Danger of Rationalizing

Among the Ten Commandments is the one that says, לא תשא שם ה׳ אלוקיך לשוא, that we are not to take Hashem’s name in vain. This is an overall obligation to watch our mouths and not make false oaths or declarations.

In addition, included in this commandment is our responsibility to be honest and truthful in all of our dealings.

Rabbi Twerski says that we learn from here the dangers of rationalizing. People somehow find justifications for such negative behaviors, as lying, cheating, and stealing.

This comes about through the ability to rationalize for a variety of reasons. By adhering to the strict dictates of the Torah, one learns that he must be honest and truthful in all of his dealings.

Perhaps if we realize that rationalizing and justifying dishonesty is actually a violation of one of the Ten Commandments, it will provide the motivation to separate from such falsehoods.

It must be stated loud and clear that rationalizing is a form of שקר. It is dishonest. There is right and wrong in this world. We must choose truth and never take G-d’s name in vain.