Since I immigrated to the States the legendary truthful or fictitious story during this day has been about Washington as a boy being truthful when asked if he chopped down the cherry tree.
Truth. A relative word or an absolute description. When we talk about the Truth are we talking subjectively or objectively. The truth to one person may not be the truth to another depending on as the movie says, the Vantage Point.
The truth, that which is in accordance with facts and reality. That is what the dictionary has provided for the explanation for this heavy word.
Have you heard people speak of a white lie? Or even “fudging the truth a little”? Everyone is so hell bent on telling their version of the truth that the outcomes do not seem to matter. Or have you heard, “I am just honest. I tell it like it is.”
Sometimes the truth is not being told for good but for a vengeful, spiteful purpose. Here is a version of the truth that I experienced with a client I took care of a while back. The last aide who came to this bed ridden woman told her the truth, “Tonight, I am going to go out dancing and you never can.”
Now, there is the truth. That is dead on correct and honest. But, why and who got any use out of those words. They are not a lie but hurtful unnecessary nonsense aimed at a helpless human being with no recourse.
The only time Jesus talked about the truth he said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” No more and not less. Keep the truth to yourself unless it will build someone. Keep the truth to yourself unless it edifies another. Keep the truth to yourself unless it will help save an innocent. Keep the truth to yourself unless you have to.