The Whole Truth

Truth is an interesting thing. By definition, it should be an absolute. I believe it is. However, in this modern word it has a tendency to get watered down. How is it that two different politicians can make contradictory speeches and we divide up by party in choosing who to believe? Likewise, witnesses in court are sworn in and promise to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” The word truth is even emphasized by mentioning it three times, but opposing testimony often makes it clear that someone must be lying because their “truths” prove to be mutually exclusive. Not to mention the fact that virtually no one pleads guilty in court. Of course, they are often found guilty in light of overwhelming evidence. Clearly, even though there can be only one truth, it must be tested and proven. Ever fudge on your tax returns, even a little, or fight a speeding ticket when you know your were speeding? We give any number of reasons for completing tasks behind schedule, for being late, paying late, avoiding all manner of controversies. The world filled with people who, in effect, have convinced themselves that truth is merely “what you can get away with.” Is that really the world we want to live in? Is that the world we want for our children? Please answer carefully. Deception, however it seems to serve us in the short run, usually turns out to be a bitter pill indeed. For once those words of untruth are spoken and we’ve stood by them, we place ourselves in bondage to them. Truth is often more painful at the outset, but once spoken and paid for it sets us free. In the end there can only be one truth, the whole truth. A closing thought: that oath we repeat up at the witness stand always ends with the words, “so help me God.” That’s the clincher wherever truth is concerned … because He’s very hard to fool.

The Whole Truth
The truth can be a terrible thing
And all the more, if by surprise
But better by far a wretched truth
Than a world built on lies
Even semi-truth or half-truth
Though a tempting compromise
Prove cruel impostors in the end
Once unveiled from their disguise
There is no truth but whole truth
The whole truth that God can see
When we lie, we live in bondage
But the truth can set us free
By Frank Carpenter ©