I once had a teacher that asked a question to the class. He asked, “Do we have freedom of speech?’ To which we replied, “Yes.” He then said, “Okay, then go into a courtroom and yell fire and see what happens.” You see we do have freedom of speech, but there are rules and limitations. You can’t just say or do whatever you want without repercussions.
I have heard it said by folks, It doesn’t matter what I say. I can talk any way I want. I’m not hurting anybody. If you have said these or thought these, let’s look at the Word of God to see what it says.
Ephesians 4:29 KJV Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 15:4 NET Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.
2 Timothy 2:16 NET But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,
That seems pretty straightforward, but in case you’re not convinced.
Psalm 109:17 KJV As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.
Really read that. Do we want curses to be upon us or blessings?
Does God pay that much attention to what we say? I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV).
To top all of this off let’s talk about Peter. Twice Peter had denied Christ and it didn’t convince those accusing him. So what did Peter do to convince them that he was not affiliated with Jesus? Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man (Matthew 26:74 KJV).
You see it really does matter what we say. It can lead us into ungodliness, or it can lead us toward God depending on how we talk. So let’s be very attentive to what we say that we may speak words of life and glorify God.
James 3:9-11 NET 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. 11 A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it?
Psalm 19:14 KJV Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.