Talking about others behind their back seems almost like a sport or a competition today. We have to be intentional and paying close attention to our conversations to stop ourselves from doing it. Can we look at this for a moment?
James 4:11 commands simply, “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren.” The same Greek word is used twice in First Peter of others who “speak against you” (2:12; 3:16). We truly hate it when people “speak against us,” don’t we? Why do we do it to others? Its noun form is translated “backbiters” or “slanderers” in Romans 1:30. Do you know any backbiters? Are you one? King David asked God, “Who may dwell in Your holy hill?” (Psa. 15:1). In other words, “Who may go to heaven?” Among the answers in that psalm is this, “He who does not backbite with his tongue…nor does he take up a reproach against his friend” (15:3).
Speaking evil of someone behind their back may feel natural, since “everyone else is doing it.” But…it will cost you a home in heaven (cf. Matt. 12:36-37)!