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What does the Bible say about honesty?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
Honesty is truthfulness. An honest person has the habit of making accurate, trustworthy statements about life, self, others and God. An honest person represents himself just as he is and tells othe...

July 01 2013 5 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Ni Jay Supporter Researcher into human reasoning
A very straight forward and simple statement from our Lord.

"Simply let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'No', 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).

This can be a huge struggle in highly corrupt political environments in which we operate today where spin has come to replace the truth. However, that is the challenge that the Lord has set us.

May 11 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3

Someone once said, "Some are honest only because they have never had opportunity to be dishonest."
But there is a better way.

One of my favorite verses about honesty is Philippians 4:8 --King James Version (KJV) " 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."

"The integrity of the honest keeps them on track." Proverbs 11:3

If you are married or going to marry, ask yourself 4 questions --

1. Is the fear of consequences of the truth greater than my commitment to tell the truth?''

2. Am I telling myself the truth?

3. Is there a truth I have distgorted or am distorting right now?

4 Is there something I have withheld or am currently withholding from my spouse?

October 09 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


0
Mini Jeffrey Johnson Supporter
What does the Bible say about honesty?

A reputation as an honest, trustworthy, and reliable person is precious and rare in this world. Each of us has the opportunity to build such a reputation.

Hebrews 13:18 says, "Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honourably in all things."

The disciple James explained: "If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26) We would be deceiving ourselves if we thought that as long as we did some good things, God would not care if we were rude or sarcastic or if we told lies.

BEING HONEST ALWAYS BENEFITS US

Psalm 15:1, 2; Proverbs 11:1; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10

So What Does the Bible Say About Honesty?

The Bible teaches that honesty is central to godly character. Truthfulness reflects God's nature, protects relationships, and shows obedience to His commands.

Scripture repeatedly commands His people to speak and live truth.

Exodus 20:16 — God forbids false witness.

Leviticus 19:11 — "You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."

Honesty is not optional; it is a moral requirement.

Because God is truthful, His people must reflect His character.

Numbers 23:19 — God does not lie.

Psalm 119:160 — His word is truth.

Living honestly aligns believers with God's nature.

Truth builds trust and integrity.

Proverbs 12:22 — God delights in those who are truthful.

Proverbs 10:9 — The honest person walks securely.

Dishonesty destroys fellowship; honesty preserves it.

Jesus Taught and Modelled Truth

Christ's followers are called to live truthfully.

John 8:32 — "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Ephesians 4:25 — Believers must "put away lying" and speak truth.

Honesty is part of the new life in Christ.

Dishonesty Is Sin

The Bible condemns deceit in all forms.

Proverbs 6:16–19 — A lying tongue is among the things God hates.

Acts 5:1–11 — Ananias and Sapphira's deceit brought judgment.

Lies oppose God's holiness and harm the community.

Summarising the whole topic

The Bible teaches that honesty is essential because God is truthful and His people must reflect His character. Scripture commands believers to speak truth, reject deceit, and live with integrity. Scripture condemns dishonesty, while truthful living earns God's approval, strengthens relationships, and demonstrates obedience to Christ.

1 day ago 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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