Truth is an essential part of God's character which He wants us to copy and develop in ourselves. It was one of the failings of Israel that after they had been commanded to speak the truth to their neighbours (see Leviticus 6:1-7), they had become lying and deceitful: "There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land…. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish." (Hosea 4:1-3, KJV).

At his trial before Pilate Jesus said: "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37).

Paul encourages us: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Philippians 4:8).

And the Book of Revelation tells us that there will be no place for liars in God's kingdom (see Revelation 22:14-15).