Free speech and God's wisdom to measure your words!

The concepts of free speech and godly wisdom provide a framework for using words both responsibly and powerfully. While free speech grants the liberty to express oneself, biblical wisdom places a moral and spiritual imperative on how that liberty is exercised, emphasizing that words should be measured, truthful, and edifying. God wants us to speak the truth boldly (Ephesians 6:20), but He never promises that we will always be free to speak without consequences. We should not just expect free speech. The Bible never suggests that we should always expect to have freedom of speech as Christians; in fact, it is quite the opposite. The life Jesus promises us is one marked by persecution. Christian theology does not view free speech as an absolute right but as a gift to be used for good. Biblical wisdom offers specific guidance on how to manage this powerful tool. Words reflect the heart of a person! Scripture teaches that what comes out of a person's mouth reveals what is in their heart. Jesus taught, "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person" (Matthew 15:11). God's wisdom, therefore, is rooted in transforming the heart, which then changes the nature of one's speech. Scripture gives many principles for measuring one's words. Be slow to speak: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). Be gracious: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:6). Gracious words are described as "sweetness to the soul and health to the body" (Proverbs 16:24). Buildup, don't tear down: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). Restrain your words: The Book of Proverbs warns that "when words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent" (Proverbs 10:19). Restraint is a mark of knowledge and understanding. The tension between free speech and godly wisdom is managed by viewing the former as a political right and the latter as a moral and spiritual obligation. A biblical approach seeks to govern its use through the higher principles of divine wisdom. This involves using speech to build others up, speak truthfully, and glorify God, even when expressing unpopular or challenging truths! Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor