LEV528 Q: I was just asked to give a reference for a former employee. I want to give the prospective employer as much information as possible, but I don't wish to bad mouth my former hire. A: … A degree of frankness in referrals is ethically appropriate, because accurate information is of immeasurable aid to the prospective employer. An inappropriate hire is frustrating for employer and employee alike. There may even be a third victim: another, more suitable applicant who was not hired and remains out of a job. Yet there is a significant danger that the information you provide may be improper, or may be improperly used. The ethical responsibility to avoid slander is a primary concern. The Torah emphasizes the need to balance our ethical obligations to the recipient and to the subject of negative information by mentioning the two considerations in a single verse: "Do not go about as a talebearer among your people, and do not stand idly by the blood of your fellow man; I am the Lord." [this verse]. The first half of the verse warns us against slander, but the continuation of the verse tells us not to stand idly when we have the ability to come to the aid of our fellow man. The final expression, "I am the Lord," reassures us that we have the God given ability to fulfill both obligations in a responsible way. ... What is forbidden is gratuitous slander, but if we have appropriate intentions and exercise due prudence, disclosure is proper and may be an obligation. ... We must first of all be careful not to arbitrarily spread damaging information, even when it is true; subject to this restriction, we should reveal information when it will help protect someone else from harm.