ย ย Vayeshev: the importance of positive speech
Our Torah portion, Vayeshev, describes the consequences of evil tongue: "And Joseph brought their evil report to their father" (Genesis 37:2). It's important to know that Joseph's reporting of his brothers' actions wasn't intended to harm them. He simply informed his father of what he had observed, and his intention was to cause them to repent and thus change their behaviour for good. The brothers' decision to sell Joseph was, in a deeper sense, a result of the promise made to Abraham about the exile of his descendants to Egypt. Joseph's eventual descent to Egypt, did fulfill the divine plan for the Israelites to grow into a great nation there.
However, the result of Joseph's report to his father led finally to sell him into slavery. It teaches us the importance of avoiding slander and gossip. The story of Joseph demonstrates the harmful consequences of evil speech. Not to speak badly about others underscores the timeless relevance of guarding our tongues.ย
Every individual, even if he had sinful behaviour sometime in his life, has the right to a good name if it seems like he repented. Evil speech might, in this case, be contrary to the truth. But if he didn't and there is a risk of harmful behavior for others, it is not considered defamation to report to the relevant authorities.
Gossip and slander can fuel hatred and violence. Engaging in evil speech can hinder one's connection with G-d. Instead of focusing on the negative, one should speak positively about others. Noahides should refrain from evil speech even though it is not included directly in the 7 Noahide laws; nevertheless, avoiding evil speech is essential for good relationships and a proper social order.
In the same way that Joseph's eventual descent to Egypt fulfills the divine plan, the same goes for the huge revolutions the world is going through. It would lead to a good purpose. Nothing could undermine the divine plan for salvation and full redemption.