James 4:11

Verse 11. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. It is not known to whom the apostle here particularly refers, nor is it necessary to know. It is probable that among those whom he addressed there were some who were less circumspect in regard to speaking of others than they should be, and perhaps this evil prevailed. There are few communities where such an injunction would not be proper at any time, and few churches where some might not be found to whom the exhortation would be appropriate. See Barnes on "Eph 4:31"; also see Barnes on "1 Pe 2:1". The evil here referred to is that of talking against others---against their actions, their motives, their manner of living, their families, etc.