Hot Topics: Free Speech

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

 Proverbs 16:34 (ESV)

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 (ESV)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

James 1:19 (ESV)

Free speech is an American trademark (and as I write this, it’s being challenged). Free speech headlines our famous Bill of Rights.* But… remember Paul's words on legal rights:

'All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful' (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Therein, let’s consider the helpful part, because God’s Word is our primary Script, (and all governments are ephemeral).

But right now…

As an exercise in self-reflection, let’s consider the words WE choose to say…as well as the words others say to us.

Are they thoughtful, gentle, and uplifting? Because “free speech” can bring harm, when words are...

  1. Judgmental, critical, and demeaning: 'Sharp words cut like a sword' (Proverbs 12:18). ‘Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor’ (Psalm 52:2).

  2. Flattering, but lacking sincerity: 'For there is no truth in their mouth... They flatter with their tongue' (Psalm 5:9).

  3. Idle, frivolous, and insensitive: 'For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment' (Matthew 12:36).

  4. Spreading cruel and subversive gossip: 'Meddling in other people's business and talking about things they shouldn't' (1 Timothy 5:13).

  5. Cunningly and deliberately false: 'A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish' (Proverbs 19:9).

  6. Stirring up strife, especially in groups: 'Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out...' (Proverbs 22:10).

  7. Twisting or editing the Word of God. 'You shall not add to the Word which I am commanding you, nor take away from It' (Deuteronomy 4:2).**

Bottom line: our speech may be free of legal fallout, but spiritually, words bring effect: specifically, they bring LIFE or DEATH.

Reminder: When possible, do NOT associate with someone whose words fit these 7 groups.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Media revolves around words and scripts: great stories, script-writers, and songwriters. The best producers, directors, and stars ALL AGREE that words are the foundation of any project’s success or failure.

Funny how Hollywood agrees with God! Personally and professionally, carefully consider the words you use… in all contexts and for all good reasons!

P.S. For every wise and biblical mandate, DON’T get caught in political debates or anything with heated words and speech.

Hot Topics: Free Speech (Part 26)

* As I edit this free speech devotion (Fall, 2025), free speech in America is challenged (as well as other parts of our cherished constitution), leading me to 3 conclusions.

  1. Freedom is only guaranteed through Christ. Politics can flip freedom like a dime, especially when we’re inattentive, self-absorbed, and stop caring for others.

  2. Those of us who live comfortable lives should try to help everyone who isn’t. More people live in full-on slavery than at any time in Earth’s history.

  3. Jesus came here to set the captives free, and He’s counting on us to walk it out. So let’s look around for the “least of these” (Matthew 25) and stop (mostly) considering ourselves.

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban