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Discover the divine depth of honesty in the article “An Honest Person Tells the Truth.” This piece examines the biblical perspective on truth-telling, connecting it to God’s character and human ethics. Explore how honesty is commanded, the consequences of dishonesty, and how living truthfully serves as a witness to others. Uncover the spiritual dimensions of being truthful in a world desperate for authenticity.

Proverbs 12:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁷He who breathes out faithfulness reveals justice,
but a false witness deceit.

He who breathes out faithfulness reveals justice: He who breathes out (Heb. puach) faithfulness (Heb. emunah) means speaks the truth. Victor P. Hamilton says of this verb, “Primarily the verb means “to breathe/blow” in the negative sense of “to utter” lies, be utterly deceitful.”^[4] It is only here that puach is used in the positive sense of speaking, uttering, breathing out the truth. Faithfulness that is rendered truth is words that are faithful to the facts. Reveals justice means to gives honest evidence, that is, show what is right, honest, and correct.

but a false witness deceit: The false witness is a person that lies as easily as he takes a breath and has no pause in bearing false witness under oath, or in life. The Hebrew (mirmah) rendered deceit means dishonesty, treachery, a person deliberately misleading so as to give another a false view.

The setting here is a judicial hearing, which makes the repercussions for being deceitful even more serious. In the days of Solomon, a false witness in a court of law would receive the death penalty, while being truthful can save the person’s life. So, yeah, the false witness can cause much damage when it comes to a judicial setting. The true witness brings forth faithfulness; he is speaking, uttering, and breathing out the truth because his testimony is reliable and trustworthy. The false witness brings forth deceit and has no concern for the miscarriage of justice.

An Honest Person Tells the Truth: A Biblical Perspective

Honesty is a virtue esteemed not only in various human cultures but profoundly emphasized within the pages of the Bible. The concept of truth-telling isn’t merely a moral preference; it is woven into the very character of God and consequently becomes a defining attribute of those who follow Him.

I. The Divine Character of Truth

A. God as the Source of Truth

Scripture affirms God as the source of all truth. In the Psalms, we read that “all [God’s] work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4, ESV). Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, ESV). Truth is not only something God possesses but something He embodies.

B. God’s Word as Truth

God’s Word is described as truth (John 17:17). The Scriptures are a reliable revelation of God’s character and will. They are not merely human words but are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), making them a solid foundation for understanding what is true and right.

II. The Human Responsibility to Truth

A. Honesty as a Command

The Bible doesn’t merely suggest honesty as a good practice; it commands it. The Ninth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16, ESV), prohibits lying and encourages truth-telling.

B. Honesty in Everyday Life

The New Testament repeatedly calls for honesty in speech (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). Whether in business, relationships, or personal reflection, the call to honesty pervades all aspects of life.

III. The Consequences of Dishonesty

A. Spiritual Consequences

Lying is not a trivial matter in Scripture. It’s a violation of God’s character and a hindrance to our relationship with Him. Ananias and Sapphira’s lie (Acts 5) led to severe consequences, demonstrating the gravity with which God views dishonesty.

B. Social Consequences

Dishonesty erodes trust and undermines relationships. Proverbs warns, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish” (Proverbs 19:9, ESV).

IV. Honesty as a Witness to Others

A. Reflecting God’s Character

As believers, our commitment to truth-telling reflects the character of God. It stands as a witness to a world often mired in deception and half-truths.

B. Building Trust with Others

Honesty builds bridges and fosters understanding. It’s an essential part of sharing the Gospel and living in a way that honors Christ.

V. Conclusion: An Honest Person Tells the Truth

An honest person tells the truth because God is truth. Our honesty, or lack thereof, is a reflection of our relationship with Him and our understanding of His Word. As we strive to be like Christ, we embrace honesty not merely as a human virtue but as a divine mandate.

Our commitment to truth has profound spiritual implications, influencing our relationship with God, our interactions with others, and our witness to the world. The call to honesty is not a call to mere morality but a call to alignment with the very character of God.

Honesty, then, is not optional for the Christian. It is a fundamental expression of our faith, a visible manifestation of the invisible God we serve. In a world where truth is often relative, the Christian’s commitment to honesty stands as a testimony to the unchanging truth of God’s character and Word.

Our challenge, then, is to live lives marked by truth. In our words and our actions, may we reflect the God of truth, standing firm in a world that so desperately needs to see the reality of His presence. An honest person tells the truth, but for the Christian, that honesty is a profound spiritual calling, a reflection of the God we serve, and a means of grace to a world in need.

^[4] Victor P. Hamilton, “1741 פּוַּח,” ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 719.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).