Why Be Honest?

THE Bible properly describes Jehovah as “the God of truth,” as being one “who cannot lie.” (Psalm 31:5; Titus 1:2) Since the time of man’s creation, Jehovah has been consistent in his requirement that his true worshipers be honest in all things.​—Zechariah 8:16, 17.

If a person is going to be honest, it is important that he be guided not by community attitudes but by the standards of Jehovah God himself. These are recorded in the Bible.

How God Dealt with Israel

In his law given to the nation of Israel, Jehovah commanded: “You people must not steal, and you must not deceive, and you must not deal falsely anyone with his associate. And you must not swear in my name to a lie, so that you do profane the name of your God. I am Jehovah.”​—Leviticus 19:11, 12.

Thieves did not get off lightly. They had to make compensation to the victim. And if they did not possess the value required by law, they became slaves to pay off the debt by labor.​—Exodus 22:1-4.

Jehovah was specific as to details so that there would be no misunderstanding of the fact that he condemned all forms of dishonesty. He strongly warned against ‘tricky tongues,’ smooth but dishonest words, both violent and secret theft, as well as dishonest scales for business.​—Proverbs 1:10-19; Daniel 11:32; Micah 6:11, 12.

A Christian Requirement

Did the divine principle of honesty change with the founding of the Christian congregation? By no means!

As to lying and stealing, the Bible commands Christians: “Do not be lying to one another.” “Now that you have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor . . . Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.” “Let none of you suffer as . . . a thief or an evildoer.”​—Colossians 3:9; Ephesians 4:25, 28; 1 Peter 4:15.

The seriousness of the matter is emphasized by this word of warning: “Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, . . . nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were.”​—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Note that among those early Christians were some who had been thieves and extortioners, but they changed their way of life. Concerning the reputation of the people of Crete, the apostle Paul quoted a Cretan, possibly the poet Epimenides, as saying: “Cretans are always liars, injurious wild beasts, unemployed gluttons.” (Titus 1:12) Among the Greeks, the name “Cretan” became synonymous with “liar.” But some among the inhabitants of Crete changed their ways and became genuine Christians. In their midst they had Christian elders who had come to have reputations of being ‘free from accusation, not greedy of dishonest gain, lovers of goodness, righteous, loyal, self-controlled.’​—Titus 1:7, 8.

What Made Them Change?

Their coming to know Jehovah, “the God of truth,” and learning his requirements for his servants produced the change. Their exemplar became Jesus Christ, who ‘left a model for them to follow closely.’ In studying Jesus’ life pattern, they found that there was ‘no deception in his mouth.’ From his teachings, they learned: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”​—1 Peter 2:21, 22; Luke 6:31.

Of course, it is not likely that they changed overnight. That is why, for example, the apostle Paul wrote Titus to “continue reminding” Christians in Crete of certain matters in connection with godly conduct. (Titus 3:1-3) At first they may have felt that the putting on of a new personality was impossible. When they experienced setbacks they may have felt downhearted. But appreciation of the marvelous provision that Jehovah had made for forgiving their past sinful course on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice had an impelling effect. And, as they learned to rely on Jehovah and seek the help of his spirit, they found that changes took place that they had been unable to bring about on their own.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Why Do It?

But why go through that struggle? Why insist on being honest in everything?

Well, let us start at home. What is the result when marriage mates find that they cannot trust each other? It may start with seemingly little things, but soon the entire relationship has eroded. On the other hand, being honest in everything strengthens the marriage bond. And it is a powerful influence for good in the lives of the children too.

Outside the home, your honesty with others shows how you view fellow humans. Here punishment restrains some from wrongdoing. But there are more impelling forces. The apostle Paul wrote: “‘You must not steal, You must not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this word, namely, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Romans 13:9) To receive love we must give it. The person who is honest enjoys good relations with others. He also is at peace with himself. No plagued conscience keeps him awake at night. He is not forever looking over his shoulder, afraid that he might get caught.​—Romans 13:3-5

However, most important of all is one’s relationship with God. It is earnest love for Jehovah and the desire to have His approval that will move a person to struggle with his own imperfections and to be honest even when others are not.​—Psalm 15:1-5.

They Made It​—In Honesty

HOW marvelous it would be to leave your doors open without the fear of being robbed! What a boon to life and pleasure it would be to be able to trust everyone and to be trusted!

But all of this starts with the individual, does it not? Our personal effort comes first.

Consider a few examples of persons who have overcome their bad inclinations and struggled free because they wanted to do so.

Would He Cheat for the Boss?

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a man was facing the loss of his job unless he continued to cheat the customers. Why did he find himself in this situation? After having done his employer’s bidding without qualms, he began to learn God’s standards from the Bible. What would he do next? Promptly do what the Bible said? By no means. He took the easy way out; he stopped studying the Bible. For a little while he kept his job. But this was not the end of the story.

His conscience would not let him rest anymore and he handed in his resignation. (Romans 2:14, 15) His prayers to God for a good conscience must have been heard, for he sought out one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who lived near him in order to continue his study of God’s Word. Interestingly, it did not take long before his former boss called for him. Why? He wanted him back. The man who was hired in his place was dishonest, not only with the customers but with the boss himself! Meanwhile, strengthened in his resolve to be honest, the Bible student said he would consider going back, but on his own terms​—being honest under all circumstances. This stipulation was agreed to. Honesty triumphed, and the man is now a baptized Christian.

Armed Robber Changes

Can an armed robber change his way of life? In southern Brazil a 19-year-old youth belonged to a gang that broke into homes. While in prison he came in contact with Bible literature published by the Watch Tower Society. What he learned shocked him. Jehovah’s requirements for a Christian were so different from his own way of life, although nominally he was a Roman Catholic.

Slowly he made progress. His appreciation grew as his doubts were dispelled. Today he studies the Bible himself with other prisoners, and to the prison authorities, lawyers and judges he is known for his amazing transformation. The authorities have been so impressed with his changed behavior that they allow a group Bible study to be held every week, with 40 present.

A Thief and Liar No More

In London, England, a youngster felt so disgusted with the system around him that he became openly rebellious. Without a regular job and not wanting to work, he found that the inducement to steal was great. As a delivery boy he would take packages for himself and would also steal candy from shops. Soon he got into a burglary gang, but was caught, tried and convicted. Being only 16, he was sent to an English reform establishment called Borstal. After two years he was set free, and for a time stayed out of trouble, fearing further confinement.

Had the establishment reformed him? Not really. After a year he was back on the prowl. As a bus conductor he took advantage of the rush hour to pocket the money instead of ringing up tickets. Once again he lost his job. Meanwhile he got married, but from the start serious problems arose as a result of his heavy drinking and extramarital affairs.

At this point, two months after their wedding, the couple came in touch with the Bible. They agreed to a Bible study. Did it perform a sudden change? Realistically, no. The dishonest streak was too ingrained. He no longer sat in on the study. Nevertheless, a seed had been sown.

In retrospect, he admits that deep down he knew that what he had heard in the few weeks of Bible study was the truth and was the only means of straightening him out. His heart wanted it, but he lacked the strength. One day he became involved in a fight with the police. He was arrested for drunken driving in an uninsured vehicle. When he looked in the mirror the next morning and saw his white shirt covered with blood, he took stock of his position.

“Only two ways were open to me,” he says. “Six feet under or clean myself up; make a stand. I prayed to Jehovah to send a certain Witness around. Sure enough, he soon came and I begged him to study the Bible with me. That was in November 1973. In March 1974 I was baptized.”

Has it been easy for this former thief and liar? “No,” he replies. “There have been ups and downs, slight relapses in attitude. Without Jehovah’s help I would never have got out of the mess I was in.”

He knows that happiness depends on applying God’s law of love. “My family is united at the Kingdom Hall. And I am endeavoring to bring up my children in God’s way. I’m sorry my parents didn’t know what I know and so couldn’t help me.”

Life with a Future

In this sophisticated world, some may think that “opportunity makes the thief.” But even some former thieves can see that a life of honesty offers much more.

Why? Because it results in uprightness, a good conscience, mutual trust and, above all, God’s good pleasure. It is a basic requirement for life in God’s new order close at hand, when there will be no more stealing or dishonesty.

Love will be the dominating factor of a most satisfying and full life on a paradise earth under the millennial reign of Christ Jesus. Honesty will reign everywhere. Why not find out more about this worthwhile hope now? Jehovah’s Witnesses in your community will be delighted to help you.