February 8

Why do people like to blame each other so much? Because by blaming someone else, a person feels that he would not have done that for which he blames his neighbor. This is also why people like to listen to others blaming their neighbors.

1

Blame, no matter whether it is unjust or just, harms three parties at once: the one about whom bad things are said, the one to whom the bad things are said, and, most of all, the one who says them. “Hide another’s sin and God will forgive two of yours,” goes the proverb. And it is true.

2

People enjoy backbiting so much that it is very difficult to restrain yourself from entertaining the people you are talking with by judging another.

3

When two people are quarreling, both are always at fault. And that is why the quarrel can only end when one of the two acknowledges his guilt.

4

Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye,” and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.

— Matthew 7:1–5

5

Always watch yourself and, before blaming another, think first about correcting yourself.

— From “Devout Thoughts”

6

You may do much harm by indiscreet praise and by indiscreet blame; but remember, the chief harm is always done by blame.

— John Ruskin

Stop blaming people, and you will feel what a drunkard feels when he stops drinking, or a smoker when he stops smoking: you will feel a burden lifted from your soul.