Tonight, Le'ilui Nishmat (for the elevation of the soul) Luzah Aliza, Bat (daughter of) Henriette, and our children who passed with her in the fire as well. Anonymous, for Shmira (protection), great Nissim V'Nifla'ot (miracles and wonders), and Yeshuot B'Karov (deliverance soon), for those in Klal Yisrael (Jewish people) who need them. Amen Ken Yehi Ratzon (Amen, may it be so).
We become very enthusiastic when we hear about Segulot (auspicious practices) for Parnassah (livelihood). Whether it be reading the Parshat Haman or giving Ma'aser (tithe), most of us will try any Segulot possible in order to enhance our Parnassah. The Chafetz Chaim enlightens us that the most powerful Segulot for Parnassah is guarding a person's speech. He explains this and brings an amazing proof from Parshat Bo.
We know that by Makat Bechorot, none of the dogs barked at the Jewish people when they were leaving Egypt. It's because of this that the dogs received a reward. You know what the reward was? Throughout all the generations, we are instructed by the Torah that all the meat that comes from animals that are Taref should be given to the dogs to eat. So now the dogs' Parnassah is assured for all generations to come.
Now look at this. If an animal that is not even kosher (ritually permissible) received an eternal reward for controlling its barking—controlling its mouth—just once, just one day, then there's no question that a religious Jew who controls himself and his mouth from speaking Lashon Hara (evil speech) will definitely be assured Parnassah in abundance.
So now let's talk about a practical Halacha (Jewish law). Causing financial harm or shame to a business is also considered Lashon Hara. For example, saying that it doesn't pay to go to a certain store because its service is terrible, or right then and there, is Lashon Hara. Saying that a store is overpriced is also Lashon Hara. To some people, these statements seem so harmless, yet they actually are an Isur Deoraita (biblical prohibition). They fall under the category of Lashon Hara because they can cause another Jew's financial situation to be hurt terribly.
Now sometimes this sounds a bit exaggerated, but in truth, we know that words travel very quickly, and they can cause untold damage that there's no way to repair. And even if your words didn't actually cause the damage, even if the business was not hurt, the fact that they had the potential to cause that harm already constitutes Lashon Hara.
And then the Chafetz Chaim adds that many times you'll find businessmen belittling their competitors' merchandise, their service, or even their customers. They justify this by saying, "Hey, it's just business." Many times it stems from jealousy. If they would realize that the most potent business tool out there is guarding their speech, then they would surely be blessed with great success in all their financial endeavors.