The 6^th Commandment, “You shall not murder” לא תרצח demands absolute respect for the sanctity of human life.

 

The commandment prohibits unlawful, willful killing.  The commandment includes the prohibition of hatred, anger, and malice.

 

The Hebrew word ratsach תרצח specifically refers to premeditated human murder, blood vengeance, or unlawful killing, not all forms of taking life, as in war or self-defense.

 

In the Kabbalistic tradition, speaking badly of someone is known as lashon hara לשון הרע or “evil tongue”.  It is equated to murder, thereby violating the spiritual essence of the 6^th commandment.