Shemiras Halashon Halachos

Hilchos Lashon Hara, Opening – positive commands (13)

If one spoke lashon hara and mixed in falsehood, even partially, he transgresses (Exodus 23:7), "Keep far from a false word." His definition also changes and he is now in the category of "someone who gives [a person] a bad name," whose punishment is far more severe than the regular speaker of lashon hara and rechilus.

Hilchos Lashon Hara, Opening – positive commands (14)

It also seems that he transgresses the positive command of, "You shall walk in His ways," which commands us to walk in the Holy One's attributes, merciful, giving favor, doing kindness, and other good attributes. If so, someone who habituates himself in lashon hara is certainly not walking in the ways of G-d. We have concluded 17 negative commands and 14 positive commands that a person may transgress by speaking lashon hara. Even though it is not common to find all of them in one person, nonetheless, someone habituated in this evil behavior may well transgress them all eventually.