Scattering Feathers in the Wind

An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences

of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the

gist of the story is as follows.

A man went about town slandering the town’s wise

man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong

and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering

to do whatever was necessary to make amends.

The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told

to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering

the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the

request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then

returned to the wise man.

“Am I now forgiven?” he asked.

“First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man

responded.

“But how can I? The wind has already scattered

them.”

“It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your

words as it is to recover the feathers.”

The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be

retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt

they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are

wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter

feathers in the wind.