Bitter envy.

If 'envy' is desire for what another has, 'bitter envy' must mean a person wants something so much that he is angry and hateful over it. Bitterness is a child of anger and resentment.

Bitter envy takes jealousy to the next step by adding resentment and anger, and from it emerges words that STAB, CUT, TEAR DOWN, REFUTE AND DIMINISH. Envious words are bitter words: They are pointed and sharp, but their target is subtle. On the surface, they may even sound righteous, but in reality, they manipulate thinking --in the speaker's favor.

We use these to reduce the stature of another so we may seem to stand taller.

A talebearer or GOSSIP ONLY WANTS HIS LISTENER TO THINK LESS OF ANOTHER SO THAT HE MIGHT THINK MORE OF HIM. Yup, this is the underlying truth.

Here's a test: Do our words build or burn ? Do we talk badly about other people ? Do we focus on their flaws ?

If we build our stature by burning another's, we are standing on a platform of ashes that will crumble and topple us anytime. Only after I was gossiped about repeatedly did I began to see my own words of envy expressed. How foolish it had made me look, trying to stand taller on a pile of ashes !