'If a serpent bite in silence, he is nothing better that backbiteth secretly' (Eccles. x. 11). — Example: Aman (Esth. xiii.).
11. Is every calumny or detraction equally sinful?
No; the sin is the greater, 1. The more important the fault is, and the more considerable the person of whom it is mentioned; 2. The greater the loss and injury is which he suffers by it; 3. The more people there are who hear it; and 4. The worse our intention is in divulging it.
A most injurious and detestable sin is tale-bearing or whispering—i.e., when we relate to a person what another has said of him, and thus create hatred and dissension between them. 'The whisperer and the double-tongued is accursed; for he hath troubled many that were at peace' (Ecclus. xxviii. 15).
12. Is it also a sin even to listen to detraction or calumny?
Yes, it is a sin, 1. To listen with pleasure to detraction or calumny; 2. Not to prevent it when it is in our power; and 3. To occasion and encourage it by asking questions or approving of it.
'Hedge in thy ears with thorns, hear not a wicked tongue' (Ecclus. xxviii. 28), 'The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue' (Prov. xxv. 23).
13. What is he obliged to do who, by slander or abusive language, has injured the character of his neighbor?
He is obliged, 1. To retract the slander or to beg pardon; and 2. To repair all the injury he has done him.
'A good name is better than great riches' (Prov. xxii. 1). Therefore it is an obligation to restore the former as well as the latter.
14. Must we also retract when we have divulged 'true' but hidden faults?
No; in such a case we should try to excuse our neighbor, and to repair his honor by some other lawful means.
15. When do we sin by false suspicion and rash judgment?
