The devil who shows up in the first two chapters of the book of Job is both articulate and intelligent. So are the friends of Job who unintentionally sided with “the accuser.” Both used truth/half-truths… not to lift Job up… but to knock him down.
I remember temporarily losing a few notches in my hat size when I discovered that living by the truth involves both words and the attitudes that resonate with them. In that respect Greek and Jewish language and culture complement one another. While the Greeks emphasized reason, the Hebrew approach to truth puts more emphasis on integrity of heart.
A careful reading of both Testaments show that the “truth” of our faith is expressed by both words and attitudes.
That discovery has reminded me that I can memorize the Bible, say I believe it, quote it, and still have the effect of a devil on others. It also reminded me that some of the most evil people are also some of the most charming.
When the Apostle Paul wrote about the truth , he was careful to remind us about the pattern of inspired words entrusted to us (2Tim 1:13; 2:2; 2;7; 2:15; 3:15-16; 4:2). But he also reminded us that truth, like error, comes with an attitude (2Tim 1:7; 2:24; 3:10; 4:22).
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