Bible Class: Lesson 29

What is honesty?

Honesty is sincerity, truthfulness, fairness, loyalty, being trustworthy and straightforwardness of conduct and words. Speaking truth to one another has become a rear commodity in this world. Lies and dishonest practices have become the norm in this world. Christians are to live by a higher standard of honesty.

• Ephesians 4:24-25
  Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

The impact honesty has on relationships

In life, we have all sorts of relationships. We have family relationship, marital, work and church. These relationships for them to survive, they must be built on truth, honesty, trust, reliability and confidence.

The signs of honesty

The actions and words of people can tell you who they are. Jesus said, by their fruits you shall know them. People who are honest are often; reliable, trustworthy, genuine and truthful.

• Matthew 7:16
  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

Honesty is the best policy

What does the old saying mean, “Honesty is the best policy?” “Honesty is the best policy” is a proverb that means it’s best to tell the truth instead of a lie, even when it seems difficult to do so.

Be honest when we answer questions

Can we take people at their words when they speak or answer questions? People take oaths in court to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But they go on the witness stand and tell lies to perjure themselves. Ananias and Sapphira were asked questions, they were not honest with their words and answers.

• Acts 5:1-4
  Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
• Acts 5:7-9
  About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

Honesty in conversion

Not all persons who are baptized are honest. The parable of the sower as presented by Jesus, only one soil that displayed honesty. The other people (soil) did not last. They came and after a time they left. Some persons are not genuine.

• Luke 8:15
  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Honesty on positive thinking

God created us with a powerful mind. Our minds control our actions. The things we meditate on will determine who we are in life. Paul encourages Christians to think on things that are honest. We are what we think and expose ourselves to.

• 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.

Honesty in work

People pretend that they are working when they are not. They work while management eyes are on them. We are to remind ourselves, an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

• Ephesians 6:5-8
  Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart
   
  

What cause or motivate people to be dishonest

There are many reasons and factors why people are dishonest. They do not want to expose themselves. They do not want to be caught. Some feel that dishonesty will help them get by in life. Some may feel that there is too much dishonesty in this world, so I can be dishonest too.

Honesty in business

When Christians are in business, they should be honest with their profit. They should not extort or extract more than what is needed. Their measurements and weights should be honest. 

• Leviticus 19:35-36
  You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
• Proverbs 11:1
  The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.

Honesty and stewardship

Responsibility has accountability. When people entrust us with money and things, they expect honesty. Those who deal with and manage church money should be honest. They should have good reputation. Paul sent Titus and Timothy to Jerusalem with the contribution of the church in Corinth.

• 1 Corinthians 16:1-3
  Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
• 2 Corinthians 8:17-24
  For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.

Honest Leaders

Persons who lead God’s people should be honest. Leaders should not be greedy and dishonest. The father-in-law of Moses gave him good advice.

• Exodus 18:21-22
  But select capable men from all the people men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them always serve as judges for the people, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.
• Titus 1:7
  Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

Honesty in worship and service to God

The worship and service we offer to God, it must come from and honest and sincere heart.

• Joshua 24:14
  “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!
• 1 Samuel 12:24
  Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

Honesty and friendship

People have friends. These friends are expected to be honest, reliable and dependable. People have expectations of friendship, including support, respect, loyalty, reciprocity, or connection. A sense of betrayal exists because the expectations of friendship are violated. When a friend betrays us, it can cause a range of negative emotions, including shock, anger, hatred, mental pain and anguish, loss, and grief. What will cause a friend to be dishonest? What impact can dishonesty have on friendship?

Honesty in marital relationship

People are married. They take vows, they make promises to be faithful, true and honest to each other. However, they become unfaithful and dishonest. Why do these things happen in marital relationships?

• Proverbs 7:7-21
  I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

• Honesty in preaching and teaching the bible

Not everyone who teach and preach God’s word is honest. People have different motives. Some will wilfully and deliberately say things they know that are not biblically true. Why do people tell spiritual lies?

• Philippians 1:15-18
  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
• 1 Timothy 4:1-2
  The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

Honest relationship and friendship

Our dealings, friendship and relationship, let us be honest and truthful. Dishonest persons are not good and health for relationship.

• Romans 12:17
  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.