What Does The Bible Say About Truth
The Bible speaks strongly and often about truth, yet as a culture we struggle to define it. The traditional viewpoint claims truth is an absolute, revealed by God and immutable for all time. But contemporary understandings, shaped by experience and science, differ on the definition of truth and its application to different situations. This article explores what the Bible says about truth, offering both a traditional and a modern interpretation.
Are There Absolute Truths?
The Bible affirms that some truths are absolute and not subject to interpretation. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). This statement clearly claims that Jesus himself is the only source of salvation and thus, the sole source of truth. Proverbs 12:22 states early in the Bible that “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” and the book of Revelations starts with strong words of warning that “God shall not bear their anointings, and their lies” (Rev. 21:8). The Bible’s warnings against untruth are clear and consistent.
Exploring our Relationship with Truth?
The Bible also speaks about our relationship with truth and how we should respond when we hear or speak it. Proverbs 12:17 says that “He who speaks truth tells what is right,” indicating that truth is not only a condition of speaking, but also a moral ingredient. Similarly, Psalm 15:2 says that one “who speaks truth from his heart” will be blessed. Clearly, truth is valued as a character trait in the Bible.
Finding Balance in the Bible’s Perspective
The Bible’s teachings on truth are complex. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against untruth saying, “You shall not bear false witness” (Matthew 5:33). However, Jesus also acknowledged the possibility of speaking “untrue” statements that are necessary. For example, He said to Peter, “This is no longer a question of true or false, of right or wrong; what matters now is whether it stands in the best interests of my shall kingdom” (John 16:12).
This adaptation of Jesus’ parable suggests the idea of a moral “responsible truth”—one that takes into account the greater good. In this context, truth may be used for persuasion or for the purpose of protecting others. Thus, the Bible does not endorse a black-and-white morality, but instead a spectrum of truthfulness that requires wisdom and discernment.
Integrating Faith and Reason
The Bible’s discussion of truth goes beyond a question of belief. It acknowledges the role of reason in understanding truth. For example, 2 Timothy 2:7 states, “Always be prepared to present your defense for what you believe is true.” This does not mean that faith and reason are in opposition to each other, but that they are two perspectives through which the believer may gain knowledge. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Test everything; hold on to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Thus, while the Bible affirms absolute truths, it also allows for a measure of relativity and subjective interpretation. Rather than reducing the conversation to a mere binary of “right” or “wrong,” the Bible recognizes that truth is a living concept, taught through experience, tradition and, ultimately, faith.
What is the Purpose of Truth?
Truth, according to the Bible, is ultimately aimed at promoting justice, righteousness and Love. The Lord says, “This is the way of truth” (Isaiah 42:4). The Psalmist concurs, saying that “truth springs from the earth; justice looks down from heaven” (Psalm 85:11). These verses imply that truth is part of a higher purpose—one of rewarding good, punishing evil, and ultimately fulfilling the will of God.
Jesus helps to clarify what this higher purpose is when He explains that the truth will “set us free” (John 8:32). In this passage, Jesus is referring to our capacity to realize freedom by avoiding sin, false teachings, and lies. Rather than seeking to promote our egoistic selves and desires, the truth helps us to recognize our greater purpose in life—to fulfill the will and purpose of God.
What Does the Bible Say about Falsehood?
Alongside its discussion of truth, the Bible also speaks strongly of falsehood. Psalm 119:163 says that, “Every lie is an abomination to the Lord’. Falsehood is thus described as a way of living that is opposed to the will of God and ultimately detrimental to us.
Falsehood is also presented as an addiction. Isaiah 59:3-4 compares falsehood to a snake that “bites and poisons”, indicating that it can become a kind of addictive behavior. Similarly, Proverbs 19:9 claims that “a false witness will not go unpunished”, implying that injustice can arise out of a person’s continued lies and deceit.
The Book of Ecclesiastes provides an important perspective on the consequences of falsehood, saying that “a lying tongue hates those it hurts and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Ecclesiastes 10:12-13). These verses suggest that the falsehood is a form of abuse, one that destroys relationships and disrupts the peace.
Unlike truth, falsehood does not bring freedom and does not promote justice or righteousness. Instead, it leads to estrangement from God and from our fellow human being.
The Meanings of Truth and Falsehood
The Bible continually distinguishes between truth and falsehood. While truth is associated with justice, freedom and righteousness, falsehood is associated with bondage, condemnation and sin. These distinctions provide an important reminder that our words and deeds must be judged by a moral standard, rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
Cultural Perspectives on Truth
Truth is often a contested concept. As culture and perspectives change over time, so too do our ideas of what truth is, how it should be expressed, and what it should promote. The Bible speaks to this complexity, offering a holistic understanding of truth that unites faith and reason, justice and freedom.
Truth as a Spiritual Journey
The Bible encourages us to consider truth as a spiritual journey. It acknowledges our need for self-examination and growth, and calls on believers to use both faith and reason in an effort to understand the truth. Ultimately, truth is an invitation to the spirit, an opportunity to seek wisdom and grace, to love and to serve God, and to draw closer to Him.
Our Response to Truth
Truth is a living concept, continually open to interpretation. As a result, how we respond to the truth will say a great deal about our character and faith. The Bible calls on us to embrace the truth and to reject falsehood. It encourages an attitude of discernment, offering the promise of greater understanding, freedom and joy when we seek the truth.
