What Does The Bible Say About Honesty? In simple terms, honesty is truthfulness. That is, to be honest is to be truthful or sincere. Honesty is also linked to moral correctness or fairness. An honest person has the habit of making just, accurate, trustworthy statements about life, self, others, and God. Such a person is one who represents himself just as he is and always tells others the truth about themselves. Behold, honesty is not “expressing everything that goes through your mind.” That’s more of transparency than honesty. And a person can actually be honest without necessarily being transparent. Whatever the case, absolutely no one can be consistently honest without a commitment to the truth. Although, honesty will, at some times, hurt someone’s feelings, it does not mean that dishonest is preferable.
We regularly talk about an “honest day’s work” which is characterized by some form of hard-work or effort exhibited by someone that leads to a well-earned payment. In the same light, we also talk about an “honest mistake” whereby a person intended no harm but made an error. These elements of definition of honesty point to an upright, moral character free of guile and concerned truthfulness. The Bible says much about truth. Most specifically, it says that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). John 1:14 says that Jesus, our savior is “full of grace and truth.” In addition, 1 John 1:5 says: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” We can say that God is the source of truth – He is completely honest. God never lies, He desires that we live our lives in ways that reflect His honest nature.
What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
What the Scriptures say about Honesty
Dishonesty is highly reproved in Scripture. Behold, God does not accept a person that “practices deceit” (Psalm 101:7). In the same light, Prophet Jeremiah says of a wicked society, “Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity” (Jeremiah 9:5). Having read this scripture, we can say that speaking the truth, or being honest in thoughts, words, and actions, is a mark of healthy human interaction with one another and God Almighty. Anyone who knows the truth but (for whatever reason) says differently is a liar. On several occasions, the Bible emphasizes the importance of making true statements about God. Thus, purposefully misrepresenting God is a serious offense. A liar is defined, first and foremost, as a person who denies that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ (1 John 2:22).
It is also important to understand here that “Trusting in lies” is inline or consistent with forgetting God (Jeremiah 13:25). With this in mind, we can say without doubt that those who claim to know God but contradict Him, add to His words, or refuse to follow His commands in faithfulness are also called liars (Proverbs 30:6; 1 John 2:4; 5:10). As followers of Christ, honesty as a character quality is a sign of the spirit’s work in our souls. Truth be told, God cannot lie (Hebrew 6:18); therefore, His presence in a person gives rise to truthfulness. In simple terms, we can say that God’s people are characterized by honesty.
Honesty and the Human Nature
Truth be told, humankind is not naturally honest (Psalm 116:11). Dishonesty brings forth numerous worldly rewards: lying can often bring financial gain, temporal satisfaction, or power. However, these rewards all come at a price. The Bible says that dishonesty takes us to higher levels of wickedness (Proverbs 17:4). Behold, lying to achieve worldly possessions or fulfill worldly desires always leads to the loss of everything that a person has, including his/her life. The Bible further tells us that Hell’s inhabitants will include “all liars” (Revelation 21:8). Let’s hear what Jesus has to say about this in Mark 8:36 – “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Although it is sometimes tempting to lie, downplay uncomfortable truths, or misrepresent ourselves in an effort to avoid conflict, dishonesty is never good for relationships.
We should all understand that speaking dishonest words in order to avoid conflicts is flattery (Psalm 12:2). Despite the fact that, at times, honesty will hurt the feelings of others, it is no-excuse to embrace dishonesty. It is just inevitable that honesty will sometimes hurt the feelings of others. But we must always remember the words of the wise: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6). Sweet words, if lies, are the enemies of our souls. That is why a good friend is willing to wound with the truth. Our honest approach should always be accompanied with gentleness. Always remember that an honest person is motivated by love (Ephesians 4:15), and not by the obsession with relaying accurate information (Proverbs 19:22). The honest person is more concerned about telling the truth about God and fostering the spiritual growth of other people (Ephesians 4:29).
Facts About Honesty
- Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed (Proverbs 12:19).
- Lies can lead to injustice.
- Lying undermines your unity with others .
- Liars will not be allowed in the kingdom of God (Revelation 22:15).
What The Bible Says About Honesty
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.”
1 John 1:6 – “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
Romans 13:7 – “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
Proverbs 21:3 – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
1 John 3:18 – “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Proverbs 10:2 – “Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.”
Psalm 37:7 – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.“
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Honesty
Luke 8:16 – “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
Proverbs 2:9 – “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.“
Psalm 112:5 – “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
Proverbs 16:8 – “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
James 5:12 – “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
2 Corinthians 8:21 – “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”
Proverbs 19:1 – “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.“
John 8:32 – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
Romans 13:6 – “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.”
Proverbs 4:25 – “Let your eyes look straight ahead;fix your gaze directly before you.”
Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Honesty
1 Peter 3:10-12 – For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Proverbs 6:16-20 – “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 11:1 – “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
Philippians 4:8-9 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
Matthew 5:37 – “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Honesty
Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
James 1:26 – “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
Acts 24:16 – “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”
Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”
Hebrews 13:18 – “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.”
Proverbs 16:13 – “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.”
Luke 6:31 – “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
Luke 16:10 – “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
Proverbs 12:17 – “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.”
Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.“
Ephesians 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.“
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Honesty
1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Proverbs 20:23 – “Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.”
Romans 12:17-21 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Matthew 7:12 – “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Proverbs 21:3 – “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Leviticus 19:35 – “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity.”
Proverbs 16:8 – “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.”
2 Corinthians 4:2 – “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Honesty
2 Kings 12:15 – “And they did not ask an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly.”
Luke 16:10-12 – “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?“
Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.”
1 John 3:18 – “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Proverbs 4:25 – “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”
Proverbs 28:6 – “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
Romans 2:22-24 – “You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.””
Romans 2:21 – “You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? ”
Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Proverbs 28:18 – “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.”
Ephesians 4:15 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
Psalm 51:6 – “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
2 Corinthians 7:2 – “Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.”
Romans 12:17 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 – “You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the Lord your God.“
Psalm 112:5 – “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.”
Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!”
Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
Ezekiel 45:10 – “You shall have just balances, a just ephah, and a just bath.”
Psalm 24:4 – “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.”
1 Corinthians 13:6 – “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”
Galatians 6:7-8 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Genesis 30:33 – “So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Proverbs 14:5 – “A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Job 2:3 – And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.”
Proverbs 20:10 – “Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
Proverbs 24:26 – “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.”
Luke 8:15 – “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”
James 5:12 – “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
Titus 2:7-8 – “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11 – “And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,“
Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Psalm 23:1-6 – “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Kings 9:4-5 – “And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”
1 Peter 3:16 – “Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Mark 10:19 – “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
Isaiah 59:14 – “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter.”
Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Titus 1:7 – “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,”
1 John 1:6 – “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
Hebrews 6:18 – “So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”
Isaiah 33:15 – “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,”
Proverbs 19:5 – “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
2 Corinthians 4:1-2 – “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
1 Chronicles 29:17 – “I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.”
Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””
Proverbs 22:1-29 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. …”
Proverbs 25:18 – “A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.”
Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Exodus 18:21 – “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”
Deuteronomy 16:19-20 – “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 23:1 – “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”
Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Romans 15:1-2 – “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
Leviticus 25:14 – “And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.”
Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
James 4:11-12 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?“
Zechariah 8:16-17 – “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.”
Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Psalm 101:1-2 – “A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;“
Proverbs 2:20-21 – “So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,“
Psalm 50:16-17 – But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.”
Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Honesty?
Psalm 15:1-2 – “A Psalm of David. O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;”
James 1:22-27 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. …”
