By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
April 30th is National Honesty Day. The value of honesty seems like an easy decision for most of us. It’s a virtue we want to incorporate in our lives, and we want our list of virtues to include trustworthy, reliable, upright, honorable, righteous, kind, and the list goes on.
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson
No one wakes up one morning with honesty linked to their name. We earn the right because of our willingness to use truth as our criterion. The process emerges over time, growing us into wise and discerning people. What we say and do reflects how we think.
When we commit to truth, others respect our stand for sincere communication. Successful communities thrive on the honesty of its people. The trait invites integrity into all those who practice it and allows our word to be a bond of establishing deep and lasting relationships.
“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Spencer Johnson
Ever have dealings with a dishonest person? When we discover the ruse, we feel betrayed, angry, and often choose to disassociate ourselves from the person. No one wants to be labeled a liar and untrustworthy, for one day the person will walk life alone, bitter, and resentful.
“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22 ESV
What are three ways we can incorporate honesty in our lives?
- Enlist a trustworthy accountability partner for honest feedback. If honesty challenges us, we need others to come alongside and help us overcome the tendency to deceive others.
- Practice the art of thinking of others more highly than ourselves. In this way, we put aside selfishness and greed and embrace love and fairness.
- Think before we speak. Is our comment beneficial? Does it edify or instruct a person or situation? Or are we seeking to make ourselves look good?
The world needs honest people to survive. If we are to maintain high standards with the next generation, they must know the value of truthfulness.
What is your definition of honesty?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Library Tip: Honesty is a lost art that will disappear if we neglect to instruct the value in our communities. How can your library promote honesty with patrons?
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