Behar-Bechukotai 5786 | Rabbi Dani Zuckerman

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(0:08) Introducing the Two Types of Ona'ah
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The prohibition of ona’as devarim is often confused with other interpersonal laws, but it serves a unique purpose by focusing on the internal state and ego of the speaker rather than just the harm caused to the listener. While the prohibition of lifnei iver addresses the objective damage caused by giving bad advice, ona'as devarim condemns the sense of superiority one feels when belittling others or manipulating them for personal satisfaction. By sharing a name with ona’as mamon (monetary fraud), this law teaches that just as it is forbidden to misrepresent the value of a physical object, it is a grave sin to treat a human being, who possesses infinite value, as if they are worth less. Ultimately, the Torah seeks to refine our character by demanding that we recognize the inherent dignity of every person and refrain from feeding our own pride at their expense.
1. Dual Ona’ah obligations — The Torah in Parshat Behar presents two distinct prohibitions of Ona’ah (oppression): Ona’as Mamon (monetary) and Ona’as Devarim (verbal).
2. The Mishnaic link — The Mishna in Bava Metzia links the two, stating that just as there is a prohibition against overcharging, there is a prohibition against hurtful speech.
3. Defining “Bad Advice” — Rashi explains that Ona’as Devarim includes many forms of belittling, such as giving someone advice that is not proper for them.
4. Distinction from Lifnei Iver — While giving bad advice also violates Lifnei Iver, Ona’as Devarim focuses on the speaker's intent rather than just the listener's potential loss.
5. The Speaker’s Superiority — A central yesod is that Ona’as Devarim reflects the speaker's desire to feel superior by treating another person as if they are worth less.
6. Inner Motivation Matters — Unlike many civil laws, this issur depends on the internal path (lefi darko) and selfish pleasure (hana’aso) of the one giving the advice.
7. The Value of Man — Just as Ona’as Mamon prohibits misrepresenting the value of an object, Ona’as Devarim prohibits misrepresenting the infinite value of a person created B’tzelem Elokim.
8. Beyond Speech Alone — According to the Rishonim, this prohibition can be violated through gestures or any action that demonstrates a person thinks lowly of their fellow.
9. Holiness in Civil Law — Torah civil law is not just about preventing anarchy; it is designed to refine our character and build us into a Goy Kadosh.