Tuesday, March 25
Put away . . . all sorts of backbiting.—1 Pet. 2:1.

The Greek word translated "backbiting" means "insulting language." It conveys the idea of 'shooting people with words.' How well that describes the effects of an unruly tongue! Insulting speech may not seem so serious, but consider what happens when a husband or a wife uses such speech. Calling one's mate stupid, lazy, or selfish implies that his or her entire character can be summed up by a label—a demeaning one at that! This is surely cruel. And what about sweeping assertions that highlight a mate's flaws? Are not such statements as "You're always late" or "You never listen to me" really exaggerations? They are bound to elicit a defensive response. That, in turn, may trigger a heated argument. (Jas. 3:5) Over time, cutting words from either mate will erode a relationship, perhaps causing a husband or a wife to feel unloved, even unlovable. Clearly, it is important to restrain the tongue. w06 9/15 1:7-9