Text: PSALMS 34:12-14
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
THE SUBSTITUTE TO THE TRUTH
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:8 “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.”
A bright lamp in a dark room is the truth. It shows everything clearly, the colours of the walls, the shape of the furniture, and where to step safely. Now imagine someone turns off the lamp and instead lights a candle. The candle gives a little light, but not enough to see the whole room. That candle is the substitute to the truth. It is not the full light. It gives some comfort, but it hides more than it shows.
A substitute to the truth is anything that tries to take the place of the truth but is not complete or real. It can be a lie, a half-truth, or even just silence when something needs to be said. People sometimes use substitutes because the truth can be hard to face. Like when a person says they are “just tired” when really, they are sad or worried. Saying “tired” is easier, but it is not the full truth.
Putting a band-aid over a deep wound might cover it, but the wound is still there, getting worse. In the same way, hiding the truth with something false may feel good for a while, but in the long run, it causes confusion, pain, and mistrust.
There are many reasons why people choose substitutes. Fear is a big one fear of being judged, punished, or hurting someone. Pride is another, not wanting to admit a mistake. Sometimes, people simply want to control how others think or feel, so they give only part of the truth.
But just like how a candle cannot replace a lamp, a substitute cannot truly replace the truth. The real truth, even when it is difficult, helps people grow, heal, and trust each other. Truth clears the way like sunlight breaking through the fog.
While the substitute to the truth might seem useful or kind in the moment, it is still only a shadow of what is real. And shadows, no matter how soft they appear, cannot help us walk safely through life. Only the truth full and honest can light the path clearly
COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 1; SS&S 1167: BE THE MATTER WHAT IT MAY, ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH
1. Be the matter what it may, always speak the truth;
Whether at your work or play, always speak the truth
Never from this rule depart, grave it
deeply on your heart,
Written ’tis upon your chart :
” Always speak the truth ! ”
2. There’s a charm in honesty, always
speak the truth ; [speak the truth ;
There is meanness in a lie; always
He is but a coward slave, who, a present
pain to waive,
Stoops to falsehood; then, be brave;
Always speak the truth.
3. When you’re wrong, the folly own,
always speak the truth;
There’s a triumph to be won, always
speak the truth ;
He who speaks with lying tongue adds
to wrong a greater wrong;
Then, with courage true and strong,
Always speak the truth.
Today’s Prayer
1. Lord, help me always speak the truth, even when it is difficult.
2. Father, remove every fear that tempts me to use lies instead of truth.
3. Lord, guide others to walk in truth and shine Your light in all they do.
