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. Philippians 4:8
The second in our list of things we are to keep our minds and hearts focused upon is Honest.
The King James Dictionary defines Honesty as:
HON’ESTY, n. on’esty. L. honestas.
1. In principle, an upright disposition; moral rectitude of heart; a disposition to conform to justice and correct moral principles, in all social transactions. In fact, upright conduct; an actual conformity to justice and moral rectitude.
2. Fairness; candor; truth; as the honesty of a narrative.
3. Frank sincerity.
The Webster Dictionary defines honest as:
Honest, hon·est | \ ˈä-nəst \
1a: free from fraud or deception:LEGITIMATE, b: GENUINE, c: HUMBLE, PLAIN 2a: REPUTABLE, RESPECTABLE b chiefly British : GOOD, WORTHY 3: worthy of praise 4a: marked by integrity b: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANK c: direct and uncomplicated : INNOCENT
Society treats lying as harmless. Many times we aren’t even aware of the deceitfulness that surrounds us. The world has taught that truth is irrelevant and tolerance is more important. Honesty is not a top priority.
One may exaggerate the facts just to make themselves look good; one tells the police officer that they weren’t aware they were speeding, some cheat on income taxes; others tell a “white lie” to get out of trouble; or some call in sick just to get out of work.
In a world full of chaos and deception seemingly around every corner, we must remember that the devil is the “Father of lies”.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44
Did you know that the average person tells approximately thirteen lies a week?
According to a study conducted by UM psychologist Robert S Feldman, most people lie in everyday conversation when they are trying to appear likable and competent. He found that 60 percent of people lied at least once during a ten-minute conversation and told an average of two to three lies.
The Bible contains several admonitions against lying including the ninth commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16) and Proverbs 6:16-19 states God’s animosity towards lying:
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Honesty is of extreme importance in relationships. If we want genuine and wholesome relationships with those around us, we must practice being honest in all we say and do.
God expects and deserves honesty.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6
Our true nature isn’t revealed in our physical appearance but rather it comes from within our hearts. Our innermost thoughts declare our true character.
The thoughts of our hearts tell others about our spiritual state.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Proverbs 23:7
What does your heart dwell upon?
Do we focus our thoughts on what everyone else is doing or are we trying to keep up with our neighbors? Or do we focus our minds on Christ and the wisdom that He imparts to us in His Word?
When we focus on godly wisdom our speech will be filled with grace. Our words will offer praise to God (Hebrews 13:15), and will edify the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6
As we grow closer to Christ in our walk with Him, it will become increasingly more natural to be honest in our thoughts, words, and actions. We must strive to dwell only on those things that are honest.
