Honesty Is The Best Policy (Part 2)
Add to this the foolishness of so desiring material benefit that one would resort to unethical, unprincipled, and ungodly measures for a few dollars more: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death” (Proverbs 11:4). “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch” (Proverbs 11:28). Paul warned about the foolish pursuit of material goods when he wrote, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out…But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:7, 9-10, 17). The ill- gotten gain of the dishonest will bring him no advantage in the Day of Judgment, but will only bring misery and regret for eternity.
God expects man to be honest in his dealings with his fellow-man because He is just and upright in His dealings with us. God is fair and consistent as He measures our lives according to His word. God is described as using a fair balance and just weights: “A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work” (Proverbs 16:11). Our lives are under constant observation and evaluation in God’s balance. Recall God’s warning to Belshazzar, “Thou are weighed in the balances, and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). In order to reflect God’s equity in our lives, we are instructed to be honest and upright with one another. “Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:36). We are told to, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). “Providing for things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Those who would act dishonestly toward others for the purpose of gaining advantage show a lack of trust in God’s promises to provide for His children. We have the assurance that God will care for us if we put Him first: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Solomon advises us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Proverbs 3:5, 9-10). David’s observation reiterates God’s marvelous promise: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). There is no need to resort to less-than-honest means of making gain when one is striving to do the will of God. We all know God’s promise never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but that is set in a larger context that we often ignore. The verse instructs us to “let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have.” Why can we have a manner of life devoid of covetousness, filled instead with contentment and gladness? Because God will provide for us! He will not leave us or forsake us! Dishonesty for the purpose of gaining unfair advantage over others exhibits blatant disregard for God’s providence in our lives. The man who would be pleasing to the Lord realizes that he must show equity and honesty in his interactions with his neighbor, knowing that God is measuring his life in the balances of eternity. May we, like Job, ask of God, “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity” (Job 31:6).
-Patrick Morrison
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