Definition and Meaning:
Honesty is the quality of being truthful, sincere, and free from deceit or fraud. In the biblical context, honesty is a virtue that reflects the character of God and is expected of His followers. It involves integrity, transparency, and a commitment to truth in all aspects of life.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 12:22 · "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight."
This verse highlights the contrast between dishonesty and honesty, emphasizing that God takes pleasure in those who are truthful and faithful in their dealings.

2. Ephesians 4:25 · "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another."
The Apostle Paul instructs believers to abandon deceit and embrace honesty, underscoring the importance of truthfulness within the Christian community.

3. Colossians 3:9-10 · "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."
This passage calls Christians to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ, which includes rejecting lies and embracing honesty.

4. 2 Corinthians 8:21 · "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men."
Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty, not only before God but also in the sight of others, reflecting a life that honors God.

Theological Significance:

Honesty is a reflection of God's own nature, as He is described as a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate His character by living honestly. This involves not only avoiding falsehood but also being transparent and trustworthy in all interactions.

Practical Application:

1. Personal Integrity: Christians are encouraged to cultivate personal integrity by being honest in their thoughts, words, and actions. This includes being truthful in speech, fulfilling promises, and being transparent in financial dealings.

2. Relationships: Honesty is foundational for healthy relationships. It builds trust and fosters genuine connections with others. Believers are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), balancing honesty with compassion and understanding.

3. Witness to the World: Living honestly serves as a powerful testimony to the world. It demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of a life changed by Christ. By being honest, Christians can effectively witness to the truth of God's Word.

Challenges to Honesty:

In a world where deceit and dishonesty are often prevalent, maintaining honesty can be challenging. Believers may face temptations to compromise their integrity for personal gain or to avoid conflict. However, Scripture encourages Christians to stand firm in truth, trusting that God honors and rewards those who live honestly (Proverbs 11:3).

Conclusion:

While honesty is a fundamental Christian virtue, it requires intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By committing to honesty, believers not only honor God but also reflect His truth and love to a watching world.1. (adv.) Honorably; becomingly; decently.

2. (adv.) In an honest manner; as, a contract honestly made; to live honestly; to speak honestly.

55. hagnos -- purely, with pure motives
... Adverb Transliteration: hagnos Phonetic Spelling: (hag-noce') Short Definition:
purely, sincerely Definition: purely, sincerely, with pure motives, honestly. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/55.htm - 6k

2156. euschemonos -- becomingly
... decently, honestly. Adverb from euschemon; decorously -- decently, honestly. see
GREEK euschemon. (euschemonos) -- 3 Occurrences. 2155, 2156. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2156.htm - 6k

2573. kalos -- well
... well. Adverb from kalos; well (usually morally) -- (in a) good (place), honestly, +
recover, (full) well. see GREEK kalos. (kalos) -- 36 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2573.htm - 7k

530. emunah -- firmness, steadfastness, fidelity
... from aman Definition firmness, steadfastness, fidelity NASB Word Usage faith (1),
faithful (3), faithfully (8), faithfulness (25), honestly (1), responsibility ...
/hebrew/530.htm - 6k

But if He were Dealing Honestly in his Accusations...
... Chapter X. But if he were dealing honestly in his accusations? But if
he were dealing honestly in his accusations, he ought to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter x but if he.htm

On Re-Reading My Protest, which I Honestly Think Much Needed...
... Chapter 48 On re-reading my protest, which I honestly think much needed?
On re-reading my protest, which I honestly think much ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 48 on re-reading my.htm

He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... He must have other motives than honesty of heart, if he appears to act honestly
in larger things, while he acts dishonestly in small matters. III. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that is unjust in.htm

Testimonies from the Apostle Concerning the Spirit of Accidie.
... second, "and to do your own business;" and a third as well: "and work with your
own hands, as we commanded you;" a fourth: "and to walk honestly towards those ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter vii testimonies from the.htm

Chapter three
... Then he said abruptly: "Clark, if Christ was editor of a daily paper, do you honestly
think He would print three columns and a half of prize fight in it?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter three.htm

The Inner and the Outer Revelation.
... Young men may really doubt the inspiration of the Christian Scriptures, not because
they have honestly studied those Scriptures and their numerous evidences ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xiv the inner and the.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... and implied danger, but that "ye abound," he says, and "study," which are the words
of one exhorting to virtue; "that ye may walk honestly" (becomingly), he ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

Chapter four
... Edward Norman asked it honestly, and after a prayer for help and wisdom he asked
Clark to come into the office. ... He was honestly perplexed by the question. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter four.htm

The Unjust Steward
... The unjust steward was commended for acting wisely. Now, it seems the
way to act wisely is to act faithfully"that is honestly. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xlii the unjust steward.htm

Preaching (I. ).
... This may be done honestly and usefully, in many ways. ... But then, of course, you will
do it honestly and above-board, telling your people whose it is. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moule/to my younger brethren/chapter x preaching i.htm

Honestly (8 Occurrences)
... 2. (adv.) In an honest manner; as, a contract honestly made; to live honestly; to
speak honestly. Multi-Version Concordance Honestly (8 Occurrences). ...
/h/honestly.htm - 8k

Honestly-earned (1 Occurrence)
Honestly-earned. Honestly, Honestly-earned. Honesty . Multi-Version
Concordance Honestly-earned (1 Occurrence). 2 Thessalonians ...
/h/honestly-earned.htm - 6k

Honesty (4 Occurrences)
... 12:17 2 Corinthians 8:21; 2 Corinthians 13:7 Philippians 4:8); in 1 Peter 2:12,
into "seemly.' In the American Standard Revised Version "honestly" in Hebrews 13 ...
/h/honesty.htm - 9k

Honest (34 Occurrences)
... 12:17 2 Corinthians 8:21; 2 Corinthians 13:7 Philippians 4:8); in 1 Peter 2:12,
into "seemly.' In the American Standard Revised Version "honestly" in Hebrews 13 ...
/h/honest.htm - 18k

False.
... 8. (adv.) Not truly; not honestly; falsely. ... There were, however, false prophesyings
from men who honestly believed themselves to have a message from Yahweh. ...
/f/false..htm - 16k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... At no period reasonably to be assigned for the origin and incorporation of these
documents could they have been honestly accepted by any member of the ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... At no period reasonably to be assigned for the origin and incorporation of these
documents could they have been honestly accepted by any member of the ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Quietly (30 Occurrences)
... of that sort our injunction--and our command by the authority of the Lord Jesus
Christ--is that they are to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread ...
/q/quietly.htm - 16k

Justly (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) In a just manner; in conformity to law, justice,
or propriety; by right; honestly; fairly; accurately. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/justly.htm - 12k

Injunction (8 Occurrences)
... of that sort our injunction--and our command by the authority of the Lord Jesus
Christ--is that they are to work quietly and eat their own honestly-earned bread ...
/i/injunction.htm - 9k

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