GEN1440 Know that once the listener accepts lashon hara, the law for him and the portion [of punishment] meted out to him Esther 4:11, Jeremiah 13:25 is equal to that of the one who spoke the lashon hara, for people will say, “Those who heard his words accepted them. This proves that they are true and accurate.”   Even if the listener [merely] bends his ear and shows that he is attentive and accepting of these words in the presence of others, this also abets the evil, causes the disgrace of his fellowman, and strengthens the hands of the one who brings his negative reports (Lit. evil gossip) to others.  GATES 411 (Continued at [[NUM357]] Numbers 30:3 violate GATES 411)