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.