Be Valiant for Truth

Psalm 108:13a (KJV) Through God we shall do valiantly...

Pilgrim's Progress, Part 2, by John Bunyan, 1678 

Jeremiah 9:3 (KJV)

“They bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me”, saith the Lord. 

Then they went on; and just at the place where LITTLE-FAITH formerly was robbed, there stood a man with his sword drawn, and his face all bloody. Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, “What art thou?” The man made answer, saying, “I am one whose name is VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH. I am a pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City."

Now as I was in my way, there three men did beset me, and propounded unto me these three things:

1. Whether I would become one of them?

2. Or go back from whence I came?

3. Or die upon the place? To the first I answered, "I had been a true man a long season; and therefore it could not be expected that I now should cast in my lot with thieves.” 

(“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse” Proverbs 1:10-14) 

Then they demanded what I would say to the second. So I told them that the place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. 

Then they asked me what I said to the third; and I told them my life cost more dear far, than that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then these three, to wit, WILD-HEAD, INCONSIDERATE, and PRAGMATIC, drew upon me; and I also drew upon them. 

(NOTE: these three foes are both external, and of the heart.)

So we fell to it, one against three, for the space of above three hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valour; and have also carried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone. I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash; and so they betook them to flight. 

Great-heart. But here were great odds, three against one! 

Valiant. Tis true; but little and more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side. “Though a host should encamp against me,” said one, “my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident,” etc. 

(“Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Psalms 27:3) 

“Besides”, said he, “I have read in some records, that one man has fought an army; and how many did Samson slay with the jawbone of an ass?” 

Great-heart. Then said the guide, “Why did you not cry out, that some might have come in for your succour.” 

Valiant. So I did, to my King, who I knew could hear, and afford invisible help; and that was sufficient for me. 

Great-heart. Then said GREAT-HEART to Mr. VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH, “Thou hast worthily behaved thyself: let me see thy sword.” So he showed it him.

When he had taken it in his hand, and looked thereon awhile, he said, “Ah, it is a right Jerusalem blade!” 

Valiant. It is so. Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edges will never blunt. It will cut flesh, and bones, and soul, and spirit, and all. 

(“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:12-17)

(“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12) 

Great-heart. But you fought a great while, I wonder you were not weary. 

Valiant. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand. 

(“He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.” 2 Samuel 23:10) 

…and when they were joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm, and when the blood ran through my fingers, then I fought with most courage. 

Great-heart. Thou hast done well; thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Then this was your victory, even your Faith. (1 John 5:4) 

Valiant. It was so; I believed, and therefore came out, got into the Way, fought all that set themselves against me, and by believing am come to this place.