in Daily Life

Consider a marital scenario where one partner habitually speaks negatively about the other. According to Kabbalistic teachings, this act of הֲשָׁלָה (hashalah) not only damages the spouse's divine spark but also creates negative energy within the relationship, hindering both partners' spiritual growth and their alignment with Or HaGanuz—the Hidden Light. Such negative speech can erode trust, love, and mutual respect, creating barriers that distance each partner from their true selves and from each other.

Conversely, speaking truthfully and compassionately fosters a nurturing and positive environment. הֲשָׁלָה (hashalah) in a marriage context undermines the sacred bond between partners, while honest and kind communication strengthens it, enhancing both personal and collective spiritual journeys. By uplifting each other with encouragement and understanding, couples can align more closely with the divine flow, promoting harmony, unity, and spiritual enlightenment within the marriage.

Conclusion

In the intricate tapestry of our lives, every word we utter is a thread that influences our reality, shaping our journeys and the collective spirit of our families, communities, and nation. Words possess a profound potency; they are the architects of our inner landscapes and the sculptors of our external worlds. When we speak with integrity and compassion, we align ourselves with a higher order, fostering harmony and enlightenment within ourselves and those around us.

Imagine our speech as the delicate balance between light and shadow within the human psyche. Our words reflect the hidden facets of our souls. They can illuminate our truths or cast shadows of doubt and discord. By consciously choosing words that uplift and heal, we engage in a sacred act of self-transformation, physical and psychological healing, and collective betterment.

The essence of moral and spiritual integrity reminds us that our actions and words are the accurate measure of our character. In embracing this wisdom, we recognize that slander and negativity harm others and erode the essence of our being. Conversely, truth and kindness reinforce our divine spark, nurturing a resilient and compassionate spirit.

By guarding our tongues against destructive patterns and fostering honest, constructive dialogue, we create a foundation for genuine relationships and a thriving community. This discipline is a moral obligation and a path to psychological and spiritual unity.

In this journey of self-discovery and spiritual alignment, every word becomes an opportunity to manifest our highest selves. Let us walk this path with conscious intention, allowing our speech to be a beacon of light that dispels darkness, fosters understanding, and unites us in our shared quest for truth and love. Through the mindful use of our words, we become the architects of our inner and outer realities, fostering a just, cohesive, and spiritually enriched world.

Have a great day! Stay sharp. Pray. Be ready.

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