Tochacha

There is a theory in the study of hebrew that accepts that there is a relationship between the roots of words based on two letters of the roots. Tochacha is rebuke, koach is strength or power. The Webster's dictionary says about rebuke:

1 a: to criticize sharply : reprimand b: to serve as a rebuke to2: to turn back or keep down : check

I am not a chassid or a kabbalist but the connection I draw between the two is that power when applied correctly is produces a valuable benefit. Both digging a ditch and painting are applications of the power in our arms applied in a fitting way to the situation. In the same way, tochacha, the power of rebuke, must be applied in a way that produces a positive appreciable positive result, not just expression of disapproval for disapproval sake. As Rambam says in Hilchos Dayos (6:8), "It is prohibited to rebuke another person if it cannot be done without embarrassing, insulting or hurting his feelings, such as doing it in public or with harsh words." To use the power of rebuke in a way that damages a person is akin to what would happen if one used the strength required to dig a ditch when painting a canvas.

Labels: tochacha