ABOUT HONESTY & DISHONESTY (1)

0. Introduction

a) Proverbs tells us plainly that God despises all forms of dishonesty. Not only does God hate dishonesty, but we are told that it works against us - others no longer trust us, and we cannot even enjoy our dishonest gains. It is wiser to be honest because "the righteous will come through trouble." (Proverbs 12:13).

1. Others' opinion

a) Leaders value those who speak the truth (Proverbs 16:13) 

i) ¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. (Proverbs 16:13 NKJV)

b) Most people will appreciate truth in the end more than flattery (Proverbs 28:23)

i) ²³ He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. (Proverbs 28:23 NKJV)

2. Quality of life

a) The righteous person's plans are right (Proverbs 12:5)

i) ⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. (Proverbs 12:5 NKJV)

b) Truthful witnesses do not deceive, false witnesses pour out lies (Proverbs 14:5)

i) ⁵ A faithful witness does not lie,  But a false witness will utter lies. (Proverbs 14:5 NKJV)

c) Truthful witnesses save lives (Proverbs 14:25)

i) ²⁵ A true witness delivers souls, But a deceitful witness speaks lies. (Proverbs 14:25 NKJV)

d) The children of the righteous are blessed (Proverbs 20:7)

i) ⁷ The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV)

3. Short-term results

a) Ill-gotten treasure is of no value (Proverbs 10:2)

i) ² Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 10:2 NKJV)

b) The righteous are rescued from trouble (Proverbs 11:8)

i) ⁸ The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead. (Proverbs 11:8 NKJV)

c) The evil are trapped by sinful talk (Proverbs 12:13)

i) ¹³ The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, But the righteous will come through trouble. (Proverbs 12:13 NKJV)

d) Fraudulent gain is sweet for a while (Proverbs 20:17)

i) ¹⁷ Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. (Proverbs 20:17 NKJV)