Be a Truth Talker
That is just blarney!
Our visit several years ago to the Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland gave occasion to learn of the origin of the epigram.
The Blarney Stone is among the machicolations of the castle. It is located in a precarious place several stories high requiring anyone desiring to kiss it to lean over backwards in space and kiss the stone above them. Legend has it that if you do it will give you the ability to speak eloquently.
Some say the expression was given the place by Queen Elizabeth I, who – after failing multiple times to steal the stone for herself – labeled the stone’s powers useless and utter “blarney.”
A story told me while visiting there was that a man named Blarney lived in the castle. He was known for making promises and not keeping them. Soon any unfulfilled promises by any person resulted in people saying, “That’s just blarney.” Really it is a synonym for a lie.
The Scripture promises a blessing to the person “…who swears to his own hurt and does not change…” (Psalm 15: 4). Such a person keeps his word even if it works in an unexpected way to his disadvantage.
Scripture notes that we are to engage in “speaking the truth in love….” (Ephesians 4:25). Note two principals in that verse. First, the person who speaks must speak the truth. Secondarily he is to do it in love. Even if it is true whether or not it is spoken is determined if it is spoken in love. If it isn’t, don’t speak it.
Shane Claiborne said, “My goal is to speak the truth in love. There are a lot of people speaking the truth with no love, and there are a lot of people talking about love without much truth.”
A worthy byword is: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
This requires thoughtful discipline in determining whether or not to speak. Run a thought through the final filter of love. “Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit” (Proverbs 15:1).
Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Read that book for the sake of your friends.
For, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight” ( Proverbs 12:22).
The great Indian Chief Joseph who was betrayed by many whites left us this apothegm, “I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises. There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk. It does not require many words to speak the truth.”
Concise communication is a virtue. Say what you want to say using the fewest words possible. You will be appreciated all the more if you do.
Live as you pray, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Ps 19: 14).