Dear friend, dishonesty in this world may give you profit for some time, but in the short term long term that dishonesty will face huge losses and eventually you will not be able to enjoy the wealth earned by dishonesty. Not only that, but if we look at it from the biblical point of view, this dishonesty becomes the biggest obstacle to our spiritual growth.
Dear friends we will certainly look at the words in the Bible about this but before that we try to understand how terrible dishonesty can be in our lives.
The Bible teaches us that honesty is close to God’s heart. Our Creator values truth and honesty and calls His children to walk in the same light.
Take, for example, the story of Ananias and Sapphira from the New Testament. They lied about the amount of money they gave to the apostles and faced dire consequences for their dishonesty and could not enjoy the money earned by that dishonesty (Acts 5:1-11). Their story is a stark reminder that even if people are fooled, God cannot be fooled.
Dear brothers and sisters, every act of dishonesty that results in unbelief, conflict and separation from divine guidance. To lie or deceive is to distance ourselves from the presence and blessings of our Almighty.
Dear friends, now let’s look at the following Bible scriptures that talk about the consequences of dishonesty.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord : but they that deal truly are his delight”
Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour”
Colossians 3:9
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds”
Psalm 101:7
“He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight”
Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren”
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another”
Leviticus 19:11
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another”
Proverbs 10:9
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known”
Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord : but a just weight is his delight”
Proverbs 14:5
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies”
Proverbs 14:25
“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies”
Luke 16:10
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much”
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends”
Proverbs 17:4
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue”
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape”
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish”
Proverbs 20:17
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel”
Proverbs 21:6
“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death”
Proverbs 24:28
“Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips”
Proverbs 25:14
“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain”
Proverbs 25:18
“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow”
Proverbs 26:18-19
“As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?”
Proverbs 26:23
“Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross”
Proverbs 26:24-26
“He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation”
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin”
Hosea 4:1-2
“Hear the word of the Lord , ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood”
Zechariah 8:16-17
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord”
Conclusion:
Dear friends, it is clear that dishonesty is not only a moral failure but a spiritual fall. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of honesty and the devastating consequences that arise from dishonesty.
It not only harms others but also deeply affects our relationship with God. However, the grace of Almighty God is unlimited. If you have been wronged by temptation, surrender your heart to God and ask for forgiveness for your wrongdoing.
Let us choose to embrace the truth, dear friends, for it is the light that guides us to eternal peace. I urge you to think about this, and if it is helpful, share it with others.
