“Freedom of Speech?”

This seems to be the primary theme of our society these days. From the American comedy movie The Interview, based on the premise of assassinating North Korea's leader to the satirical cartoons in the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the exercise of the freedom of speech can lead to devastating consequences, when used irresponsibly.

I decided to further explore it. To truly understand "freedom of speech, we first must understand the meaning of “freedom.”

Freedom is “the quality or state of being free; the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom

Therefore:

Freedom of Speech is defined as “the right to express facts and opinions subject only to reasonable limitations (as the power of the government to protect itself from a clear and present danger) guaranteed by the 1st and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and similar provisions of some state constitutions” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom%20of%20speech

Freedom of speech is perhaps one of the most abused freedoms we have. From profanity to nudity these moral destroyers are acceptable and protected,… While freedom of speech gives us the right to verbally express how we feel, it does not give us the right to curse and abuse other people. Some things require self-control and respect. But unfortunately there will always be those who will pontificate that they have a right to do whatever they please. http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/grogan/051129

Our society today has become extreme in stating this as a justification for inappropriate behavior. However, this seems to be done by misinterpretation of this freedom.

Freedom of Speech is NOT freedom to:

• Be Rude.
• Disrespectful.
• Use Profanity.
• Be Hurtful.
• Assassinate someone else’s character or reputation.
• Find humor at someone else’s expense.
• Bully anyone.
• Post anything to or about someone on Social Media.

In an article titled, “Freedom of Speech Comes With Responsibility,” writer Cynthia Collins states:

"For those who get carried away thinking that free speech means anything goes, there are types of speech that are not protected. Slander (verbal defamation) and libel (written defamation), threats, treason, copyright infringements, trade secrets, and promoting unlawful acts are some of the areas where free speech does not apply. Stating an opinion is one thing but spreading malicious gossip with the intent to harm someone’s reputation, business or threaten national security."  http://guardianlv.com/2014/06/freedom-of-speech-comes-with-responsibility/

The Bible even advises in:

James 1:19 (KJV): Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Psalm 19:14 (NKJV): Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Psalm 37:30 (NKJV): The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.

Memorable Quotes:

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice.”

“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”  - Soren Kierkegaard

“It is easy to believe in freedom of speech for those with whom we agree.” -Leo McKern

“Most people do not really want others to have freedom of speech, they just want others to be given the freedom to say want they want to hear.” ― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

“I can’t curse those who don't believe as I do. I can’t express hate or disdain for those who criticize what I hold dear. I can’t outshout, bully, or taunt them. I can’t exercise the liberty of free speech because I answer to a higher law. I answer to the Word of God.” ― Lori Hatcher

We all should exercise this use of our freedom of speech carefully and in a manner that is pleasing to God…