Have you heard the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy?” When something becomes a policy it is established as a standard to live by. In his famous literary work, ‘Hamlet,’ William Shakespeare penned these words: “To thine own self be true.” It is amazing how the truths we have been taught act as an umpire to govern and guard our conscience when we are tempted to be dishonest.
Honesty has to begin inside of us. Being honest with others begins with being intellectually honest with ourselves. Have you ever known people who have lied for so long that they even believe their own lies? One lie usually becomes compounded with more lies to support the deception and deceit. There are no “little white lies.” Embellishing the truth is dishonest. Just tell the truth, and nothing but the truth.
Psalm 51:6 (AMP)
“Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Honesty is truth in your heart before God. Dishonesty is deception that is born with the exclusive motive to deceive. On the other hand, blatant honesty can sometimes hurt people. Being honest doesn’t mean that you have to say everything you think or tell everything you know. Some people disguise honesty as an excuse to give an opinion or address a situation that should be kept to themselves or given to God. God never discloses that which has been forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus.
- Use diplomacy. Diplomacy is the unsaid part of your opinions that knows when to speak and when to remain silent. Stop! THINK before you speak: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspirational? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
- Beware of flattery. Someone said, “Flattery tastes sweet. You can chew it up, but don’t swallow it.”
“Truthful lips endure forever but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Proverbs 12:19 (NIV)
