"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Proverbs 18:21. In Scripture, backbiters are classed with "haters of God," with "inventors of evil things," with those who are "without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful," "full 236 of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity." It is "the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death." Romans 1:30, 31, 29, 32. He whom God accounts a citizen of Zion is he that "speaketh the truth in his heart;" "that backbiteth not with his tongue," "nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor." Psalm 15:2, 3.

»Død og liv er i tungens vold.« Ordsp. 18,21. I Skriften bliver bagvaskere sat i klasse med»gudshadere,« med mennesker, som er»opfindsomme på ondt,« med dem, der et»ukærlige, ubarmhjertige,"»fulde af misundelse, mordlyst, kiv, svig og ondsindethed."»De kender Guds retsordning, at de, der handler således, fortjener døden.« Rom. 1,29-32. Den, som Gud regner for at være en af Zions borgere, er den, der»taler sandhed af sit hjerte,"»ikke bagtaler med sin tunge,« og»ej bringer skam over ven.« Sl. 15,2-3.