Laura Ingalls Wilder an American writer once remarked: “The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” Proverbs 16:28 reminds us: “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
There is an important saying that "Honesty is the best policy." If we can show honesty to others we not only display an upright character, fair-mindedness, truthfulness, ethics, and a candid approach to life, we defy deceit and falsehood. Honesty shows a principled and righteous nature that is approved by God. James 1:26 confirms: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.”
Honesty is associated with being open with others and always telling the truth. An honest person is to be trusted in times of doubt or difficulty. Ephesians 4:25 states: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
It is a sad fact of life that in this day and age, honesty is lacking in some unscrupulous people. They have little regard for others. We should remember that if we expect to be treated well by others, we have to be honest with others about ourselves. There is an apt saying that: "To be a good liar you have to have a good memory." It is well known that liars continually need to be on their guard, for if they relax or can't remember the lie that they have told, they are bound to be found out. Romans 2:21-24 reminds us: "You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Life should contain the important qualities of love, honesty, truth, and respect for others.
Marriage is based not only on love but also on trust. The marriages that last are usually a product of these two qualities, for if one can’t trust the other what hope is there for a lasting relationship? Luke 16:10 confirms: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
There was once an eleven-year-old boy who was usually known to be an honest and good-natured person. He attended a secondary school located in the town of Carshalton in Surrey. He was shortly due to go on a summer holiday with his parents to a coastal resort in ten days time. On his way to school, on this particular wet and windy day, he was crossing the busy main road approaching his school when he noticed a brand new but wringing wet twenty-pound note laying in the road by the side of the kerb. He could not believe his good fortune and was suddenly overcome with the overwhelming desire to rapidly conceal it in his pocket, even though he realized that this thought was probably not the most honest act in the world.
He quickly glanced around the vicinity and as it appeared that no one was about, he reached down and picked up the note. He examined it closely to establish that it was genuine. He then went to place it into his pocket when he noticed the school crossing patrol lady, who had just appeared further along the street. It was apparent that she was looking directly toward him but he was unsure whether she had seen him pick the note up or not. A dilemma then beset him. Should he continue to put the money into his pocket and say nothing, in the hope that it had not been noticed or should he do the correct thing and bring it to her attention for fear of subsequently being suspected of dishonesty?
Because of his doubts, he decided that honesty was probably the best policy and approached the lady in charge of the crossing control. She was now busy helping children across the road, but he brought his find to her attention. He informed her that he had just picked up the money which he had found laying further along the road and handed it to her. She appeared surprised but smiled as she took the money into her possession and informed him that she would bring the matter to the attention of his headmaster. 2 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us: “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.”
The boy firmly believed that it probably would be the last he saw of the note but shrugged it off as one of life's learning experiences. He then proceeded to make his way to a classroom for his first lesson. Later that day the headmaster called the boy to his study and informed him that he considered that his honesty should be rewarded if it was at all possible. He also stated that he had taken the note to the local police station and given them the details of the find.
He had been advised to return to the police station in seven days and if the note had not been rightfully claimed by then, he could then give it to the boy to keep as a reward. 1 Peter 3:10-12 states: For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” A week passed and the headmaster once again called the boy to his study to inform him that, as requested, he had returned to the police station to enquire as to the current situation regarding the money. He was advised that no person had come forward to claim it and as per the requirements of the law they could relinquish the money to the finder. The headmaster congratulated the boy on his apparent honesty.
He informed him that he was a credit to the school and handed the money to the boy.
He wished him an enjoyable holiday and advised him to spend the cash wisely. He also informed him that he could consider himself proud of his actions and deem his unexpected monetary acquisition as a just reward for his endeavors. Philippians 4:8-9 confirms: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 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 and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Amen.
