The vice of detraction, my brethren, is an enemy to the very source of piety and grace and is abominable to the most merciful God, because the detractor feeds on the blood of the souls he has murdered with the sword of his tongue...These, like swine, wallow in mire; for, after the manner of these unclean animals (being themselves far more unclean in their consciences), they feed and gorge themselves on the defects and weaknesses which they curiously seek for and often falsly affirm they see and find in others; like mad dogs, they grumble at religious discipline and correction; they bark against their order and their superiors; and when they can, they bite.
St. Francis
Admonitions
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