[Points: The meaning of the word—why the greatest of all virtues—why men tell lies—a liar is never trusted-reward of truthfulness—lies should not be told even in fun—'black lies' and 'white lies'—conclusion.]
Truthfulness means to speak the truth habitually. It is the greatest of all human virtues. In fact, it is the essence of all virtues, implying not only truthfulness in speech but also strength of mind, moral courage, honesty and many other qualities. 'To err is human' --so runs the proverb. Ordinary men try to cover their mistakes with lies in order to escape punishment or humiliation. Sometimes greed tempts them to tell lies; sometimes again they are compelled to lie under threat or pressure from influential quarters. It, therefore, requires great strength of mind and moral courage to admit mistakes or to withstand the lure of gain and fear of oppression. Truthfulness may, therefore, cause loss or suffering at first; but these are nothing in comparison with the rich reward it always brings in the end. A liar is never trusted, far less respected, by anybody. He loses the confidence of even those for whom he tells lies. They feel that one who lies for them may also lie against them. How miserable such a life is.
A truthful man, on the other hand, has a clear conscience and does not fear anybody. So his mind is free from the anxiety that constantly troubles a liar for fear of detection. Even his enemies respect him, and this respect is more valuable than any costly jewel.
Some people occasionally indulge in lies in fun. This also is bad. How are we to know if the words are used seriously or in fun? The result is we may not believe them even when they are in earnest. The well-known story of the shepherd boy who cried "Tiger, Tiger" in fun and the tragic end of his life is a good lesson on this point.
Some people divide lies into black and white, the former refer ring to lies that are uttered with an evil intent, and the latter to what they regard as innocent. But this is a mischievous division. A lie is always an evil and can never be really innocent.
It therefore, the duty of every person to practise truthfulness from childhood in order that it may become a natural thing to him like air and water.
