As an American, we often hear about the free speech we enjoy as a legal right in this country. Indeed, I think it is one of the greatest accomplishments of the USA and it enshrines the dignity of the voice of the people among our most important values. But we all know that free speech, in order to truly be so, must be bounded by some guidelines. A threat is not free speech; it is violence, legally. A lie which destroys the character of a person in the eyes of others is defamation, and punishable.

The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

As believers we must hold sacred the power of language. Words can build up or destroy. They can rescue or kill. They can save a soul or drag us into damnation with them. Consider the words you say. The fruit they bear will show their potential.

Ethan Kirl