The grace not to speak ill of others

From Pope Francis...

"There is no need to go to a psychologist to know that when we denigrate another person it is because we are unable to grow up and need to belittle others, to feel more important.  This is 'an ugly mechanism'.  Jesus, with all simplicity says: 'Do not speak ill of one another.  Do not denigrate one another.  Do not belittle one another'".  (Homily on June 13, 2013)

From the Scriptures...

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."  (Psalm 141.3 NRSV)

"O Lord, who may abide in your tent?  Who may dwell on your holy hill?  Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends."  (Psalm 15.1-3a)

"I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue."  (Psalm 39.1a)

"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  (Proverbs 21.23 CJB)

"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so."  (James 3.10 NAB)

"It is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." (Matthew 15.11b NRSV)

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