We are always told to tell the truth and most of us respect it. Have you considered the definitions of truth. Half-truth means that only part of the truth is told and it is used deliberately in order to mislead someone. It is also described as a cowardly lie. White lie means an exaggeration for a half truth. Other words which are used to describe a half-truth are story, stratagem, fiction, rumor etc. It is what we chose to believe.

Truth always hurts

Nietzsche said,

Often people do not want to hear the truth because they do not want their illusions destroyed.

Sometimes we want to believe the half truth and the person who is giving us the half truth wishes to protect us. What is the bitter truth? Bitter truth is very difficult to accept. We often wish to accept the sweet lie instead of the bitter truth.

She gave up beauty in her tender youth, gave all her hope and joy and pleasant ways; she covered up her eyes lest they should gaze on vanity and chose the bitter truth. – Christina Rosetti

Only two people can tell you the truth, an enemy or a friend who loves you. Now the friend or loved one has to tell you the truth in a kind manner. One may not believe the enemy and may start hating the friend. It is a tough choice.

It is also said that truth always prevails. And it means that through truth, the divine path is spread and that truth would ultimately prevail.

Buddha said that three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.

My dear ones what is important, should one hurt a loved one by saying the truth in harsh words or by couching it in a gentle way?

I found the answer in Ephesians 4:29.

Our words should be beneficial to the hearers of those words. We should speak truth in love.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Elesban Landero Berriozábal on Unsplash