Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is it’s own defence. Honesty is marked as being free from deceit or untruthfulness, being sincere. Honesty is the only answer for corruption.
A Healthy Society
An honest life is important on so many levels from relationships with spouses and children, at our workplace, and interacting with our neighbours.
In order to create a healthy society we need to start with the family home life. Honesty is learnt from a young age at home, school, community and goes into the marketplace.
A country can build a rocket ship to travel to the moon, but cannot stop a society from lying! An educated society taught on the principle of honesty is healthier to humanity, than people on the moon. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. For we aim at what is honourable not only to ourself, but also in the sight of people.
The Building Block
People have their own definition of honesty which becomes their window to see the world. Well not entirely true! Some think of honesty as being truthful or justice or not lying, not cheating or stealing. What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
According to the Webster dictionary honesty is being fair, truthful, free from deceit, genuine or real. It is more than truth. Honesty and truthfulness go hand in hand it is the core substance of people. It is probably the greatest human attribute or values anyone can desire to have. You can desire all the gifts of life peace, joy, wholeness, patience, love, but an honest character win friends.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Honesty is always the right thing. If everyone lived this way there would be not need for security systems, lock on doors, time management etc..
However, rarely can you detect if an individual is honest unless they say or do something to expose their intent.
White Lies Are Lies
No person knows the intent of his heart how they will react under situations or challenges. A heart that devises wicked plans haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood are shameful to everyone. A false witness who breathes out lies, sows discord among brothers, feet that make haste to run to evil, are a disgrace to society. It is better to keep your peace than to speak of thing.
Their are many benefits to our society when honesty is practiced. It would mean living life the way it was designed by our Creator God. A happy society means good living, business, good families and much more. Take hold of this truth and work with it until the truth gets your attention. Honesty is to allow room for different opinions, arguments, laws, culture and so on. However, the intention factor is not to deceive people.
Practice Honesty
Finally, my friends, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Action Steps
- Constantly remain honest in what you think, Be true to your own voice and acknowledge your feelings. Honesty starts in your heart into your conscience.
- Always expose the facts. Do not mislead or avoid anything that is not truthful. Don’t manipulate the truth for personal gain. It is your integrity that counts.
- Be transparent, sincere and do not compromise, no white lies or half truth.
- Become known for your honesty and people will flock to you for your trust.
Knowledge controls your Thoughts, your Thoughts control your Words, your Words control your Actions, and your Actions control your Results!