The African proverb "A lie has many variations; the truth none" speaks to the nature of dishonesty versus honesty. Lies are often inconsistent and constantly changing. When someone tells a lie, they may have to adjust their story over time to cover their tracks, depending on the questions they face or the doubts people raise.
As lies grow, they become more complicated and harder to maintain, requiring more effort to keep them believable. On the other hand, the truth is simple, clear, and unchanging. It stands on its own, without needing alterations to fit different circumstances.
Consider the example of Tariro. She was caught in a situation where she was tempted to lie. Tariro borrowed a valuable item from a friend, but it got damaged accidentally. Instead of telling the truth, she made up a story that someone else had borrowed it after her and returned it in that condition.
When her friend asked for more details, Tariro had to create more variations of her story, introducing new elements to make her lie seem believable. Over time, it became harder for her to keep track of all the things she had said. Eventually, her friend discovered the truth, and Tariro's dishonesty damaged their relationship.
What we learn from this proverb is the importance of honesty. Lies, as seen in Tariro’s case, require constant adjustments and lead to more complications. They often spiral out of control, making situations worse. The truth, by contrast, remains the same, no matter how much it is questioned.
Honesty builds trust, while dishonesty leads
to mistrust and broken relationships. The proverb encourages us to always speak
the truth, as it is easier to maintain and leads to a clearer, more peaceful
life. This timeless wisdom reminds us that truth, no matter how difficult it
may seem at first, will always be the best path.
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