For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.
Abuse - Verbal
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 264
The People of Bahá . . . should not defile their tongues with abuse.
Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 38
The tongue is for mentioning what is good, defile it not with unseemly talk.
Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 182
In brief, all humanity must be looked upon with love, kindness and respect; for what we behold in them are none other than the signs and traces of God Himself. All are evidences of God; therefore, how shall we be justified in debasing and belittling them, uttering anathema and preventing them from drawing near unto His mercy? This is ignorance and injustice, displeasing to God; for in His sight all are His servants.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 230-231
It is not only the right but the sacred obligation of every member to express freely and openly his views, without being afraid of displeasing or alienating any of his fellow-members.
Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 177
