The duty is to keep a bridle on our tongue. The reality is that we have not and we stand in need. This is one of God s chosen norms. One reason this is so important is because language is the chief expression of love for our neighbor. Conversely, it is very easy to slander someone.
Criticism almost comes naturally.
This duty is also called to our attention because we tend to rationalize it. We estimate it as a small sin, and think that we can indulge in it, because at least we are not murdering. All the while, this sin may be the favorite one of the hypocrite. Often those who seem to be the most religious are the quickest to condemn someone else. And for any who think they might be righteous on their own, after an honest assessment, if our tongues have not been bridled, then we may be in the process of deceiving ourselves and rendering our religion worthless.