Saturday, 26 July 2025
In ancient Greece, there was a wise philosopher named Socrates who greatly valued knowledge. One day, someone approached him and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”
Socrates replied, “Hold on a minute. Before you tell me anything, let’s do a little test called the Triple Filter Test.”
The person asked, “The Triple Filter Test?”
Socrates explained, “Before you talk to me about my friend, take a moment to filter what you’re about to say. That’s why it’s called the Triple Filter Test. The first filter is Truth. Are you absolutely sure that what you’re going to tell me is true?”
The person admitted, “No, actually I just heard about it and…”
Socrates interrupted, “Alright, so you’re not sure if it’s true. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you’re about to tell me something good about my friend?”
The person replied, “No, on the contrary.”
Socrates continued, “So, you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain if it’s true. There’s still one filter left, the filter of Usefulness. Will what you tell me about my friend be useful to me?”
The person responded, “No, not really!”
Socrates concluded, “Well, if what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful, why tell it to me at all?”
In conclusion, this story reminds us to be mindful of the information we share and its impact on others. It highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our words and actions.
In the Bible, it is said, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This verse encourages us to speak words that are truthful, uplifting, and beneficial to others. It reminds us to consider the impact of our words and ensure they contribute to the well-being and edification of those around us.
By incorporating these biblical values into our lives, we can cultivate a sense of responsibility in our speech and actions. We can become more discerning in the content we share, ensuring that it is true, good, and useful. In doing so, we contribute to a more positive and uplifting environment, reflecting the principles of love, respect, and wisdom found in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Ms Poon WK
6 November 2023