If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it, write it in the sand near the water's edge.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence, which costs us nothing.
Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.
I would talk in iambic pentameter if it were easier.
Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.
Always speak the truth, think before you speak, and write it down afterwards.
Instead of sounding pretentious, phony, or repetitive, I'd rather not speak.
First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.
Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.
Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves. Nothing is often a good thing to say, and always a clever thing to say.