Truth is an absolute that no one can circumvent. If you’re Torah observant, you should always walk in truth. A person should be careful to also act righteously, just not “self righteously.” David Luria found this idea of always acting righteous and speaking only truth, to be very important in his life. It was said that he was able to read and speak seven different languages fluently, including French. Once, a group of his anti-semitic antagonists slandered him before the government. He was arrested and a few days later brought before a group of high government officials to confirm the charges against him. When the interrogation began, the officials spoke among themselves in French, thinking the Rabbi would not have any idea what they were saying. Hearing them speak, the Rabbi moved away.

Observing this, the Chief Minister turned to him and said in a menacing tone, “Why did you move from your designated area? How dare you move away on your own.” “Your Honor”, answered the Rabbi in French, “I am sorry, but I overheard the officials speaking about my case in French, thinking I did not understand them. However, as you can see, I am quite fluent in French. I could not listen to their conversation while deceiving them, as if I did not know what they were saying. That would be a dishonest thing to do on my part, so therefore, I moved away so I could not overhear them.” Needless to say the officials were quite taken aback at this man’s integrity and honesty. As a result, he found favor in their eyes and was exonerated of all the charges that had been falsely leveled at him. How many of us would have done what he did in those circumstances? Truth is indeed hard to come by, but well worth the effort!