“The tongue, by nature restless, does no small amount of harm among mortals so that either it squanders an opportunity by saying too much or wreaks havoc by not saying anything for long periods of silence. But when do quarrels ignite, if the tongue is checked? Or what space is there for enmities where the poison of wor…”
Valerian of Cimiez, 5th c. — HOMILY 5:1
Original
14A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
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In context
12If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
13Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
— Sirach 28:14 —
15A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.