Commentary for Avodah Zarah 38:6
ועלהו לא יבול אמר רב אחא בר אדא אמר רב ואמרי לה אמר רב אחא בר אבא אמר רב המנונא אמר רב שאפילו שיחת חולין של ת"ח צריכה תלמוד שנאמר (תהלים א, ג) ועלהו לא יבול
“And whose leaf will not wither” (Psalms 1:3): Aha b. Ada said in the name of Rav (and some say R. Aha b. Abba said in the name of R. Hamnuna who said in the name of Rav): Even the ordinary talk of scholars needs studying, for it is said, “And whose leaf does not wither.”
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
Even the ordinary talk of Torah scholars, their daily conversations, is considered to be a topic worthy of study. It will not “wither,” just like the tree from the verse in Psalms. I think when reading this statement we should remember that it, like all of the Talmud, is addressed to rabbis. This might best be read as a reminder to rabbis that people will be reading into every word they say. They should make sure they speak carefully.
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