Group None

Even on hearing lashon hara alone there is an issur according to the Torah (even if at the time of hearing he does not intend to accept what is said), since he inclines his ear tohear. But there is a difference between hearing and accepting in several respects. For in hearing [alone, without accepting], there is no issur only when what is said does not affect him in the future. But if it does if true, as when he understands from the beginning of what he says that he wishes to show that the one spoken about is not to be trusted, and the like — if, originally, he [the hearer] intended to take him into his business or to enter into partnership with him or to make a match with him, and the like, he is permitted ab initio to listen and to suspect [that it might be true], so that he can guard himself against him. [This is permitted] since his intent is not to listen to the demeaning of his friend, but to guard himself against future injury or strife and contention and the like. The same applies when he derives no personal benefit from what is said; but if by his listening, some benefit may result for others, it is also permitted. As when he wishes to hear this thing in order to find out afterwards if it is true and to reprove him [who is spoken about] for this. Perhaps this will result in the sinner's repenting, or in returning the theft to its owners, or to appease the one he "insulted and blasphemed," and the like, in which instance it is permitted. But to accept it — that is, to believe in his heart that it is true — is forbidden in all instances.