The honesty of speech can be important in developing trust...some times.

But there are also times when things just simply shouldn't be said, even though you might think it.

The ability to apply a filter to your verbal, or written, comment - in spite of what you really think - can some times be essential for the sake of compassion and consideration of the feelings of others. And also to protect your bank account.

This is an important message for those who have a tendency of shooting off their mouth, or writing a comment on social media (as is more the case in the 21^st century), without any solid proof of truth.

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Such free speakers may well be happy to sprout their opinion without a second thought to fact or how their words may be received.

However, as much as free speech has been given a greater power because of social media, so too has the potential to find yourself in court for unfounded and defamatory comment.

And no-one is above the law.

In one of the first judgments of its kind in Australia, in 2013, a former student of a NSW high school was ordered to pay damages of $105,000, plus costs, to a teacher at the same school, for defamatory statements posted on Twitter and Facebook.

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Even the comments other people put on your Facebook posts could land you in hot water with the law.

Providers of digital forums and platforms, including small businesses and community groups with Facebook pages, could be liable for defamatory content authored by other people if they know about it and fail to act.

It is the responsibility of the page owner or administrator to promptly remove any potential defamatory comments from others.

For those struggling to determine if they are stepping over the line with their opinion, defamation occurs when a statement is made that tends to diminish someone's reputation and may also subject them to hatred and ridicule through libel or slander.

Just because you say something you believe is factual, doesn't mean it is fact unless proved beyond doubt.

The bottom line is be careful what you say, including on social media. Your comment could end up costing you more than just freedom of speech.