If only people would tell the truth always, as a matter of principle, the world would be much closer to perfect. Truth is, firstly, a divine qualtiy, a character-trait of God. Truth arises in intelligent consciousness in association with some sense-perception of an object firm and undeniable. Truth is a presence. [Truth is a mental object.]
What a person knows to be true should never be denied. This is so even in circumstance where a person thinks a lie will save another person’s life. Let’s reduce such a situation to its basic elements. These are life, falsehood, truth. What do you suppose is most important or valuable among the three? If your answer is life, that would mean you let yourself and others live falsely, in dishonesty, fallacy, deceit. This is not good, it’s evil and this is the current, past and ongoing state of humankind.
Jesus of Nazareth stood in the tribunal of Pontius Pilate and said, “I have come into the world that I may bear witness to the truth” (Jn 18:37). Pontius Pilate responded, “what is truth(?)” (Jn 18:38). Pilate’s response is shame on humanity. We have lost truth in ourselves.
Paul's Place for Writing 
Another great topic for discussion! These days there are so many different perspectives on what truth is. Yet, Jesus already defined it in John 18:37. Therefore, if something does not reflect the life of Jesus, can it be claimed as “truth”? Probably not.
You are right, chozeh, that there “are many perspectives on what truth is.” A look at the contents of ‘Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’ article on ‘Truth’ shows that diversity; https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/truth/#toc This post understands truth in theological sense, as word or message sent by God. Jesus was sent by God and taught truth of God. Practical truths, statements which aren’t false, are opposite to lies, why should people prefer these? Thanks for reading.
This is a great post! No matter whether it, is philosophical, psychological, generally speaking, definitive, or theological. There is only one truth — that is Jesus Christ. Not only did he come to bear witness to the truth but also, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 4:16 NKJV) That’s the problem with this world all of these shades of gray and different perspectives are why we have the troubles we have today. The Bible is printed in black and white except where Jesus speaks it is usually red. Isn’t it remarkable He shed his blood for all of us and still today it has not lost its power? Really enjoyed this post. Keep up the good work! Blessings and peace!