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“Evil speaking” is often thought of as lying about someone or slandering him. It may be gossip. But, it may be as simple as telling someone’s fault or speaking anything unkind to a person or about a person who is not present. When the person is not present, it is like biting someone’s back (backbiting). They can’t see who is biting. “Evil speaking” can even be the truth when it is told with some feeling of malice or lack of caring how the statements will be taken by those who hear.

So, to be a good neighbor we will avoid “evil speaking” of one another. Are we concerned about our own good name? Then, are we just as concerned about the good name of our neighbor? We will be just as concerned when we are loving our neighbor as ourselves.

God’s Word shows He counts “evil speaking” the same as being a judge.

James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Are God’s people the apple of His eye? Yes! Zechariah 2:7-8 tells us that whosoever touches His people touches the apple of His eye. Then, how much trouble do we bring upon ourselves when we speak ill of them?

Zechariah 2:7-8 (7) Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. (8) For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Who shall dwell on God’s holy hill? Of course, all Christians would say they want to live an everlasting life with God on His holy hill. Psalm 15:1-3 tells us that those who dwell there will not slander their neighbor.

Psalm 15:1-3 (1) Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.