Honesty is the best policy

When I was growing up, we were taught to be honest. And, if our parents found out we had not been honest, then we had to deal with the consequences. I’ve found it’s much easier to be honest and tell the truth, than to have to try and remember who you told what at any given time. It is also easier to be honest in your dealings than have to deal with the people who find you have been less than honest.

I have come across people who say a ‘little white lie’ hurts nobody. I have to say there is no difference in a ‘little white lie’ or any other lie. All lies are just that – lies. No good or bad ones – not white or black – just lies. I figure, if you will lie about one thing, then you will probably lie about another, and how can you be trusted, if I find you have lied about something.

• Proverbs 12:19, "The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."
• Matthew 12:34, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
  

We should never be afraid to tell the truth, even if it hurts. But, we should do it in love, not for revenge or hatefulness.

• Galatians 4:16, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"

The Bible tells us that, when we come to know Christ, we should put off the old man, the old conversations, and put on the new man.

• Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is:

• Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

If we follow that advice, we should want to be truthful and honest in all our conversations and dealings with others.

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