The fundamental reason for using spiteful language is to discredit others. Spiteful words are loaded with malice and evil. Gossip and slander are examples of spiteful talk that belittles and humiliates those disliked or hated. Remember, God’s word never approves of spiteful language.
Feelings of jealousy are perpetuated by inferiority. Feelings of inferiority give birth to malicious jabs directed toward whomever is considered a threat. When my children were in middle school, spiteful taunts filled with sarcasm were common when speaking to friends and foes alike.
God does not approve of a spiteful attitude, for it does not indicate love for God or oneself. Listen to Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.” Proverbs 15:28 follows with, “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking.” God’s way is better.
Malice backfires; spite boomerangs.
~Proverbs 26:27 The Message
Have done, then, with all evil and deceit, all pretense
and jealousy and slander.
~1 Peter 2:1 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern
English
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