Honesty and Integrity

Kekich Credo #31 - If there is not a conscious struggle to be honest in difficult situations, you are probably being dishonest. Characters aren’t really tested until things aren’t going well or until the stakes are high.

Being honest builds trust.  When you are always honest with someone, it tells them they can trust you and the things you say.  They can believe your promises and commitments.

There are many quotes on honesty.  Here are some you may have heard before.  

• ‘Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.’

• ‘A half truth is a whole lie.’

• ‘Every lie is two lies, the lie we tell others and the lie we tell ourselves to justify it.’

• ‘It takes strength and courage to admit the truth.’

• ‘Honesty is the best policy.’

The proverb ‘honesty is the best policy’ means it is better to admit one’s shortcomings and suffer the consequences rather than live in fear of being found out.

What are some examples and traits of an honest person?

• They admit when they are wrong.

• They choose not to cheat.

• They return something that belongs to someone else.

• They know how to keep promises.

• They are transparent.

• They have empathy for others.

• Their words and actions match up with each other.

• They don’t exaggerate.

• They don’t like making excuses.

Honesty is being truthful, sincere and free of deceit.  Integrity is adhering to a strict moral or ethical code.  Self-integrity is about being true to your values and what you stand for in life.  You show this through your actions.  You lack self-integrity when your actions don’t reflect the values or beliefs you claim to have. 

Moral integrity is doing the right thing when nobody's watching. We know what is right and wrong and we choose to do the right thing. Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.  

The lack of integrity leads to distrust.  Refrain from sharing secrets and confidential information with others.  Avoid gossiping about other people.  Admit when you are wrong and return found items without expecting to receive a reward. Follow through on the promises you make. 

Ouch.  Did anything on these lists prick your conscience?  What do you need to do about it?

How can you become a more honest person?  We all make mistakes. It’s time to admit them and press on.  Each day, make a fresh start and become a person of integrity.

# living life abundantly      # published author