“Language is only a lie told about the truth.”

Jacob The Baker is one of my go-to-books.  I started reading Noah benShea’s books in 1991.  Jacob the Baker the first book of a trilogy about a quiet unassuming baker; who is very wise.  I have read these books  many, many, times throughout the years.  Reading them gives me calm and focus.


“Tell us the truth about life!” Someone asked Jacob.

And Jacob responded.  “Language is only a lie told about the truth.” (p. 19 of Noah benShea’s Jacob The Baker.)

Clearly, we know of this kind of 'truth telling'.

When I read what Jacob answered I couldn’t help but think: “Language is only a lie told about the truth,”  refers directly to my last two posts on Isaiah 55.

Using language as a lie is quiet common in all areas of our lives; not just in the interpretation of the Bible.

We hear it in weather forecast where dangerous conditions are coming — snow storms, rain storms, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.. 

We certainly hear it on the nightly news all the time.   Whether is has to do with the pandemic, or politic,  or weather or whatever.

We observe it in individual conversations were people use the lie to embellish a story they are telling.

I am not at all sure if this ‘lie’ is meant as a lie — and untruth -- or not. 

It is probably more like a way to dramatize the story in order to make it more interesting.  

However when one is in the position of being God’s witness, this “Language is only a lie told about the truth,” can be extremely damaging  to those seeking the truth about God.

Clarification:  You have heard me, before, on the subject of extremely Pentecostal, conservative, Christian witness.

To be completely honest.  In one way I have great respect for their passion and faith in God.  On the other hand I have been privy to their way of telling their truth. 

And I do not appreciate the results.

I think I have told you before, in my blogs, that I myself have been the target  — and I mean target — of this kind of truth telling.  I have also been humbly present while others  talk to me about such a witness.

One example, that always come to my mind, is when I was having lunch with a college freshmen during spring break.  He had be confronted by this kind of truth telling on campus.  

What he said to me tugged hard at my heart:  “Pastor Marcia, if that is what it means to be a Christian.  I don’t want any part of it.” 

I invite you to consider how it is the you tell your truth about The Truth.