Non-Jews have to observe seven precepts, but we Jews have to observe six hundred thirteen precepts!’
“I looked at Erez with astonishment. He stood up and took out a pen and a sheet of paper from the drawer of the desk. ‘Now, hold this pen in your hand and write down the seven precepts that non-Jews have to observe. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not have sex with your family members. Do not have sex with animals. Do not eat parts of animals that are still alive. Do not worship other gods but God. Do not worship idols. Do not curse the  name of God. Build law courts in your country,’ Erez said.”
“Uncle Salvatore, the precepts are nine not seven. Why did Erez say seven precepts?”
“I guess that the precepts that had similar contents, that is, those regarding God, were grouped into one. At that time I didn’t notice how many they were.”
“After writing down the seven precepts, I was doubtful about the seventh precept. ‘I think law courts are places where people quarrel. In the courts of law there are arguments, anger, and hatred. Attorneys argue with each other, and there is also acrimony against the judge whenever one feels that his verdict is unfair. So why should we build new law courts? Instead, they should be abolished,’ I said. ‘No. It’s not like that. It is necessary that a third person judges. If law courts didn’t exist, people would kill one another, for everybody would think he is right. Without law and judges, humanity wouldn’t progress and people couldn’t settle their quarrels. To these seven precepts I want to add one special precept for you.’
“I listened to Erez and was enchanted by him. His hair and beard were dark chestnut, and his face resembled Jesus’s more and more. Then he spoke, ‘Listen to this eighth precept carefully. It is never to say bad words about anybody when they are absent and can’t defend themselves. Your words, both spoken and written, should be positive, not destructive or defamatory. I emphasize the importance of this eighth precept, for words contain vibrations and have consequences all the time.’

This is an excerpt from The Vibrations of Words: second edition by Ettore Grillo
Ettore Grillo author of these books:
– A Hidden Sicilian History
– The Vibrations of Words
-Travels of the Mind
http://www.amazon.com/author/ettoregrillo