A. Think about their virtues:

PHI 4:8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

PHI 1:3. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

B. Remember the blessings for not backbiting:

PSA 15:1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

PSA 15:3. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

1PE 3:10. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

REV 14:5. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

C. Make an effort to not speak evil:

PSA 17:3. Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

PSA 39:1. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

PRO 30:32. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

D. Don't even think evil:

PSA 19:14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

ECC 10:20. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

MAR 7:21. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

2COR 10:5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

E. You can't speak good if your heart is full of evil:

MAT 12:34. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

F. Beware of hypocritical flattery:

PSA 12:2. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

PSA 28:3. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

PSA 55:21. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

PSA 62:4. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

PRO 26:23. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

PRO 26:25. When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

PRO 26:26. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.