{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe","title":"Flattery’s Second Face: When “Positive” Words Harm (Day 128 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Flattery 2)","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/b5922e2c\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":722,"description":"In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Day 128), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Flattery (Chanufa) from Orchos Tzaddikim, focusing on the second major aspect: praising or commending the wicked (even indirectly) in front of others.Key teachings:Praising evildoers (in their presence or behind their backs) is forbidden—even if not explicitly justifying their evil. Saying “he’s a good guy” or highlighting minor good deeds risks elevating them undeservedly.This creates stumbling blocks: people may honor the wicked, envy their “success,” imitate them, or lose respect for true tzaddikim (righteous people).Honoring the righteous inspires others to follow their path and grow in Torah/yiras shamayim (fear of heaven).When tzaddikim are exalted, all creation acknowledges Hashem as Creator; when the wicked are praised, it desecrates divine service.Practical warning: avoid praising the wicked unless also mentioning their evil (to maintain balance and truth). Even neutral or positive comments can lead to misplaced honor.The rabbi ties this to current events (e.g., evil regimes on the brink) and emphasizes aligning with Hashem’s values: honor the righteous, distance from flattery, and bring God-consciousness into the world through truthful speech and actions._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on February 17, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/xC6r791Xymmyyuvq9mTdZu0MAAPBACVmCy-Annx8scQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lNzIw/Y2Q5NDEwOThkYmRi/NjkwMTNiZWE1Njhl/MzljZC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}