Sovereign Grace Music - To Tell the Truth Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus
To tell the truth is what I want to do
Because You love the lips that speak the truth
To tell a lie leads me away from You
So help me, God, to tell the truth
Verse 1
Your Words will last forever
They never change or fade
You never break a promise
We can trust all You say
But when my words aren't truthful
I'm doing something wrong
They'll only last a moment
Suddenly they'll be gone
Verse 2
A little lie seems harmless
Like ordinary words
But lies we tell to others
Are like a sword that hurts
When someone tries to tell me
That covering up's okay
Don't let me be dishonest
Help me to humbly say
Video
To Tell the Truth - Sovereign Grace Music
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on June 21, 2010, as part of the album *Walking With the Wise*, Sovereign Grace Music's "To Tell the Truth" delivers a profoundly relevant and timeless message concerning the Christian call to honesty. While often presented in a format accessible to children, the song's theological depth and practical wisdom resonate strongly with believers of every age, serving as a foundational reminder of God's character and our reflection of it. It’s a direct plea for divine assistance in cultivating a life marked by integrity, rooted in the understanding that truthfulness is not merely a moral virtue but a direct response to who God is.
The very heart of the song, expressed in its chorus, lays bare a believer's earnest desire: "To tell the truth is what I want to do because You love the lips that speak the truth. To tell a lie leads me away from You, so help me, God, to tell the truth." This powerful opening immediately establishes the motivation for honesty as theological rather than simply ethical. We are driven to speak truth because God Himself delights in it. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight," directly affirming the divine preference. The act of lying, the song rightly identifies, inherently distances us from God, who is the very embodiment of truth (John 14:6). The chorus concludes with a humble recognition of our human weakness and a fervent prayer for God’s enabling grace, acknowledging that living truthfully is a spiritual battle requiring divine intervention. This mirrors the Psalmist's plea in Psalm 51:6, where God is said to desire "truth in the inward being," indicating that true honesty begins deep within and requires His transforming power.
Moving into the first verse, the song draws a stark contrast between God’s eternal, unwavering Word and our often fleeting, unreliable utterances. "Your Words will last forever, they never change or fade. You never break a promise, we can trust all You say." This line beautifully captures the steadfast nature of God's character, as depicted in passages like Psalm 119:89 ("Forever, O Lord, your word is firm in the heavens") and Numbers 23:19 ("God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind"). God’s promises are unbreakable, and His declarations are utterly trustworthy. By juxtaposing this divine perfection with human fallibility, "But when my words aren't truthful, I'm doing something wrong. They'll only last a moment, suddenly they'll be gone," the song powerfully illustrates the transient and destructive nature of deceit. Untruthful words lack substance and eternal weight, fading away like a puff of smoke, leaving behind only the stain of dishonesty. This serves as a vital call to align our speech with God’s unchanging truth, knowing that our words carry spiritual weight and reflect either His character or our fallen nature.
The second verse tackles the insidious nature of "little lies," revealing their deceptive power and harmful consequences. "A little lie seems harmless, like ordinary words. But lies we tell to others are like a sword that hurts." This imagery is striking and accurate. Often, we rationalize small deceptions as insignificant, failing to grasp their potential for damage. However, the Bible consistently warns against all forms of falsehood, recognizing that even minor untruths can inflict deep wounds, much like "rash words are like sword thrusts," as Proverbs 12:18 describes. The song then confronts the peer pressure or cultural temptation to cover up the truth: "When someone tries to tell me that covering up’s okay, don’t let me be dishonest, help me to humbly say." This highlights a common struggle where expediency or fear might tempt us to compromise integrity. The earnest prayer to remain steadfast and "humbly say" the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, underscores the courage required to live by God's standard. Colossians 3:9 directly commands, "Do not lie to one another," emphasizing that honesty within the community of faith is crucial and reflects the new self we put on in Christ. This song, therefore, is not just about avoiding punishment but about actively pursuing a life that honors God and blesses others through genuine, transparent communication.
Ultimately, "To Tell the Truth" is an inspiring anthem for integrity, serving as a powerful catechetical tool for all who seek to walk in God's ways. It meticulously unpacks the theological reasons for truthfulness, grounds them in God's infallible character, and exposes the subtle dangers of deceit. Its message transcends age, challenging every individual to examine their speech and to consistently appeal to God for the grace to live as a testament to His unwavering truth. It is a profound declaration that a life of honesty is not only pleasing to God but also essential for fostering healthy relationships, reflecting Christ, and experiencing the freedom that comes from aligning our words with His eternal Word.