Truth; The Rarest Gem

Recently the words of a beloved hymn have been brought to mind several times.  They've caused me to ponder on the state-of-being in which we find ourselves ('the last days') and how the adversary will use his influence to cause much discord by tweaking things just enough to change their meanings and to cause confusion and contention in homes, families, relationships, work, education, governments etc.

These words will do the opposite as, I've found, that truth brings learning, understanding, contentment and peace in a troubled world.

For today I'd like to phrase the title as a statement rather than a question and share my belief that we each have the opportunity and...moral obligation (I believe) to 'say what is truth.'  Truth heals and is the only way that any of us can truly attain the wisdom that we seek.

For some reason, in my mind, the words were 'tis the rarest gem'.  So...that's what I'm going with (as it is that) in addition to the following:

1. Oh Say, What is Truth
   Oh say, what is truth? 'Tis the fairest gem
   That the riches of worlds can produce,
   And priceless the value of truth will be when
   The proud monarch's costliest diadem
   Is counted but dross and refuse.
2. Yes, say, what is truth? 'Tis the brightest prize
   To which mortals or Gods can aspire.
   Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,
   Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies:
   'Tis an aim for the noblest desire.
3. The sceptre may fall from the despot's grasp
   When with winds of stern justice he copes.
   But the pillar of truth will endure to the last,
   And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast
   And the wreck of the fell tyrant's hopes.
4. Then say, what is truth? 'Tis the last and the first,
   For the limits of time it steps o'er.
   Tho the heavens depart and the earth's fountains burst,
   Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst,
   Eternal, unchanged, evermore.
   
   
   Hymn 272 - Oh Say, What is Truth?