The phrase “true colors” refers to someone showing their real character or personality, especially when it is negative or undesirable. This phrase originates from the song “True Colors” written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg and first recorded by Cyndi Lauper in 1986. The chorus contains the lyrics “But I see your true colors shining through” implying that the subject’s real self has come through despite their attempt to conceal it.
Old Testament References
While the exact phrase “true colors” does not appear in the Bible, there are several verses that touch on similar themes of revealing one’s real nature:
- Proverbs 27:19 – “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” This verse teaches that your inner self will eventually show through in your outward actions.
- Jeremiah 13:23 – “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” This verse states that evil behavior stems from an evil nature that is difficult or impossible to change.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God sees beyond outward appearances or false fronts to the true inner person.
So while the exact term is not used, the Old Testament often warns against hypocrisy and deception, teaching that a person’s words and deeds will ultimately reveal their motivations and character.
New Testament References
The New Testament continues the theme of exposing falsehood and highlighting truth. While not using the precise phrase, several verses relate to the idea behind “true colors”:
- Matthew 7:15-16 – “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” Appearances can be deceptive – true nature is revealed by actions and “fruit.”
- Matthew 15:18-19 – “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Words and actions have their source in the hidden condition of the heart.
- 1 John 4:1 – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Test teachings and leaders since appearances do not tell the whole truth.
While not using the exact terminology, these and other New Testament passages reveal the same underlying concept – that outward profession, words and appearance can be misleading, but a person’s heart and nature will be revealed eventually.
Revelation of True Colors
The process of someone’s “true colors” being revealed usually follows a pattern:
- A person seeks to conceal their faults and flaws, showing only their good side.
- For a time, they succeed in covering their darker nature with words, appearances and false persona.
- Eventually their hypocrisy catches up with them and their actions start revealing their motivations and inner corruption.
- Their deceptive facade unravels as their “true colors” come to the surface.
This pattern appears many times throughout Scripture. Here are some examples:
| Person | Appearance | True Colors Revealed |
|---|---|---|
| David after his sin with Bathsheba | Kept his adultery and murder plot secret for a time | Exposed by the prophet Nathan; David admits “I have sinned” |
| Pharisees | Appeared righteous outwardly | Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and inner corruption |
| Judas | Fooled the other disciples with his fake loyalty | Showed his true greed by betraying Jesus |
This reveals the biblical pattern of how people’s covers eventually come off as their true inner nature manifests itself through their choices and conduct.
How to Discern True Colors
Since outward appearances can be misleading, how can we discern someone’s true colors? Scripture gives several diagnostic questions:
- What do their words reveal about their heart’s condition (Luke 6:45)?
- Do their actions line up with their words (Matthew 7:16)?
- Is their outward profession matched by their inner character (Titus 1:16)?
- Is their conduct consistent over time or do they waver (James 1:6-8)?
- Do they accept accountability and correction or ignore it (Proverbs 15:31-32)?
Examining these and other scriptural diagnostics allow us to evaluate others’ words, actions, responses and patterns. This helps discern if someone is truly walking in wisdom and righteousness or just putting on an outward show.
How to Reveal Your True Colors
Since disguising your true nature is both futile and dangerous, how should you reveal your own “true colors”? Consider these steps:
- Ask God to search your heart and expose any areas of blindness or denial (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Identify any gaps between your outward profession and inward thoughts, between yourwords and real-life actions.
- Confess to God any ways you have sought to construct a false image of yourself.
- Repent of any hypocrisy, pride, people-pleasing or dishonesty.
- Embrace spiritual disciplines that transform you from the inside-out.
- Allow your growing Christlike character to shine through your words and deeds.
While we cannot instantly perfect our nature, we can avoid false fronts by continually submitting to God’s cleansing and renewal of our hearts. This allows our life to become a consistent reflection of His truth and grace.
Conclusion
In summary, while the precise phrase “true colors” is not in the Bible, Scripture repeatedly addresses the themes behind this metaphor. God sees beyond outward fronts to the inner person. Eventually, everyone’s hypocrisy and deception will catch up with them. By God’s grace, believers can have their true colors transformed to reflect Jesus Christ more and more accurately. As God exposes and cleanses us of falsehoods, our real identities in Christ can shine through.
