5. Even when one hears rechilus from a friend who is as reliable to him as two witnesses, he is forbidden to believe him. However, if it can be beneficial to him in the future, he may believe him, but he must not pass it on to others, and he may not harm him.
6. This is only the case if his friend is considered as reliable to him as two witnesses in all situations, and not just in the telling of this specific story.
7. Nowadays, there is no person that can be considered as reliable as two witnesses, and it is therefore forbidden to believe lashon hara or rechilus for a constructive purpose], even when told by one’s own parent or spouse, one can only be concerned regarding it.
