XIX
Refraining from Slander
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Behold the man who doeth iniquity and who speaketh not so much as the name of righteousness: it is sweet even unto him if men say, Lo, here is one who backbiteth not.
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It is wrong to turn away from good and do evil: but it is far worse to smile before and vilify behind.
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It is worthier to die at once than live by lying and slander: for such a death bringeth with it the fruits of righteousness.
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Slander not a man behind his back even though he hath insulted thee to thy very face.
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The lips may speak righteousness: but a slanderous tongue betrayeth the meanness of the heart.
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If thou slander another, he will look into thy own transgressions and expose the worst of them.
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They that know not to speak sweet and to make friendships create discord and separate men who were friends.
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Those that speak abroad the transgressions of their friends, how will they spare the transgressions of their enemies?
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How doth the Earth suffer patiently the tread of the calumniator on her bosom? Is it that she looketh unto Righteousness to rid her of him?
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If a man can scan his own faults as he doth those of his enemies, can evil ever come to him?