When does a small sin become big?

Answer

There is no such thing as a small sin. All sins are big and liable for punishment. The issue of a sin being 'small' is of mere technical import. One sin is 'small' in relation to another sin. An abusive word uttered is 'small' in relation to physically assaulting a person. It comes in the Hadith: "Beware of regarding sins to be small."