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When the Meraglim returned, they prefaced their evil report with words of undeniable truth. “Indeed, the land is flowing with milk and honey, but…. we are doomed….”

The commentators point out that in order for them to give credence to their slanderous report they needed to start with some truth. Chazal teach us that “falsehood has no feet”.  Only when some truth is mixed in can a lie take off the ground… Thus, the Meraglim had to begin with a partial truth.

Rashi explains the words of the Gemara (Shabbos 104a) to state: the letters that comprise the word “שקר, falsehood” are all pointed at their base of one leg, in stark contrast with the letters of “אמת, truth” which all stand on two firm legs. This signifies that truth has its own basem to stand on, however, falsehood, will quickly tumble over!

The Maharsha (there) adds an additional insight. The letters ofשקר  are not all on the same baseline. The leg of the “ק” protrudes downward, whereas in אמת, all of the letters are on the same level. This signifies that truth is congruent and respectful, but falsehood is divided and uneven.

May our words only stand on absolute truth!

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Parshas Shelach