AP

Day 19: Dishonesty – part 3

People want a good deal. Driving a hard bargain may be the way of business, but it may not be pleasing to God. Telling a seller that his goods are poor quality so that he will drop his price, before boasting about the good deal you received is not pleasing to the LORD (Prov. 20:10).

These proverbs tell us that deceit may give short-term happiness, but in the end, deceit will not satisfy (Prov. 20:17). A bribe may avert anger in the short term (Prov. 21:14), but in the end God’s justice will find us out (Prov. 20:17).

Better is the honest life to which the Scriptures urge us in Jesus Christ. “Do not grow weary in doing good (1 Thess. 3:13).” May we never give people reason to mock God, because of our dishonesty. If ever you are unsure if something is a lie or not, then side with what will give you peace of conscience. Better to lose out, than gain a reputation for dishonesty. May we show the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives by seeking to live lives of honesty.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.

– Prov. 19:9

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

– Prov. 20:10

“Bad, bad,” says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts.

– Prov. 20:14

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

– Prov. 20:17

Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.

– Prov. 20:23

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour and a snare of death.

– Prov. 21:6

A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

– Prov. 21:14

A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

– Prov. 21:28

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

– Prov. 22:12

Father, may we never give others cause to dishonour You by our dishonesty. Rather, let us give the highest attention to honesty in every area of our lives.

When we are in position to profit from even the slightest dishonesty, convict our consciences and lead us in Your paths. May we never give up doing good.

We pray to the glory of Your holy Name,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes