What is honesty?
Honesty is a reflection of who we are and what or who we worship.
Honesty means: uprightness, integrity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, sincerity, freedom from deceit or fraud.
Honest means: to be honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; upright.
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
-Provide means: to think or mediate beforehand.
-Things honest. Literally, things beautiful, or comely.
-The connection requires us to understand it respecting conduct, and especially our conduct towards those who injure us.
If you want to ruin the Truth, stretch it. ~ unknown author
Six things that the Lord hates and the seventh is an abomination to Him.
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
1. A proud look.
2. A lying tongue.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood.
4. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.
5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief.
6. A false witness that speaketh lies.
7. Sowing discord among the bretheren.
Is honesty important?
Is it important that we are honest in all areas of life?
Can an honest person be trusted?
Can a dishonest person be trusted?
Dishonesty breaks down and destroys trust.
Proverbs 11:1 ¶ A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Proverbs 12:22 ¶ Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
The Parable of the Sower
Luke 8:5-15
5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
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 will show itself by its fruits.
Honesty is important in leadership and in carrying out responsibility.
Acts 6:1-7
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.
1Timothy 2:1-4
1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Honesty comes from a heart that is surrendered to God, and a heart that is in fellowship with Him.
Honesty is anchored in truth.
Honesty is up-building.
Honesty builds lasting relationships.
Dishonesty brings contention and distrust.
Dishonesty tears down and destroys.
Dishonesty brings fear and confusion.
Am I honest in word and deed?
Do I stretch the truth in order to make something sound better?
Am I really honest in the struggles that I face?