In this day the mysteries of this earth are unfolded and visible before the eyes, and the pages of swiftly appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world; they display the doings and actions of the different nations; they both illustrate them and cause them to be heard. Newspapers are as a mirror which is endowed with hearing, sight and speech; they are a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter. But it behoveth the writers thereof to be sanctified from the prejudice of egotism and desire and to be adorned with the ornament of equity and justice; they must inquire into matters as much as possible, in order that they may be informed of the real facts, and commit the same to writing.
Truthfulness
Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 171
It behoveth you to observe truthfulness, whereby your temples shall be adorned, your names uplifted, your stations exalted amidst men, and a mighty recompense assured for you before God.
Bahá’u’lláh, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts
Say: trustworthiness is the sun of the heaven of My commandments, truthfulness is its moon, and praiseworthy attributes are its stars. Yet the people, for the most part, understand not.
Bahá’u’lláh, Trustworthiness, p. 332
The purpose of the one true God in manifesting Himself is to summon all mankind to truthfulness and sincerity, to piety and trustworthiness . . . His object is to array every man with the mantle of a saintly character, and to adorn him with the ornament of holy and goodly deeds.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 298
The virtues and attributes pertaining unto God are all evident and manifest, and have been mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books. Among them are trustworthiness, truthfulness, purity of heart while communing with God . . . and complete reliance, in all circumstances, upon Him. These rank, according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts. All other acts are, and will ever remain, secondary and subordinate unto them.
Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 290
Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. Without truthfulness progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also be acquired.
Bahá’u’lláh, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 22
Again: be ye most careful that, God forbid, not one single word contrary to truth issue from your mouths. One falsehood throws man from the highest station of honour to the lowest abyss of disgrace. Always guard yourselves against this enemy so that all you state may correspond with reality. Forever supplicate and entreat at the Court of Majesty and beg confirmation and assistance....
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lights of Guidance, p. 213
Be kind in truth, not only in appearance and outwardly. Every soul of the friends of God must concentrate his mind on this, that he may manifest the mercy of God and the bounty of the Forgiving One.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 216
If a doctor consoles a sick man by saying: "Thank God you are better, and there is hope of your recovery," though these words are contrary to the truth, yet they may become the consolation of the patient and the turning-point of the illness. This is not blameworthy.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 320
There are no secrets among Bahá’ís; a Bahá’í does not hide anything.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, p. 97
Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity. Without truthfulness, progress and success in all of the worlds of God are impossible for a soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will also become realized.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 384
When we find truth, constancy, fidelity, and love, we are happy; but if we meet with lying, faithlessness, and deceit, we are miserable.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 65
One can hardly imagine what a great influence genuine love, truthfulness and purity of motives exert on the souls of men. But these traits cannot be acquired by any believer unless he makes a daily effort to gain them.
Shoghi Effendi, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 1
If this "holy attribute" [truthfulness] should adorn the behavior of believers toward others, how much more should it characterize statements which a Bahá’í makes to a divinely ordained institution.
Letter from the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, dated December 24, 1991
In order to appreciate this statement let us remember that many people whoso believe in God may be truthful and honest in a normal situation. But the real criterion of a man's truthfulness and honesty is his attitude at the time of temptation. When severe tests and trials descend upon man, the only thing which keeps him truthful is his faith in God. If he does not believe in God, there is no motivation within him to resist temptation.
Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh v 2, p. 314
