Be Honest

Honestly, how honest are you? Did you know the average person lies between 3 and 10 times a day according to certain research? Although, some researchers list the numbers are even higher. When one lies, it is often with the intent to deceive. We may think there are bad lies or white lies, but in all honesty, a lie is a lie. There are the lies one tells on their job resume, to a friend about an outfit they don’t like, or that to a police officer that they didn’t know they were speeding.

God Hates a Lying Tongue

Despite the reason behind the lie, anytime we embellish or exaggerate is still considered being dishonest. As Christians, the Bible calls us to be honest. In fact, in Proverbs Chapter 6: 16-19, it goes as far as to say God hates a lying tongue. Hate is a strong word. It shows you how much God detests a liar. If one needs further proof look no further than the 10 Commandments.

“There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”

Proverbs 6:16-19

Thou Shall Not Bear False Witness

A Wikipedia document breaks down the commandment, “Thou shall not bear false witness” as such below. 

“Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbor.”

Whether we lie with the intent to hurt someone, it is hurting them. Sometimes honesty hurts, but people would much more appreciate someone honest and trustworthy. No one wants to be surrounded by those that they have to constantly question their honesty.

Tangled Web of Lies 

There is bondage in lies. What may start as a small white lie can quickly become a tangled web of lies. Such as, you may tell a white lie, then what happens when you are questioned further? You are forced to either come clean, or what happens often is telling another lie to cover up your initial lie, and before you know it you are enslaved to that lie instead of being honest.

The Truth Will Set You Free

The truth will set you free. Be mindful throughout the day and think before you speak. Do not be a deceiver. There is the old saying the truth will set you free and it will. When you are honest and tell the truth it ends there. For example, you lie on your job resume, now if you get the job you will always have fear of what if someone finds out. And truth is, if you have to lie to get a job, it’s not where you are meant to be and you’ll likely be miserable there. 

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32

Honest Answer

Instead, be honest and truthful. Allow people to love and accept you as you are. There is no better feeling than knowing you are who you are and you are loved and accepted. Proverbs 24:26 says, “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship”. There is peace in honesty. Do not allow the enemy to steal your peace and joy by deceiving you into thinking a white lie here and there is okay.

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

Proverbs 24:26

People Appreciate Honest Criticism

Earlier in Proverbs, it says, “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool”, and that in the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. Such as, if a friend were to ask you if an outfit makes her look bad, or your spouse, you do not have to be cruel, but you should be honest. Likely she is asking because she doesn’t feel comfortable in it anyway. 

Are You Being Honest or Rude?

There is a difference between being honest and rude. I do not like the people who are blatantly rude and when they notice they’ve offended someone they say they are just being honest. No, they are being rude and justifying it to you and themselves. For instance, there’s a difference in saying, “No, I don’t like those jeans much with that shirt, try the other ones they flatter you more”. Instead of, “Those jeans look terrible change into something else”. Both of those statements get the same point across, but one is hurtful and demeaning.

In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

Proverbs 28:23 

From Darkness to Light

The bible has so much to say about honesty, even that a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. Dishonesty sows hurt, discord, and anger. If not now, it will. The bible says everything done in darkness will be brought to light. Whether now, or 10 years from now, your dishonesty will be brought to light sooner or later. 

“For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.:

Luke 8:17

Be Faithful in Little Things

Almost anyone you ask will tell you the one attractive quality they value most in others is honesty. In Luke, it says if you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in the large. But, if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. In so many words, by being a deceiver, you could be robbing yourself of the blessings God has for your life if He sees that you cannot be honest with even the small things he has blessed you with.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Luke 16:10

Shine with the Truth

We are called to put to death our sinful, earthly nature. So today I challenge you, along with myself, to be more honest and mindful. To those who feel you are not a liar, you may be lying to yourself. Ask God to reveal to you anything sinful within you and shine a light on your dishonesty so that you may repent and submit your sinful nature to Him. No one said being a Christian is easy, but it is worth it. In a world full of lies, be the one to shine with the truth.

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

Psalms 37:37

Be Trustworthy and Loyal

People will respect and hold you to a high standard, valuing you and your honesty. They will see your trustworthiness and loyalty. I think you will be surprised at the doors God will open for you that He’s been keeping closed until you were ready to walk through them. Sometimes it’s not you waiting on the blessing, it’s God waiting for you to mature spiritually where you need to be so He can bestow those blessings upon you. Remember, it’s God’s timing, but there’s still effort and change to be made on our part before He can do His.

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

Colossians 3:5

“Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts.”

Psalms 36:10

In case you missed it, check out, “12 Verses Showing the Importance of Being Humble”.

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