Faith
Does Every Person Have a Set Number of Words They Can Speak?
Question
I heard that every person has a certain number of words he is able to speak, and once those words are used up, he completes his tikkun in this world.
Is this true? And what are the sources?
Thank you
Answer
Greetings in joy,
Something like this is brought in Midrash HaGadol (Vaera, p. 113), that when a person comes up in thought to be created, Hashem decrees how many conversations he will speak and how many words he will utter. David likewise says, For there is not a word on my tongue, behold, Hashem, You know it all. And it is written in Sefer Orchot Yosher (p. 89) that according to this, if one speaks too much, one should be concerned that he may finish the words decreed for him.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
