Subject: Honesty
Scripture Reading: Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. —Proverbs 12:22
Definition: Honest is defined as, “Free of deceit; truthful and sincere…morally correct or virtuous” (Oxford English Dictionary). Honesty is the quality of being honest. “A refraining from lying, cheating, or stealing” (Collins English Dictionary).
Summary: God’s very nature is holy and true; He hates dishonesty of any kind. Christians are to be honest in every aspect of life—in word and in deed. Dishonesty is a moral violation and will result in eternal damnation.
A God of Truth
Deuteronomy 32:4 A God of truth.
Hebrews 6:18 Impossible for God to lie.
Titus 1:2 God cannot lie.
Origin of Dishonesty
John 8:44 Devil is the father of lies.
Jeremiah 9:5-6 People teach their tongue to lie.
God Hates Dishonesty
Proverbs 6:16-17 The Lord hates a lying tongue.
Psalm 101:7 Will not dwell in God’s house.
Proverbs 21:3 Justice is better than sacrifice.
Command to Lie Not
Leviticus 19:11-13 Do not steal, lie, or defraud.
Colossians 3:9 Lie not.
A False Witness
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness.
Proverbs 12:17 Speaking truth is righteousness.
Speak the Truth
Psalm 34:13 Lips should speak no guile.
Ephesians 4:25 Put away lying, speak truth.
Swear Not, Promise Not
Matthew 5:37 Let your communication be, Yea.
James 5:12 Swear not.
Honesty with God and Oneself
Psalm 15:1-3 Speak the truth in his heart.
1 John 1:6 A false profession is a lie.
Philippians 4:8-9 Think on true and honest things.
Instruction in Honesty
2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things.
2 Corinthians 4:2 Renounce dishonesty/craftiness.
Acts 24:16 Have a conscience void of offence.
1 Peter 2:21-22 Christ’s example—no guile.
Required in Leaders
Exodus 18:21 Choose men of truth.
Acts 6:3 Appoint men of honest report.
Cheating/Business/Taxes
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination.
Jeremiah 22:13 A house built by unrighteousness.
Ezekiel 22:13 Dishonest gain.
Romans 13:7-8 Pay taxes. Owe no man.
The Cost of Honesty
Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness.
1 Peter 3:17 Suffer for well doing.
Psalm 15:4 Sweareth to his own hurt.
Benefits and Blessings
John 8:32 Truth sets free.
Proverbs 12:19 Established for ever.
1 Peter 3:10 See good days.
Proverbs 16:13 The delight of kings.
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is nigh.
Consequences of Dishonesty
Luke 12:2 All shall be revealed.
Proverbs 19:5 He that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Revelation 21:8 All liars shall have their part in the lake of fire.
