Commentary; Posted: 8/1/07
‘To tell the truth’
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
“To tell the truth” is an expression often used by those who place a premium on truth when seeking information on persons or subjects important to them.
The respondent is closely watched for indications of sincerity and honesty on which a large premium is placed.
The speaker is judged not only by what is said, but also by facial expressions and bodily actions. This integrity may be compared to social glue which strengthens relationships and helps to hold society together.
With the 2008 political campaign already under way, the importance of learning the truth about candidates and their positions on the issues of our day is vital.
Many Americans recall the story of George Washington, our first president, who tradition tells us cut down a family cherry tree. When his father inquired about the matter, young George admitted his guilt by saying: “I cannot tell a lie.”
Today we want this kind of honesty from those who would lead us.
Over the centuries there has been a longing for the truth and truthful people.
The ancient philosopher, Diogenes, was said to carry a lantern, explaining, “I am looking for an honest man.”
The English reformer, Oliver Cromwell, said: “A few honest men are better than numbers.”
Poet Robert Burns wrote: “An honest man’s the noblest work of God.”
We do not like to be lied to, even if we may not always be truthful. We do not care to be victims of deception, and neither do we have much affection for our deceiver.
Nevertheless, we shall cross paths with dishonest people, and occasionally be victims of their deception. It will be a learning experience, either positive or negative.
Some will be attracted to the short-term gains of deception, but the wise will be repelled.
It is true that if a lie is told often enough, there will be those who will believe it, and we see this in society, in politics and even in religion. Lies or half-truths in conversations can turn into harmful gossip. Those who are “economical with the truth” and are able to “lie with a straight face” have had to practice their techniques; honest folk do not need to rehearse.
When we tell the truth, at a later date we do not have to worry about what we said, and do not have to cover up for an untruthful statement.
The Bible has considerable to say about truth and falsehood.
In 1 Samuel 15:29 the prophet Samuel declares that God does not lie. Jesus says in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (It is interesting to note that Jesus is the only religious leader in history to claim he is the truth; all others speak of truth objectively, “here is truth,” or “there is truth”).
On the other hand, Satan, the devil, is the source of lying, as we read in John 8:44 (Jesus is speaking): “when he (the devil) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
The Scriptures give a number of accounts of those who lied and the price they paid for their dishonesty.
In 2 Samuel 11 there is the sordid account of the sin of King David of Israel in committing adultery with a married woman, Bathsheba. His attempted cover-up involved untruthfulness and eventually, the murder of her husband, a loyal member of his army.
The prophet Nathan fearlessly confronted David (see the next chapter), and to his credit the sinning monarch confessed his sin, repented of it, and sought and found God’s forgiveness. (See Psalm 51).
In the past it was often difficult to hide lying and its consequences, but in these days of sophisticated ways of detecting crimes and the guilty parties, they can be exposed quickly.
Of course there is the possibility of showing up untruth without the aid of special equipment.
A man was stopped by a traffic officer for speeding. The policeman claimed he was driving 20 miles over the speed limit. He vigorously denied it, and they argued for several moments.
The man’s wife leaned over and said to the officer, “I think you should know it’s not a good thing to argue with my husband when he has been drinking.”
The Spanish novelist and poet, the author of Don Quixote, Miguel Cervantes, said it well: “Honesty is the best policy.” “To tell the truth” is one of the best keys to a happy life, truly!
Bible quotations are from the New International Version.
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