Lesson 36

Everyone wants friends who are honest. Jehovah expects his friends to be honest too. But this is not easy in a world where many people are dishonest. What benefits come from being honest in all things?

When we are honest with others, we show Jehovah that we love and respect him. Consider:Jehovah knows everything we think and do. (Hebrews 4:13)

He notices when we choose to be honest, and he appreciates it. His Word states: “Jehovah detests a devious person, but His close friendship is with the upright.” — Proverbs 3:32.

Jehovah wants us to “speak the truth with one another.” (Zechariah 8:16, 17)

What does this mean? Whether we are speaking to our family, workmates, Christian brothers and sisters, or government officials, we do not lie or give misleading information. Honest people do not steal from others or defraud them.

Read Proverbs 24.28: Do not testify against your neighbor without grounds. Do not use your lips to deceive others.

Read Ephesians 4.28: Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.

And they pay all the taxes that they owe.

Read Romans 13.5-7: There is therefore compelling reason for you to be in subjection, not only on account of that wrath but also on account of your conscience. That is why you are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. Render to all their dues: to the one who calls for the tax, the tax; to the one who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to the one who calls for fear, such fear; to the one who calls for honor, such honor.

In these and other ways, we “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.”— Hebrews 13:18.

When we have a reputation for being honest, others trust us. We contribute to the safe, familylike atmosphere in the congregation. We enjoy a clean conscience. Our honesty can also “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God,” and attract those outside the congregation to true worship.— Titus 2:10.

See how honesty affects Jehovah and you, and learn how you can be honest in various situations in life.

Read Psalm 44.21: Will not God discover this? He is aware of the secrets of the heart.

Read Malachi 3.16: At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and for those meditating on his name.

Discuss these questions:

Why do you think it is unwise to believe that we can hide the truth?

How do you think Jehovah feels when we choose to tell the truth, even when it is difficult to do so?

Many people believe that honesty is not always practical. But consider why we should be honest at all times. Play the VIDEO.

Read Hebrews 13.18: Keep praying for us, for we trust we have an honest conscience, as we wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.

Discuss how we can be honest...

with our family.

at work or school.

in other situations.

Honesty may result in some problems. But in the long run, it is always the best policy.

Read Psalm 34.12-16: Who among you takes pleasure in life And would love to see many good days? Then guard your tongue from what is bad, Your lips from speaking deception. Turn away from what is bad and do what is good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, And his ears listen to their cry for help. But the face of Jehovah is against those doing what is bad, To erase all memory of them from the earth.

Discuss this question:

How does honesty make your life better?