“Debates, envyings, wrath, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” “Whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful.”  Here we see how the Lord regards this sin; for he has classed it with the exercise of the most abominable passions of the human heart.  Yet, how common is it for professors of religion to speak freely, and without reserve, of the characters of others, and even of their own brethren and sisters in the church.  This is a great sin, and it is productive of much evil in the church and in society.  It creates heart-burnings, jealousies, and strife; and furnishes employment for tale-bearers, that most despicable set of mischief-makers.  But this sin is often committed without saying anything directly against another.  A sly insinuation is often productive of more mischief than direct evil speaking.  It leaves a vague, but strong impression upon the mind of the hearer, against the character of the person spoken of; and often creates a prejudice which is never removed.  This is most unjust and unfair, because it leaves the character of the injured person resting under suspicion, without his having an opportunity to remove it.  This is probably what the apostle means by whisperers.  Solomon, also, speaking of the naughty person and wicked man, says, “He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet.”  “He that winketh with the eye causeth shame.”  How often do we see this winking and speaking by gestures and knowing looks, when the characters of others are under discussion!  Open and unreserved evil speaking is unchristian; but this winking and speaking with the feet is mean and dishonorable.  Whenever you perceive a disposition to make invidious remarks about others, refuse to join in the conversation, and manifest your decided disapprobation.  “The north wind driveth away rain; so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.”  Bear in mind the words of the apostle James:  “If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”  So you see the habitual indulgence of this sin will cut off the hope of the loudest professors.

8. Avoid speaking of yourself. When any person makes himself and his own affairs the principal topics of conversation, he shows himself to be supremely selfish, and ridiculously vain.  It is also treating others with great disrespect:  as though one’s self were of more consequence than the whole company.  Endeavor to keep yourself as much as possible out of view, and to direct the thoughts and conversation of the company away from personal affairs, to intellectual, moral and religious subjects.  But, when any of your friends make known their difficulties to you, manifest an interest in their affairs, sympathize with them, and render them all the assistance in your power.