The Importance of Honesty

Scripture:

Prov. 11:1     A false balance is an abomination to the LORD,
        but an accurate weight is his delight.

Observation:

The wise people of God will live in such a way that the world notices the difference.  This includes being people of integrity when it comes to business dealings.  The Christian should never be known as a “wheeler-dealer” but instead should be one of the finest at what they do.  They should not lie or bear false witness.  They should give people all that is expected, or even more. 

The business person of the past was usually someone buying or selling in the market place.  Each city had their own set of official measurements that were to be used for transactions.  This included a measurement of length and/or an item of weight.  When weighing something it had to be weighed against the official weight.  If someone balanced out the scale with something other than the official weight, they could, of course try to cheat other people into paying too much for something, or by selling something that was under weight.  This did not please God.  Notice, he even calls it an “abomination.”  In other words, honest business dealings are expected of God’s children!  Yes, he is even delighted in those who do things the right way.  Honesty brings about the delight of the Lord.

Application:

Last week I was in a town that still had some medieval artifacts around the town square.  This included a metal rod that was attached to one of the buildings, and next to it a metal ring.  The rod was the official measurement of length for that town.  Everything that was bought or sold in terms of length was to be measured against this item.  If someone suspected that they had been cheated, they could bring the item to this official measure and check it out.  If it was proven that indeed they had been cheated, the offensive salesperson was brought to the same location where they were then tied to the metal loop where they would have to stand for punishment which often included the people pelting them with rotten vegetables.  Honesty in business was important!

The world is looking at God’s people and wondering if this Christianity is for real.  They want desperately to believe that we are good people, that we are honest, and that we will do a good job with all that we do.  Everything that we do in life becomes a living witness and testimony to the work of Jesus Christ in our lives.  If our business dealings even smack of dishonesty it will make people question our personal walk with the Lord.  And just as they did in medieval times, they will figuratively tie us up and pelt us with rotten vegetables — which may be found in the form of a barrage of social media content. 

And where is our witness?  Can it ever be restored?  

In the last number of years we have seen the fall of many “religious” leaders — cultural preachers of our day — which have become a bad taste in the mouth of the world.  They were dishonest in their business dealings.  They used their ministry to make money off of vulnerable people and their witness was destroyed.  May we not be found in that place.  May we be honest in all that we do.  May our measurements be accurate and may the Lord delight in what we do. 

Prayer:

Lord, please help my life to be one of honest dealings with you and with humanity.  Amen.