Never to allow ourselves to speak one unkind word about another, even though that other be our enemy. (57:5)

To an American friend He writes: The worst human quality and the most great sin is backbiting, more especially when it emanates from the tongues of the believers of God. If some means were devised so that the doors of backbiting could be shut eternally, and each one of the believers of God unsealed his lips in praise of others, then the teachings of His Holiness Baha'u'llah would be spread, the hearts illumined, the spirits glorified, and the human world would attain to everlasting felicity. (57:6)

Humility
While we are commanded to overlook the faults of others, and see their virtues, we are commanded, on the other hand, to find out our own faults and take no account of our virtues. Baha'u'llah says in the Hidden Words: (57:7)

O Son of Being!
How couldst thou forge thine own faults and busy thyself with the faults of others? Whoso doeth this is accursed of Me. (57:8)

O Emigrants!
The tongue I have designed for the mention of Me, defile it not with detraction. If the fire of self overcome you, remember your own faults and not the faults of My creatures, inasmuch as every one of you knoweth his own self better than he knoweth others. (57:9)

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