2000-06-24 - Passages About Honesty

From the time we are children, most of us are taught to be honest. And we generally think of ourselves as truthful people. Yet we "fudge" the truth -- on tax statements, in relationships when we don't want to work through an issue, when we are afraid of angering someone, when we tell the minister why we were not in church last week etc. Truth is on God's "A-list," as is evidenced by the fact that the word "truth" is mentioned 205 times in the New Living Translation of the Bible. In fact, Jesus says He is the Truth. Of course there needs to be a balance of God's timing, discretion and loving gentleness. Different levels of authenticity are appropriate for different types of relationships. But human relationships cannot be authentic or close without honesty. The more transparent, the more rewarding is the relationship. Today we will look at some Biblical passages about honesty:

John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (NLT)

Psa. 15:1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? ² Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. (NLT)

Prov. 12:19 Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. (NLT)

Prov. 15:14 A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash. (NLT)

Prov. 23:23 Get the truth and don't ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment. (NLT)

Eph. 4:25 So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. (NLT)

Eph. 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

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