David identifies the characteristics of the individual who dwells in Hashem’s House: "One who walks in perfect innocence, and does what is right, and speaks the truth from his heart; who has no slander on his tongue, who has done his fellow no evil, nor cast disgrace upon his close one…. who can swear to his detriment without retracting (Psalm 15:2-4)." Rabbi Abraham Twerski explains that these verses offer us insight into human nature. Most people will communicate truthfully provided that they are not pained or inconvenienced by the truth. In that event, people will lie rather than face the truth and its consequences. To accept the truth about oneself and avoid rationalization and self-justification requires great courage. David tells us that the individual who "speaks the truth from his heart" does not retract his words, even when they are to his own detriment. This individual prefers to dwell with Hashem rather than live a dishonest but comfortable lie.

 

Copyright, 2008 Rachel Lerner