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We harm others with our words, whether knowingly, and Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me is untruthful and even wrong to teach a child without more. My, me, what about the requirement of God, concern for others, that we treat our neighbor as ourselves. It is more important to God than the merit in the artificial truism itself. Some children conclude, well, it is their fault to allow my words to hurt them, so they have to toughen up, although every child eventually realizes the adage is not the truth. Naturally, when first teaching it to any child, they should be Simultaneously informed at times they will be hurt, but please, do not hurt others (think of the bullying problem today).
Anything beyond a general overview of guidance is improper from anyone, but ethically more so as a licensed attorney. Therefore, this article discusses general issues of interest related to the “truth” with no intention of providing any legal advice on any circumstance(s), whether specific.
I believe the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is far more credible considering general use of the term truth throughout life, rather than a dictionary, law or otherwise, or an encyclopedia or court opinion. The definition of the truth is through three selected excerpts from the CCC, paragraphs 2469, 2488, and 2489, a one-line foundational excerpt, followed by two more with safeguard considerations, respectively, in reaching a proper balance between discretion (nondisclosure) and disclosure. The part of the CCC from which the excerpts are from, par. 2464–2499, can be fully read at this link: Catechism of the Catholic Church - PART 3 SECTION 2 CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE 8. Keep in mind, I am a Fifth Amendment person to speak with, and I sifted through the CCC for this:
(1)
“... Truthfulness keeps to the just mean between what ought to be expressed and what ought to be kept secret: it entails honesty and discretion. .... [CCC, par. 2469, in part]
....
[2]
The right to the communication of the truth is not unconditional. Everyone must conform his life to the Gospel precept of fraternal love. This requires us in concrete situations to judge whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it. [emphasis in original] [CCC, par. 2488]
...
[3]
The good and safety of others, respect for privacy, and the common good are sufficient reasons for being silent about what ought not be known or for making use of a discreet language. The duty to avoid scandal often commands strict discretion. No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it.”, CCC, par. 2489, in part, footnote omitted.
Perhaps unknown, even seeming strange, the truth is not always the literal truth. It often is far from it, of something less. Our requirement is through God’s concern we love our neighbor as ourselves, our concern for others. Based upon His principles, it respects all else, yes, the law, but the dire public opinion and social acceptability nightmares are a responsibility.
Do the churches teach the world is right? The price to pay to be proper in a lifetime was death for many in the past, Not bitting the tongue, carrying their cross, so is it death for us today to merely control our words? Discretion is the key, only involving a little, But At All Times For Every Communication.
Those presented with a radical reorientation of their whole life to avoid their chatter are the primary concern in this article. It perhaps is meaningless or unimportant talk that occasionally includes words harmful to others, or whether chatter, harmful words otherwise. Fortunately, this problem does not have the frequent tendency of those needing help to resist. I dearly hope they will at least now begin trying to be in Heaven in the end.
The news media, influential as they are, with vast communication ability and resources, only views the matter with self-serving concern. Our awareness is helpful as an everyday resource.
The truth can vary under the circumstances, all within acceptability to God, for example, in court or an Internal Revenue Service criminal investigation. It can become quite complex, even overwhelming, resulting in jail or prison. The courts in general and the criminal justice system do not agree with much of this. However, reference to some of these principles could become helpful when needed. A judge may bend over backward when truly believing God is involved.
Some people live believing chatter demonstrates good character and openness, is most publically and socially acceptable, and not keep-up a conversation is outright shameful and to be avoided at all cost. It calls for a chatter special, oh, lunch, beware (let it flow)! All of this is off-base and, to a significant extent, wrong. They believe they are always obligated to answer a question when asked. Again, they live their lives this way.
There has been gossip since the beginning of time. Apostle St. Paul even noted the Sin within the early Christian church. Most people either forget or do not know it is a sin, and please realize it most definitely is, discussed by St. James in the Bible. To understand God’s concern, and there will be a price to pay in the end, most people incurring a setback or damage in their lifetime receive it far more through written or oral words (or a word), whether wrongful, rather than through physical impact, for example, “guilty”.
Always try to be a stronger person on behalf of God, willing to persevere in His ideal that we represent Him without limitation in this world. Despite being a reorientation of life for some, Everyone can become comfortable knowing it requires more strength of character in nondisclosure than disclosure.
May God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ, /L.S., Frank Lawrence, Sr./
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