Truth
DAY TWO
PONDER THIS ENGRAVING
MEDITATE ON THESE VERSES
Exodus 26:6 | Psalm 15:2 | Proverbs 12:17 | Daniel 4:37 | 1 Peter 1:22 | John 4:24 | John 17:17 | John 3:18
Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? He that speaketh truth in his heart. Psalm 4:23–––Thy Word is Truth. John 17:17
POETIC REFLECTION
Truth—glorious truth!—from heaven’s own light,
Clothed in quiet strength, with grace and might.
She holds a mirror in her steady hand,
Where all is seen, just as it stands.
Her other hand rests on the sacred Word,
Where purest truth is always heard.
She crushes the mask of false disguise,
Most radiant when she refuses lies.
Behind her, the Temple stands serene,
Reflected clearly in the stream—
So too, her words, her thoughts, her ways,
Shine bright as sunlight’s steady blaze.
Truth is the image of our God above,
Reflected in His endless love.
All hail, dear Truth, from realms on high—
Come reign on earth, and lift our eyes.
Let virtue lead, let justice stand—
Your power will rise and guide this land.
DEVOTION OF INTERPRETATION
Truth is pictured as a humble young woman. Her clothing is simple, nothing flashy—just pure and honest. In her right hand she holds a mirror. The mirror reflects everything exactly as it is—no exaggeration, no distortion, no cover-up. That’s what Truth does too. She reveals things plainly, without spin or embellishment.
Her left hand rests on the Holy Bible, showing us where she gets her wisdom and how she lives. Scripture is her foundation—the source of truth that never changes. Beneath her feet lies a mask—the mask of hypocrisy. She has stepped on it with purpose. Truth doesn’t wear disguises. She has no patience for anything fake or deceitful.
Behind her stands the Temple of Truth. Its image is reflected perfectly in the calm waters that flow nearby—a symbol of clarity and peace that comes when truth is present.
In a biblical sense, truth is vital. More than wealth, more than reputation, more than power—truth is what gives a person lasting character. It’s a treasure more valuable than silver or gold, more dignified than any title or status. People want to be respected—but you can't be truly respected unless you're truly known. And you can’t be truly known unless you live and speak the truth.
We often only see the surface of others, unsure if what’s shown is real. Many hide behind false appearances, like pirates sailing under a borrowed flag. But someone who lives with integrity—who speaks truth from the heart and lives it out—is someone we can trust, honor, and love.
The French once said, “Nothing is beautiful except truth.” And though it may not always be popular, the statement holds weight. Truth is beautiful wherever you find it. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the most beautiful of all. Truth is the strength of youth, the crown of old age, and the path to joy—both now and forever.
Scripture makes this clear:
“Who is the person who desires life and longs to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” — Psalm 34:12–13
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? He who speaks the truth.” — Psalm 15:1–2
It’s said that when Cyrus, the ancient Persian king, was asked what the first thing he learned was, he answered: “To tell the truth.” He must have had excellent teachers. Others—like Lord Chesterfield—might have told him to say what’s convenient. But real greatness starts with honesty.
There’s a tradition from the days of Daniel: A king once asked his wise men what the strongest thing on earth was. One said wine. Another said women. But Daniel said, “Truth.” The king agreed—and gave Daniel the prize.
So let us do the same.
“Wherever you find truth, hold on to it. Whether it’s from a friend or a foe, whether it comes from a believer or not—truth is always a gift from God.”
Let mercy and truth be your companions. Bind them around your neck. Write them deep within your heart. That’s how you’ll gain favor with both God and people.
(Proverbs 3:3–4)
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
(Proverbs 12:19)“Buy the truth and never sell it.”
(Proverbs 23:23)“Speak truth to one another. Carry out justice with honesty and compassion.”
(Zechariah 8:16)“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who live with honesty are His delight.”
(Proverbs 12:22)
Now here’s a modernized version of the poem that follows:
Wherever truth takes root, let it grow—
Among your friends, or with your foe.
On sacred ground or foreign land,
God’s truth remains—a flame unplanned.
Truth–revised version. Re-written by Father Media Group, in modern language, inspired by the original works of Barber, John Warner, 1798-1885. Bible Looking Glass: Reflector, Companion and Guide to the Great Truths of the Sacred Scriptures, and Illustrating the Diversities of Human Character, and the Qualities of the Human Heart.
Philadelphia, Bradley, Garretson & Co., 1861