Keeping quiet, staying silent, and being civil doesn’t even take a second never mind 30 seconds. That makes this being Jewish very unique in that it is both easy and hard. It is easy for you to see when other people gossip, spread rumors, or just make something up. It is hard because you want to criticize other people and even make comments about them or tell others that they like to gossip. See how quickly you turn listening into gossiping about others! It happens without your thinking, your tongue is moving before engaging the brain. That is why this 30 seconds is called L’Shon HaRah or guard your tongue from speaking evil.