This post was last updated on January 16, 2026

Day 320, Year 1

Be a Truth-teller

“And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.” (Psalm 119:43 NKJV)

The “truth” in today’s verse is the Hebrew word ’emeth. If we are asked to keep speaking the truth, it might make us feel tired and unattainable. It is better to understand the word “truth” here as factual words. I believe that the above explanation of “truth” as true speech should be correct and acceptable. True words will never depart from the mouth of those who belong to God. Thus, one of the things we do to serve God with an honest heart is to speak the true words. Truthful speech is what is spoken in accordance with a person’s conscience.

Being honest to speak out about what we know is also in line with the requirement of the scripture, even if we know only a little bit of the whole picture. The reason is simple. When there is only a part of the truth that people know, how can they tell the entire truth? On some occasions, suppose you are invited to speak the truth, but do not have enough time to speak the whole truth. In this case, you have to consider whether or not to say it. If you tell part of the truth but mislead people, it is better for you to say nothing. In this case, we need to weigh what we say and what is more in line with God’s justice or righteousness.

The word “ordinance” in the verse in Hebrew is misphat, which also means “justice, fairness, or judgment.” Practically, it is usually useful for believers to pray to God and seek His judgment when we are uncertain. God’s judgments can be what is written in the Bible, or the result of what believers seek from Him, case by case. In any case, God’s judgment will be consistent with His attribute of righteousness and justice. He is the ultimate true One and the One who makes His people truthful. When we continue to speak the true words of God, we gradually become honest believers. Conversely, when some people keep on telling lies, they become liars and of the devil. 

It is challenging for believers to keep on speaking the truth in this world of deception. But the psalmist prayed to God for His help because his hope is in His judgments. So, the true words would not leave his mouth. God gives each of His people an assignment to speak solely the true words, which is what we experience. In telling God’s truth, the most paramount of all these is that believers should abandon all untrue words and thoughts, always look to God’s judgment, and thus speak according to His judgments.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you find it difficult to keep telling the truth? If you have difficulties, how can you rely on the Lord to overcome them?

2) Have you ever met someone who keeps telling lies? If so, how do you deal with those liars?