Behaviour, in action and words, that aims to convey truth. This quality is an essential aspect of God's own nature and purposes, and is required of those whom he calls to be his people.
Honesty is integral to the gospel
The honesty of God
2 Samuel 7:28 See also Psalm 19:7, Psalm 33:4, Psalm 111:7, Psalm 119:142, Psalm 119:151; Isaiah 45:19; Jeremiah 10:10; John 7:28; Romans 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:7, Revelation 15:2–3, Revelation 19:9
And now, O Lord GOD, You are God! Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.
The honesty demanded of believers
Psalm 15:1–2; 2 Corinthians 4:2 See also Exodus 18:21LEV Exodus 19:35–36; Deuteronomy 25:13–16 1 Kings 9:4–5; Proverbs 11:1; Ezekiel 45:10; Zechariah 8:16–17; John 4:23–24; Romans 1:18; 1 Corinthians 5:8EPH 1 Corinthians 4:15, Ephesians 4:25 Philippians 4:81TI Philippians 3:8; Titus 1:7 Titus 2:7–8
A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
The honesty of Jesus Christ
1 Peter 2:22 See also Matthew 22:16 parallel Mark 12:14 Jesus Christ's opponents flattering Jesus Christ, but nevertheless speaking the truth.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
Other examples of honest behaviour commended by Scripture
Jacob: Genesis 30:33, Genesis 43:12; 1 Samuel 12:3–5 Samuel; 1 Kings 17:24 Elijah; 1 Chronicles 29:17 David; Job 27:4 Job; Daniel 6:4 Daniel; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:2
The cost of honesty
Jeremiah 26:15 See also Proverbs 17:26, Proverbs 29:10, Proverbs 29:27; Isaiah 59:14–15; Amos 5:10; John 8:45–46, John 18:23; Galatians 4:16
But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.