In this day and age, our society in America staunchly emphasizes its freedoms… something that I cannot say that I dislike having in any way, shape or form. I enjoy my freedom as an American citizen, and I thank God for allowing me to be brought up in other cultures outside the US because I have grown to appreciate my freedom as an American all the more..

However, I do think we oftentimes abuse our freedoms (and I speak to myself here, just as much as to anyone and everyone else). In particular, I think the “freedom of speech,” as set down in the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, is often used irresponsibly… namely in the form of internet discourse, blogging, emails, and forms of communication that do not require one to face up to the actual reality of one’s words. Honestly, I dislike the way that our fast-paced society and ever-changing and new technology has made it the norm to have increased conversation through mechanical devices rather than through actual face-to-face conversation… namely because it takes away the responsibility, as well as having to face the consequences that your words might bring. This may seem ironic seeing as I am writing this on an internet blog… but in all humility, ask me to repeat anything that I say on this blog in person and I will.

Proverbs has a lot of wisdom in the area of speech, I guess you could say. Perhaps I’m being overbearing in using seven different verses as examples… but I was told once that if something is said once it has relevance, if it is said twice it is important, and if it is repeated three or more times you had better take heed.

Proverbs 10:23 – A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
       but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 18:4 -  The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
       but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Proverbs 10:14 – Wise men store up knowledge,
       but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

Proverbs 10:19 – When words are many, sin is not absent,
       but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 12:18 – Reckless words pierce like a sword,
       but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 14:3 – A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back,
       but the lips of the wise protect them.

Proverbs 16:23 – A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,
       and his lips promote instruction.

I would encourage you, my brothers and sisters and friends… take the high road. Be careful in throwing out rash comments and strong words over the internet simply because it is so easy and often without consequence. “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth…”