Do Not Speak Ill Of A Brother

Hearing a certain religious speaking ill of his brother, Saint Francis said to his vicar: "Arise, arise, inquire diligently, and if thou findest the accused brother innocent, thou shalt inflict on the accuser a punishment striking to all. Great evils will befall the order unless it is delivered from detractors; the sweet odor of many will be corrupted unless stinking mouths are closed....The brother who despoils another of the glory of his reputation shall be despoiled of the habit, nor can he raise his eyes to God until he first restore what he has taken away."

St. Francis
Miscellaneous Writings