What does it mean by 'Speak now or forever hold your peace'?

Answer 1

SPEAK NOW, OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

The First Amendment is perhaps the most popular of the enumerated rights in the Bill of Rights. As such, it's often viewed as all but sacrosanct. But, like all of the rest of the Bill of Rights, it's being chipped away whether we take note of the fact or not. In fact, virtually every facet of the First has been weakened just within the past few weeks.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that the only free speech that's protected is that which is non-controversial or which isn't offensive to anyone!

Answer 2

Used in a wedding ceremony. "If you know of any reason why these two should NOT be joined together in holy matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

It means that if you know that one of them is married to someone else, or is keeping a secret from the other about a serious matter, you should speak up right then.
If you don't, then let it go - don't bring it up later, when nothing can be done about it.

Today, it's really a formality. We have good record-keeping to cover this. Most people would be highly upset if you disrupted their wedding with such an accusation.

Answer 3

When two people are getting married the priest will say "If anyone knows of a reason that these two should not get married, speak now or forever hold your peace." What this is referring to is people who know of a reason why they (the couple) should not be married should bring it up before the union of the two or else not at all. This would be to not break down the marriage once it is final. Why it is included in the marriage vows I am not certain, but would guess that it is there to finalize the holding of peace and not disturbing the marriage with past reasons or instances.

Answer 4

It is a phrase used in wedding services. "The priest asks the congregation if there is anyone who thinks that the couple who are being married should not be married" and says to everyone "Speak now or forever hold your peace" It means if you have very good reason why the marriage should not take place, you should tell the priest there and then and if you do not you should never mention it again and keep it to yourself forever.

Answer 5

It means if you have something to say (usually an objection or unfavorable opinion) SAY IT NOW. This is your chance. If you don't say it now, (usually later will be TOO LATE, as is the case in a wedding ceremony) we don't want to hear it later, so keep it to yourself.

Answer 6

To speak now means to speak now about whatever subject is at hand. To forever hold your peace means to not ever bring the subject up again.

Answer 7

Say Speak Now

Answer 8

it means that if you have anything to say against the bride or groom then now is the time to speak, I don't think there are too many people that do it. but we know alot that speak afterwords. most people that have someone against their wedding usually doesn't invite that party to the wedding.

Answer 9

simply: now is the time to say what is on your mind, if you choose not to ; then keep your opinion to yourself.
in a wedding ceremony I think it means; if You feel these two people should not get married then you should have your say about it, if you remain silent then a few months down the road when you want to tell them why they should have never married you should keep that opinion to yourself because you had your chanch and blew it

Answer 10

You have this one opportunity to voice your opinion and after this opportunity, your opinion will not be heard or acted upon. It is usually used in weddings before the vows are said to give someone the opportunity to say why the couple should not be wed.