[42] "'Backbiting (pisuṇā vācā) should be given up, relying on speech that is not backbiting.' So indeed this was said; but with reference to what was it said? Here, householder, a noble disciple reflects thus: 'I am practicing for the abandoning and cutting off of those fetters (saṃyojana) on account of which I might be one who speaks backbiting speech. But if I were to speak backbiting speech, even I myself might reproach myself on account of backbiting speech; the wise, having investigated, would censure me on account of backbiting speech; and with the breaking up of the body, after death, a bad destination would be to be expected on account of backbiting speech. This backbiting speech is itself a fetter, itself a hindrance (nīvaraṇa). And whatever distressing and feverish taints (āsava) might arise on account of backbiting speech, for one who abstains from backbiting speech those distressing and feverish taints do not exist.' 'Backbiting should be given up, relying on speech that is not backbiting' — thus what was said, it was said with reference to this."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.