I am not sure about my maternal grandmother’s level of formal education, but to me she was one of the wisest persons in the world. She had so many sayings that seemed so full of wisdom. For example, she would ask you a question and before you answered she would say, “Tell the truth and make the Devil shame.” As a kid whenever my grandmother said that I felt challenged to tell the truth, even if I thought it would get me in trouble. And sometimes it did! But I would learn later that telling the truth was always the right thing to do.
Today, telling the truth is not as straightforward and in some cases, not even expected or encouraged. The truth gets twisted. Alternative facts are created. In many countries, people are frowned upon for telling the truth and sometimes, media houses are shut down. There are times when journalists are castigated, arrested, and in the case of Jamal Khashoggi, the columnist for The Washington Post, assassinated. Repressive governments around the world are quick to retaliate when someone exposes the wrong things they do. But if you want people to always say nice things about you, then always do nice things. The facts are the facts, and truth reflects facts.
When taking an oath in court a witness swears to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This is important, as someone’s life or a just resolution hinges on the truth. If you went to your physician, you would want him/her to tell you the truth about your condition, even if you don’t like what you hear. You are better off knowing the fact about your health, instead of an alternative fact.
Telling the truth is important for human relationships, building character, and living with integrity. I want to offer some tips about the truth, why and how you should tell it, and what telling the truth will do for you.
1. The truth is liberating. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32).
2. The truth enables justice and peace. Speak the truth to one another; render in your courts judgments that are true and make for peace (Zachariah 8:16).
3. Not telling the truth can injure others and yourself. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25).
4. Tell the truth lovingly, respectfully, and gently. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way…(Ephesians 4:15).
5. The truth saves. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. (Prov. 14:25).
Wisdom for Your Week
Sometimes telling the truth may be painful, but it will always be profitable.
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