This document contains advice and reflections on the importance of honesty. It provides examples of honest behavior from historical figures like Harry Truman and stories that illustrate the consequences of dishonesty. The key messages are: 1. Honesty is important for building trust in relationships and society. Dishonesty often breeds more dishonesty. 2. Small acts of dishonesty can become habits if not addressed, so it is important to be vigilant and avoid rationalizing unethical behavior. 3. Living honestly requires courage and vigilance, as there are often temptations to cut corners or be influenced by pride or greed. Maintaining a clear conscience is important.

2. Thomas Jefferson

3. Honesty
is a
rare quality

4. Daily newspapers are filled
with stories of dishonesty

6. “An honest man’s the
noblest work of God.” Alexander Pope

8. Why Be Honest? Because….
4. Dishonesty
1. God demands begets
it dishonesty
2. Conscience
requires it 5. Dishonesty picks
your pocket
3. Basis for all
human 6. Change begins
relationships with self

10. I gave it back to show
that there are still
honest people.
One person standing fast for what is right can be
a beacon for others to do the same.

11. St. Matthew

13. A 20-year old part time student was fired… refusing to go
along with the unethical practice.
As Christians, we have to speak out
against things like this...We have to
make some waves and show that we
are really obeying God.

16. If she had kept the money …
I’d be out of a job.
If more of us stopped to think of the harm that
dishonesty causes others,
perhaps we would less likely to cut corners.

17. St. Matthew

19. When one cheats,
we are all hurt.

20. Job

22. I had certain rules which I followed…
I refuse to handle any political money
in any way whatever.. I refused presents,
hotel accommodations or trips
which were paid for by private parties.
Harry Truman
I lived on the salary I was legally entitled to
and considered that I was employed by the taxpayers..
I made no speeches for money or expenses..
I would much rather be an honorable public
servant and known as such than to be the richest
man in the world.

23. Honesty doesn’t make headlines because
it is truly the rule rather than the exception.
Without being gullible, avoid cynicism when dealing
with people.
Sometimes to expect the best is the surest way to
obtain it.

26. A store clerk made a mistake of giving them
Grandfather &
more than they were entitled to. Granddaughter
Her grandfather told her they would return the items.
The granddaughter protested that the store wouldn’t
know. And her grandfather replied:
“Yes. But we would.”

27. If you would sleep soundly,
take a clear conscience
to bed with you. Benjamin Franklin

30. Why Be Honest? Because….
4. Consult your
1. Be aware of conscience
the need
2. Watch the
small things
5. Don’t be too
proud to ask
for help.
3. Remember the
power of
example

32. Honesty, like all virtues,
requires vigilance.
As a youngster once, he talked to a local storekeeper into letting
him have a watch which he would pay for a little at a time.
His mother was indignant after hearing of the agreement. She
paid for the watch and told Walter that there was no outright
dishonesty involved, he was flirting with it. His mother continued:
It’s one of those gray areas.
Be careful of gray – it might be grime.

34. Honesty is the practice of doing
what is right,
even when
it works to be
our own disadvantage.

35. It involves being truthful to ourselves and
recognizing our obligation to God
and to all humanity.

36. Honesty is closely linked to truthfulness, justice, faithfulness and
courage.
It is the enemy of self-deception, slippery words, divided loyalties
and the desire for gain at any cost.

37. Ask yourself
the following questions
and get an idea of
how honest
you really are.

38. Did I practice “petty theft” by
unauthorized use
of the office telephone,
or copying machine
or taking supplies
reserved for business purposes?

39. Do I exhort my children to avoid
cheating on exams,
while I “pad”
my expense account or
overstate losses
on tax returns
or insurance bills?

40. Am I willing to purchase
expensive watches or
electronic equipment at
suspiciously low prices
without inquiring
into their true origin?

41. Am I honest only when
somebody may be looking ?

42. Do I tolerate small lapses in
myself or my associates,
without facing up to the fact
that repeated actions
quickly become habits?

43. Do I adopt a “buyer beware”
attitude toward my customers
or clients, putting the burden
on them to discover any flaws
in my products or services?

44. Do I misuse language,
describing a deception
as a “white lie”,
stealing as “appropriating”
or double-dealing as
“good business”?

45. Do I habitually excuse
my failures to live up
to high moral standards
as being “only human”?

46. Have I failed to make restitution
for past infractions of justice?

47. If you answered “YES”
to one or more
of the questions,
you have
some work to do.

48. Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me
along the path of honesty, for my enemies
are waiting for me to fall.
Psalms 27:11 (NLT)

49. CAN WE BE

51. Fr. Larry Tan, SDB
Inspirational Series