תהלים, פרק מ״א, פסוק ח׳

Times of severe illness and physical brokenness often expose the true intentions of those who surround a suffering person. Instead of offering comfort, enemies sometimes gather to exploit this vulnerability, creating a sharp contrast between the outward appearance of visiting the sick and their hidden malice.

These adversaries huddle together, speaking in hushed, secretive tones as they share negative remarks [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. There are different perspectives on how this deceit unfolds. Some explain that a hostile visitor will first check on the sick person, only to step outside and join a group of waiting enemies to whisper among themselves [רד״ק]. Others paint a much darker picture, suggesting that the enemies stand directly around the sickbed, whispering right in the sufferer's presence. They feel bold enough to do this because they assume the patient is simply too weak to hear or concentrate on their quiet conversations [אלשיך].

This outward whispering is matched by an intense internal malice. Even as they speak quietly, their minds are actively focused on harmful thoughts [רד״ק]. Their secret conversations are driven by a deep hope that further misfortune will strike the sick individual [מצודת דוד]. More than just wishing for bad luck, they are actively plotting ways to cause real harm [רש״י]. Ultimately, the core of both their quiet words and their dark thoughts is a cruel anticipation of the sufferer's approaching death [ביאור שטיינזלץ].