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Honesty


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Honesty

Overview

In giving the Ten Commandments, the Lord declared: “Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness.” The Church’s thirteenth article of faith states, “We believe in being honest.” To be honest means to be sincere, truthful, and without deceit at all times.

When we are honest in every way, we are able to enjoy peace of mind and maintain self-respect. We build strength of character, which allows us to be of service to God and others. We are trustworthy in the eyes of God and those around us.

On the other hand, if we are dishonest in our words or actions, we hurt ourselves and often hurt others as well. If we lie, steal, cheat, or neglect to give the full amount of work for our pay, we lose our self-respect. We lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We may find that we have damaged relationships with family members and friends and that people no longer trust us.

Being honest often requires courage and sacrifice, especially when others try to persuade us to justify dishonest behavior. If we find ourselves in such a situation, we can remember that the lasting peace that comes from being honest is more valuable than the momentary relief of following the crowd.

Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

“Honesty: You Better Believe It!”

“What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?”

“Step 1: Honesty—David’s Story about Sex Addiction Recovery”

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Tabernacle Choir logo

Tabernacle Choir Videos

Choose the Right

Do What Is Right

More Holiness Give Me

Learning Resources

Church Magazines

Sarah Cutler Chow, “Sliding from the Truth,” Friend, March 2017

Julie Nash, “Karson and the Golden Ticket,” Friend, November 2015

Lorena Moody, “Honest Gabe,” Friend, May 2015

Honesty and Integrity,” Ensign, July 2013

Unwavering Honesty,” New Era, February 2011

Patricia A. Jacobs and Francini Presença, “An Honesty Test,” Liahona, July 2009

Hole Honesty,” Friend, June 2008

Book of Mormon Story: The Honest People of Ammon,” Friend, October 1996

Alan V. Funk, “The Business of Honesty,” Ensign, July 1996

Teaching Children to Be Honest,” Ensign, August 1985

Study Manuals

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Stories

Teaching Resources

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

Honesty,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children

Media

Audio

Honesty,” Stories from General Conference, episode 36

Honesty,” Stories from General Conference, episode 62

Honesty—Ben White,” For the Youth, episode 10

Music

Images