WTS definition of honesty

by littlerockguy 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

littlerockguy

Can somebody tell me the WTS definition of honesty? I dont have my Insight book with me. I knew their definition of a lye and how they apply there definition with their legalistic actions.
littlerockguy

OMG, I was an English major in college and misspelled lie and typed the wrong word! *gasp*
GetBusyLiving

You know, I hear you can get a university level education just by reading the "Awake" magazines. Just a thought.
GBL
MidwichCuckoo

''Honesty'' isn't listed in the ''Insight'' book - there's ''LIE'', and its opposite ''TRUTH''.
sweet tee

''Honesty'' isn't listed in the ''Insight'' book
Go figure
NeonMadman

*** it-2 pp. 244-245 Lie ***
LIE
The opposite of truth. Lying generally involves saying something false to a person who is entitled to know the truth and doing so with the intent to deceive or to injure him or another person. A lie need not always be verbal. It can also be expressed in action, that is, a person may be living a lie. The Hebrew verb that conveys the idea of speaking that which is untrue is ka·zav´. (Pr 14:5) Another Hebrew verb sha·qar´ means "deal or act falsely," and the noun form is rendered "lie; deception; falsehood." (Le 19:11; Ps 44:17; Le 19:12; Ps 33:17; Isa 57:4) Hebrew shaw´, at times rendered "untruth; falsehood," basically refers to something worthless, vain, valueless. (Ps 12:2; De 5:20; Ps 60:11; 89:47; Zec 10:2) The Hebrew verb ka·chash´ (deceive) evidently has the basic meaning "prove disappointing." (Le 19:11; Ho 9:2) The Greek term pseu´dos and related words have to do with lying and falsehood.
The father, or originator, of lying is Satan the Devil. (Joh 8:44) His lie conveyed by means of a serpent to the first woman Eve ultimately brought death to her and to her husband Adam. (Ge 3:1-5, 16-19) That first lie was rooted in selfishness and wrong desire. It was designed to divert the love and obedience of the first human pair to the liar, who had presented himself as an angel of light, a benefactor. (Compare 2Co 11:14.) All other malicious lies uttered since that time have likewise been a reflection of selfishness and wrong desire. People have told lies to escape deserved punishment, to profit at the expense of others, and to gain or maintain certain advantages, material rewards, or the praise of men.
Especially serious have been the religious lies, as they have endangered the future life of persons deceived by them. Said Jesus Christ: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves." (Mt 23:15) The exchange of God?s truth for "the lie," the falsehood of idolatry, can cause a person to become a practicer of what is degrading and vile.?Ro 1:24-32.
The case of the religious leaders of Judaism in the time of Jesus? earthly ministry shows what can happen when one abandons the truth. They schemed to have Jesus put to death. Then, when he was resurrected, they bribed the soldiers who had guarded the tomb so they would conceal the truth and spread a lie about the disappearance of Jesus? body.?Mt 12:14; 27:1, 2, 62-65; 28:11-15; Mr 14:1; Lu 20:19.
Jehovah God cannot lie (Nu 23:19; Heb 6:13-18), and he hates "a false tongue." (Pr 6:16-19) His law to the Israelites required compensation for injuries resulting from deception or malicious lying. (Le 6:2-7; 19:11, 12) And a person presenting false testimony was to receive the punishment that he desired to inflict upon another by means of his lies. (De 19:15-21) God?s view of malicious lying, as reflected in the Law, has not changed. Those desiring to gain his approval cannot engage in the practice of lying. (Ps 5:6; Pr 20:19; Col 3:9, 10; 1Ti 3:11; Re 21:8, 27; 22:15) They cannot be living a lie, claiming to love God while hating their brother. (1Jo 4:20, 21) For playing false to the holy spirit by lying, Ananias and his wife lost their lives.?Ac 5:1-11.
However, persons who are momentarily overreached in telling a lie do not automatically become guilty of an unforgivable sin. The case of Peter, in denying Jesus three times, illustrates that if a person is truly repentant, God will forgive him.?Mt 26:69-75.
While malicious lying is definitely condemned in the Bible, this does not mean that a person is under obligation to divulge truthful information to people who are not entitled to it. Jesus Christ counseled: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw your pearls before swine, that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open." (Mt 7:6) That is why Jesus on certain occasions refrained from giving full information or direct answers to certain questions when doing so could have brought unnecessary harm. (Mt 15:1-6; 21:23-27; Joh 7:3-10) Evidently the course of Abraham, Isaac, Rahab, and Elisha in misdirecting or in withholding full facts from nonworshipers of Jehovah must be viewed in the same light.?Ge 12:10-19; chap 20; 26:1-10; Jos 2:1-6; Jas 2:25; 2Ki 6:11-23.
Jehovah God allows "an operation of error" to go to persons who prefer falsehood "that they may get to believing the lie" rather than the good news about Jesus Christ. (2Th 2:9-12) This principle is illustrated by what happened centuries earlier in the case of Israelite King Ahab. Lying prophets assured Ahab of success in war against Ramoth-gilead, while Jehovah?s prophet Micaiah foretold disaster. As revealed in vision to Micaiah, Jehovah allowed a spirit creature to become "a deceptive spirit" in the mouth of Ahab?s prophets. That is to say, this spirit creature exercised his power upon them so that they spoke, not truth, but what they themselves wanted to say and what Ahab wanted to hear from them. Though forewarned, Ahab preferred to be fooled by their lies and paid for it with his life.?1Ki 22:1-38; 2Ch 18.
NeonMadman

*** it-2 pp. 1130-1133 Truth ***
TRUTH
The Hebrew term ´emeth´, often rendered "truth," may designate that which is firm, trustworthy, stable, faithful, true, or established as fact. (Ex 18:21; 34:6; De 13:14; 17:4; 22:20; Jos 2:12; 2Ch 18:15; 31:20; Ne 7:2; 9:33; Es 9:30; Ps 15:2; Ec 12:10; Jer 9:5) The Greek word a·le´thei·a stands in contrast with falsehood or unrighteousness and denotes that which conforms to fact or to what is right and proper. (Mr 5:33; 12:32; Lu 4:25; Joh 3:21; Ro 2:8; 1Co 13:6; Php 1:18; 2Th 2:10, 12; 1Jo 1:6, 8; 2:4, 21) A number of other original-language expressions can, depending upon the context, also be translated "truth."
Jehovah,
the God of Truth. Jehovah is "the God of truth." (Ps 31:5) He is faithful in all his dealings. His promises are sure, for he cannot lie. (Nu 23:19; 1Sa 15:29; Ps 89:35; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:17, 18) He judges according to truth, that is, according to the way things really are, and not on the basis of outward appearance. (Ro 2:2; compare Joh 7:24.) Everything that emanates from him is pure and without defect. His judicial decisions, law, commandments, and word are truth. (Ne 9:13; Ps 19:9; 119:142, 151, 160) They are always right and proper, and they stand in opposition to all unrighteousness and error.
Creation?s
testimony. The creative works testify to the fact that God exists. But, according to Paul, even certain of those people who "knew God" suppressed this truth. Rather than serving God in harmony with the truth concerning his eternal power and Godship, they made idols and worshiped these. Not being real gods, idols are an untruth, a lie or falsehood. (Jer 10:14) Hence, these persons, though having the truth of God, exchanged it "for the lie and venerated and rendered sacred service to the creation rather than the One who created." Their turning to the falsehood of idolatry led them into all kinds of degraded practices.?Ro 1:18-31.
In
contrast to man?s sinfulness. The degraded practices of non-Jews and the disobedience of the Jews to God?s law in no way brought harm to the Creator personally. Instead, his truthfulness, holiness, and righteousness stood out in sharp contrast, and this to his glory. But the fact that man?s wrongdoing makes God?s righteousness stand out in even greater prominence provides no basis for claiming that God is unjust in executing an adverse judgment against wrongdoers. Being a creation of God, a person has no right to harm himself by sinning.
The above is the argument that Paul used in his letter to the Romans, saying: "If our unrighteousness brings God?s righteousness to the fore, what shall we say? God is not unjust when he vents his wrath, is he? (I am speaking as a man does.) Never may that happen! How, otherwise, will God judge the world? Yet if by reason of my lie [compare Ps 62:9] the truth of God has been made more prominent to his glory, why am I also yet being judged as a sinner? And why not say, just as it is falsely charged to us and just as some men state that we say: ?Let us do the bad things that the good things may come?? The judgment against those men is in harmony with justice." (Ro 3:5-8) God has delivered his people, not for a course of sin, but for a life of righteousness, that they may glorify Him. The apostle says later in his letter: "Neither go on presenting your members to sin as weapons of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, also your members to God as weapons of righteousness."?Ro 6:12, 13.
What
is the meaning of the statement that Jesus Christ is himself "the truth"?
Like his Father Jehovah, Jesus Christ is "full of undeserved kindness and truth." (Joh 1:14; Eph 4:21) While on earth, he always spoke the truth as he had received it from his Father. (Joh 8:40, 45, 46) "He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth." (1Pe 2:22) Jesus represented things as they really were. Besides being ?full of truth,? Jesus was himself "the truth," and truth came through him. He declared: "I am the way and the truth and the life." (Joh 14:6) And the apostle John wrote: "The Law was given through Moses, the undeserved kindness and the truth came to be through Jesus Christ."?Joh 1:17.
John?s words do not mean that the Law given through Moses was erroneous. It, too, was truth, conforming to God?s standard of holiness, righteousness, and goodness. (Ps 119:151; Ro 7:10-12) However, the Law served as a tutor leading to Christ (Ga 3:23-25) and had a shadow, or prophetic picture, of greater realities. (Heb 8:4, 5; 10:1-5) Providing a shadow, the Law, though truthful, was not the full truth and, therefore, had to give way to the realities that it foreshadowed. This point is emphasized by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians: "Let no man judge you in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath; for those things are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to the Christ." (Col 2:16, 17) Accordingly, "the truth came to be through Jesus" in the sense that he put the things foreshadowed by the Law into the realm of actual truth. As he himself was no shadow but the reality, Jesus was "the truth." Jesus also became ?a minister in behalf of God?s truthfulness? in that he fulfilled God?s promises made to the forefathers of the Jews by ministering to the circumcised Jews and proselytes.?Ro 15:8; see JESUS CHRIST (?Bearing Witness to the Truth?).
Similarly, the apostle Paul?s reference to "the truth in the Law" does not imply that there was any falsehood in it (Ro 2:20) but shows that the Law was not the full truth.
"The
Spirit of the Truth." The spirit that proceeds from Jehovah God is pure and holy. It is "the spirit of the truth." (Joh 14:17; 15:26) Jesus Christ told his disciples: "I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present. However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things coming."?Joh 16:12, 13.
God?s spirit would teach them everything they needed to know to carry out their work, recalling and opening up to their understanding things they had previously heard from Jesus but had not understood. (Joh 14:26) God?s spirit would also declare to them "the things coming." This could include bringing to light the significance of Jesus? death and resurrection, as these events were then yet future and were among the things that his disciples did not understand. (Mt 16:21-23; Lu 24:6-8, 19-27; Joh 2:19-22; 12:14-16; 20:9) Of course, God?s spirit later also enabled Christ?s followers to foretell future happenings. (Ac 11:28; 20:29, 30; 21:11; 1Ti 4:1-3) Being "the spirit of the truth," God?s holy spirit could never be the source of error but would protect Christ?s followers from doctrinal falsehoods. (Compare 1Jo 2:27; 4:1-6.) It would bear witness to the truth regarding Jesus Christ. From Pentecost 33 C.E. onward, God?s spirit bore witness by helping Jesus? disciples to understand the prophecies that clearly proved that Jesus was the Son of God. On the basis of these prophecies, they bore witness to others. (Joh 15:26, 27; compare Ac 2:14-36; Ro 1:1-4.) Even before Pentecost, though, "the spirit of the truth" had been bearing witness to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God (1Jo 5:5-8), for it was by this spirit that Jesus was anointed and enabled to perform powerful works.?Joh 1:32-34; 10:37, 38; Ac 10:38; see SPIRIT.
God?s
Word Is Truth. God?s Word presents things as they really are, revealing Jehovah?s attributes, purposes, and commands, as well as the true state of affairs among mankind. God?s Word of truth shows what is required for one to be sanctified or made holy, set apart for use by Jehovah in his service, and then to remain in a sanctified state. Hence, Jesus could pray respecting his followers: "Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth." (Joh 17:17; compare Jas 1:18.) Their obedience to the revealed truth of God?s Word led them into sanctification, the truth being the means by which they purified their souls. (1Pe 1:22) Thus they stood out as "no part of the world" that did not adhere to God?s truth.?Joh 17:16.
?Walking
in the Truth.? Those who desire to gain God?s approval should walk in his truth and serve him in truth. (Jos 24:14; 1Sa 12:24; Ps 25:4, 5; 26:3-6; 43:3; 86:11; Isa 38:3) This would include abiding by God?s requirements and serving him in faithfulness and sincerity. To a Samaritan woman Jesus Christ said: "The hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." (Joh 4:23, 24) Such worship could not be based on imagination but would have to conform to what is in harmony with the actual state of things, consistent with what God has revealed in his Word about himself and his purposes.
Christianity is "the way of the truth" (2Pe 2:2), and those who assist others in furthering the interests of Christianity become "fellow workers in the truth." (3Jo 8) The entire body of Christian teachings, which later became part of the written Word of God, is "the truth" or "the truth of the good news." Adherence to this truth, ?walking? in it, is essential if an individual is to gain salvation. (Ro 2:8; 2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13; 1Ti 2:4; 2Ti 4:4; Tit 1:1, 14; Heb 10:26; 2Jo 1-4; 3Jo 3, 4) In the case of those who conduct themselves aright, the truth?the conformity of their ways to God?s Word and the actual results of their course?testifies to the fact that they are examples worthy of imitation. (3Jo 11, 12) On the other hand, a person who departs from the basic teachings of Christianity, either by conducting himself improperly or by advocating false doctrine, is no longer "walking" in the truth. This was the situation of those who insisted that circumcision was necessary in order for one to gain salvation. Their teaching was contrary to Christian truth, and those who accepted it ceased to obey the truth or walk in it. (Ga 2:3-5; 5:2-7) Similarly, when the apostle Peter, by his actions, made an improper distinction between Jews and non-Jews, the apostle Paul corrected him for not "walking" in harmony with "the truth of the good news."?Ga 2:14.
"A Pillar and Support of the Truth." The Christian congregation serves as "a pillar and support of the truth," preserving the purity of the truth and defending and upholding it. (1Ti 3:15) For this reason it is especially important that those entrusted with oversight in the congregation be able to handle "the word of the truth" aright. Proper use of God?s Word enables them to combat false teaching in the congregation, instructing "those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth." (2Ti 2:15-18, 25; compare 2Ti 3:6-8; Jas 5:13-20.) Not all qualify to do this kind of instructing, or teaching, in the congregation. Men who have bitter jealousies and are contentious have no basis for bragging about their being qualified to teach. Their claim would be false. As the disciple James wrote: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth."?Jas 3:13, 14.
For the Christian congregation to be "a pillar and support of the truth," the members thereof must, through fine conduct, manifest the truth in their lives. (Eph 5:9) They have to be consistent and undeviating in right conduct, as if "girded about with truth." (Eph 6:14) Besides maintaining personal purity, Christians must be concerned about congregational purity. When emphasizing the need to keep the Christian congregation clean from the defilement of lawless persons, the apostle Paul wrote: "Clear away the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, according as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed. Consequently let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth." (1Co 5:7, 8) Since Jesus Christ was sacrificed only once (compare Heb 9:25-28) as the reality of the Passover lamb, the entire life course of the Christian, comparable to the Festival of Unfermented Cakes, should be free from injuriousness and wickedness. There must be a willingness to remove what is sinful to maintain personal and congregational purity and thus to ?keep the festival with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.?
nicolaou

Apologies for the long (and boring) cut & paste but I figured this was as close as the cult got to defining honesty.
*** w03 8/1 pp. 14-19 Imitating the God of Truth ***
Imitating
the God of Truth
"Become imitators of God, as beloved children."?EPHESIANS 5:1.
"WHAT is truth?" (John 18:38) That question, cynically posed by Pontius Pilate nearly 2,000 years ago, implies that truth is too elusive to be pursued. Many today would agree. The very nature of truth is under attack. You may have heard it said that everyone makes his own truth, or that truth is relative, or that truth is ever changing. Such reasoning is flawed. The very goal of research and education is to learn the facts, the truth, about the world in which we live. Truth is not a matter of personal opinion. For example, either the human soul is immortal or it is not. Either Satan exists or he does not. Either there is a purpose to life or there is not. In each case, there can be only one correct answer. One is true, and the other is false; both cannot be true.
2
In the preceding article, we considered that Jehovah is the God of truth. He knows the truth in all things. In striking contrast with his deceitful adversary Satan the Devil, Jehovah is ever truthful. What is more, Jehovah generously reveals the truth to others. The apostle Paul urged fellow Christians: "Become imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) As Witnesses of Jehovah, how might we imitate him in speaking and living the truth? Why is it important to do so? And what assurance do we have that Jehovah approves of those who pursue a course of truthfulness? Let us see.
3
We live in an era in which religious untruth abounds. As foretold by the apostle Paul under divine inspiration, many people in these "last days" have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power. Some resist the truth, being "completely corrupted in mind." Furthermore, "wicked men and impostors . . . advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." Though such people are always learning, they never come to "an accurate knowledge of truth."?2 Timothy 3:1, 5, 7, 8, 13.
4
The apostle Peter was also inspired to write about the last days. Just as he prophesied, people not only reject the truth but also ridicule God?s Word and those who proclaim its truth. "According to their wish," such ridiculers ignore the fact that the world of Noah?s day was deluged with water, setting a pattern for a future day of judgment. Their wishful thinking will spell disaster for them when God?s time comes to destroy ungodly ones.?2 Peter 3:3-7.
Jehovah?s
Servants Know the Truth
5
In a description of "the time of the end," the prophet Daniel foretold quite a different development among God?s people?a revival of religious truth. He wrote: "Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant." (Daniel 12:4) Jehovah?s people are not confused or blinded by the great Deceiver. Roving through the pages of the Bible, they have come to acquire true knowledge. In the first century, Jesus enlightened his disciples. He "opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) In our day, Jehovah has acted similarly. Through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, he has enabled millions throughout the earth to understand what he already knows?the truth.
6
As God?s people, we understand many things that we could not otherwise have known. We know the answers to questions that worldly-wise men have grappled with for millenniums. For example, we know why suffering exists, why people die, and why humans cannot achieve global peace and unity. We have also been blessed with a vision of what the future holds?the Kingdom of God, a paradise earth, and endless life in perfection. We have come to know Jehovah, the Supreme One. We have learned about his appealing personality along with what we must do to enjoy his blessing. Knowing the truth enables us to recognize what is not true. Applying the truth protects us from fruitless pursuits, enables us to get the best out of life, and gives us a marvelous hope for the future.
7
Do you understand Bible truth? If so, you have been richly blessed. When an author writes a book, he or she usually fashions it to appeal to a specific group of people. Some books are written for the highly educated, others for children, still others for those in specialized fields. While the Bible is easily available to all, it is meant to be understood and appreciated by a particular group of people. Jehovah crafted it for the humble, the meek ones of the earth. Such people can grasp the sense of the Bible, whatever their education, culture, station in life, or ethnic group. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) On the other hand, an understanding of Bible truth is denied to those not rightly disposed, no matter how intelligent or educated they may be. The haughty, the proud, cannot grasp the precious truths of God?s Word. (Matthew 13:11-15; Luke 10:21; Acts 13:48) Only God could produce such a book.
Jehovah?s
Servants Are Truthful
8
Like Jehovah, his faithful Witnesses are truthful. Jesus Christ, the preeminent Witness of Jehovah, affirmed the truth by the things he taught and by the way he lived and died. He upheld the truth of Jehovah?s word and promises. Consequently, Jesus was the very embodiment of the truth, as he himself stated.?John 14:6; Revelation 3:14; 19:10.
9
Jesus was "full of undeserved kindness and truth" and "there was no deception in his mouth." (John 1:14; Isaiah 53:9) True Christians follow the pattern that Jesus set in being truthful with others. Paul counseled fellow believers: "Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another." (Ephesians 4:25) Earlier, the prophet Zechariah wrote: "Speak truthfully with one another." (Zechariah 8:16) Christians are truthful because they want to please God. Jehovah is truthful and knows the harm that results from falsehood. Therefore, he rightfully expects his servants to tell the truth.
10
To many, lying may seem a convenient tool to obtain certain advantages. People lie to escape punishment, to profit in some way, or to gain the praise of others. Yet, a practice of lying is a vice. What is more, a liar cannot gain God?s approval. (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15) When we are known to be truthful, others believe what we say; they trust us. However, if we are caught telling even a single lie, others may doubt the truthfulness of anything we say in the future. An African proverb states: "One falsehood spoils a thousand truths." Another proverb says: "A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth."
11
Truthfulness means more than merely telling the truth. It is a way of life. It defines who we are. We make the truth known to others not only by what we say but also by what we do. "Do you . . . the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself?" asked the apostle Paul. "You, the one preaching ?Do not steal,? do you steal? You, the one saying ?Do not commit adultery,? do you commit adultery?" (Romans 2:21, 22) If we are to impart truth to others, we must be truthful in all our ways. Our reputation for truthfulness and honesty will have a powerful impact on how people respond to what we teach.
12
Young ones among Jehovah?s servants also understand the importance of being truthful. In a school essay, Jenny, who at the time was 13 years old, wrote: "Honesty is something I truly value. Unfortunately, not many people are completely honest today. I promise myself that I will always maintain honesty in my life. I will also be honest even if telling the truth won?t immediately benefit me or my friends. I make sure that my friends are those who tell the truth and are honest people."
13
In commenting on this essay, Jenny?s teacher noted: "You are very young to have developed such a strong moral and ethical code. I know you will stick with your code because you have strength of character." What was responsible for this schoolgirl?s moral strength? In the introduction to her essay, Jenny stated that her religion "sets the standards for [her] life." Seven years have passed since Jenny wrote that essay. As her teacher surmised, Jenny continues to manifest a high moral standard in her life as one of Jehovah?s Witnesses.
Jehovah?s
Servants Reveal the Truth
14
Of course, others besides Jehovah?s Witnesses may tell the truth and try to be honest. However, as servants of God, we have a particularly great responsibility to uphold what is true. We have been entrusted with Bible truths?truths that can lead one to everlasting life. Hence, we have an obligation to share that knowledge with others. "Everyone to whom much was given," said Jesus, "much will be demanded of him." (Luke 12:48) Certainly ?much is demanded? of those who have been blessed with the precious knowledge of God.
15
There is happiness in imparting Bible truth to others. Like Jesus? first-century disciples, we declare the good news?a heartwarming message of hope?to those "skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd" and to those blinded and confused by "teachings of demons." (Matthew 9:36; 1 Timothy 4:1) The apostle John wrote: "No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth." (3 John 4) The faithfulness of John?s "children"?perhaps those he introduced to the truth?brought him great joy. It brings joy to us when we see people respond with appreciation to the Word of God.
16
Granted, not all will accept the truth. Jesus spoke the truth about God, even when it was unpopular to do so. To Jewish opposers he said: "Why is it you do not believe me? He that is from God listens to the sayings of God. This is why you do not listen, because you are not from God."?John 8:46, 47.
17
We, like Jesus, do not hold back from telling the precious truth about Jehovah. We do not expect everyone to accept what we tell them, for not all accepted what Jesus said. Nevertheless, we have the joy of knowing that we are doing what is right. Jehovah in his loving-kindness wants the truth to be revealed to humankind. As possessors of truth, Christians become light bearers in a bedarkened world. By letting the light of truth shine through our words and deeds, we can help others to give glory to our heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14, 16) We publicly make known that we reject Satan?s counterfeit version of the truth and uphold the pure and unadulterated Word of God. The truth that we know and share can impart true freedom to those who accept it.?John 8:32.
Pursue
the Course of Truthfulness
18
Jesus loved and spoke the truth. During his ministry on earth, he showed favor to those who were truthful. Concerning Nathanael, Jesus said: "See, an Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit." (John 1:47) Subsequently, Nathanael, who was likely also called Bartholomew, was chosen to be one of the 12 apostles. (Matthew 10:2-4) What an honor!
19
An entire chapter in the Bible book of John relates the account of another honest man who was blessed by Jesus. We do not know his name. What we do know is that the man was a beggar who was blind from birth. People marveled when Jesus restored his sight. The news of this miraculous cure reached the ears of some of the Pharisees, haters of truth, who had agreed among themselves that anyone exercising faith in Jesus was to be expelled from the synagogue. Knowing their scheme, the fearful parents of the once blind man lied to the Pharisees, saying that they did not know how their son could now see or who was responsible.?John 9:1-23.
20
The cured man was again called before the Pharisees. Disregarding any consequences, he boldly told the truth. He explained how he was cured and that it was Jesus who did it. Astounded that these prominent and educated men did not believe that Jesus was from God, the healed man fearlessly urged them to accept the obvious: "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing at all." Having no counterargument, the Pharisees accused the man of insolence and threw him out.?John 9:24-34.
21
When Jesus learned of this, he lovingly took the time to find the man. After doing so, he built on the faith that the once blind man had shown. Jesus openly identified himself as the Messiah. How that man was blessed for telling the truth! Surely divine favor rests upon those who speak the truth.?John 9:35-37.
22
Practicing truth is a pursuit that we should take seriously. It is fundamental in forging and maintaining good relations with people and with God. To be truthful is to be open, genuine, approachable, and trustworthy, and it wins Jehovah?s approval. (Psalm 15:1, 2) To be untruthful is to be deceitful, unreliable, and false, and it incurs Jehovah?s disfavor. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Therefore, be resolved to pursue the course of truthfulness. Indeed, to imitate the God of truth, we must know the truth, speak the truth, and live the truth.
How
Would You Answer?
· Why can we be grateful that we know the truth?
· How may we imitate Jehovah in being truthful?
· What benefits are there in imparting Bible truth to others?
· Why is it important to pursue the course of truthfulness?
[Study
Questions]
1. What do some believe about truth, and why is their reasoning flawed?
2. In what ways is Jehovah the God of truth, and what questions will now be discussed?
3, 4. How did the apostles Paul and Peter describe what was to occur during "the last days"?

5. According to the prophet Daniel, what would happen in "the time of the end," and how has this prophecy been fulfilled?
6. God?s people today understand what Bible truths?
7. To whom are Bible truths accessible, and to whom are they not?
8. Why was Jesus the very embodiment of the truth?
9. What do the Scriptures say about speaking the truth?
10. Why do people lie, and with what negative results?
11. In what way is truthfulness more than merely telling the truth?
12, 13. What did one young person write about truthfulness, and what was the reason for her high moral standard?
14. Why do God?s servants have a particularly great responsibility to uphold what is true?
15. What happiness do you find in imparting Bible truth to others?
16, 17. (a) Why do not all accept the truth? (b) What joy can you experience as you proclaim Bible truth?
18. Why and how did Jesus favor Nathanael?
19-21. How was a once blind man blessed for his courageous truthfulness?
22. Why should we pursue the course of truthfulness?

[Pictures
on page 17]
Entrusted with Bible truth, Christians zealously share it with others
[Pictures
on page 18]
The blind man cured by Jesus was highly blessed for telling the truth
blondie

*** w88 2/15 pp. 4-7 What Does It Mean to Be Honest? ***
What
Does It Mean to Be Honest?
TO BE honest means to be truthful and free of fraud. Honesty requires you to be fair in dealing with others?straightforward, honorable, not deceptive or misleading. An honest person is a man of integrity. Being always trustworthy, he will never cheat his fellowman. All of us would like to be treated that way, would we not? So can honesty ever become out-of-date?
The Christian immediately sees in the above definitions why anyone professing to be a true worshiper must be an honest person. (John 4:24) He worships "Jehovah the God of truth." (Psalm 31:5; Titus 1:2) Reasonably, only "truthful men" qualify to represent him.?Exodus 18:21, New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
Honesty affects many aspects of our lives, so it is understandable that the apostle Paul said: "We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things." That includes in speech, at work, in family matters, in business dealings, and in responding to whatever legal requirements governments impose on us.?Hebrews 13:18.
In
What We Say
There are many ways?though often viewed as innocent and acceptable?in which people do not speak truth. They falsify reports on hours of work, get children to tell untruths to callers, give inaccurate statements to insurance agents, and lie about being sick to get off from work, to mention a few.
Sometimes what we have to say to another has to be put in writing. For some reason, individuals who would never lie orally feel that it is a different matter when reporting income for taxes or writing an itemized declaration for customs agents at an international border. This cheating costs all taxpayers. Is that real love of neighbor? Besides, do not Christians have an obligation to "pay back Caesar?s things to Caesar"??Luke 20:25; 10:27; see also Romans 13:1, 2, 7, 8.
In what we speak, we certainly want to imitate "the God of truth," not "the father of the lie." (Psalm 31:5; John 8:44) Unscrupulous men may resort to doubletalk to misrepresent and deceive. But lying to our neighbor is not loving him. Besides, liars have no real future.?Ephesians 4:25; Revelation 21:27; 22:15.
On
the Job
Doing an honest day?s work for wages received is a reasonable and Scriptural requirement. (Colossians 3:22-24) Yet, there are many thousands of time thieves who waste company time on extended breaks, come to work late and leave early, spend much time grooming themselves after arriving at work, use the company phone for long unauthorized personal calls, operate their own businesses on company time, and even take naps. Their stealing escalates costs for everybody.
Other forms of theft on the job include taking supplies and equipment for personal use. Some claim that this is nothing more than making up for inadequate salaries, as if they are evening up things with a stingy employer! But if taking things is without the knowledge and permission of the owner or employer, it is really a form of stealing.
In all these situations, the true Christian will apply the inspired counsel: "Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do . . . with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need."?Ephesians 4:28; Acts 20:35.
Yet, what if your employer asks you to perform a dishonest or an illegal act and threatens to dismiss you if you do not comply? Some examples: Charge a customer for replacement of auto parts that were never put on the vehicle; place less expensive, inferior merchandise in boxes so customers can be charged higher rates; write new, "marked down" prices on goods, when the original prices were the same or lower. Many employees would view this as the employer?s responsibility, not the worker?s. What have Jehovah?s Witnesses done when faced with such a situation? Daryl J relates:
"While working as a produce manager in a grocery store, I was approached by management and asked to increase the profit margin without raising any of the prices. Suggestions to accomplish this were: Exaggerate the weight of certain products, and submit ?dummy? credit notes to a supplier. Common practices but dishonest."
Daryl refused to misrepresent and cheat. (Proverbs 20:23) A few weeks later he was laid off. Was he unwise to subject his family to the effects of his unemployment? Did he regret having been honest? No, because when a fellow Witness heard what had happened, he provided employment. Daryl says: "In three to four weeks, I was back supporting myself and my family by honest means. I count it a privilege to be blessed by Jehovah for keeping my integrity to him."
On the other hand, you might get a job because you are honest. An agent for a well-known international insurance company advised the owner of a successful store in downtown Toronto, Canada, to end his problems with employee theft by hiring Jehovah?s Witnesses. The agent explained: ?When I was in another city receiving my insurance training, I found out that among their clients was a large supermarket chain that hired only Witnesses to restock the grocery shelves at night. They had had some bad experiences with other workers but had not lost a thing since they had given keys to the Witnesses to come in after hours to do the restocking.?
Other
Ways to Be Honest
At the time of borrowing money, the borrower often reflects humility and respect, and he expresses reassuring words about repayment and gratitude for help. But when the time arrives to pay off the debt, an amazing Jekyll-and-Hyde change in attitude comes over some borrowers. It is common then to note anger, hostility, complaints of being harassed for repayment, and claims that the lender lacks mercy. In the borrower?s eyes, the generous lender has been transformed into a monster! The Bible, though, says that ?the borrower who does not pay back is wicked.? (Psalm 37:21; Romans 13:8) This would especially be the case where the borrower makes no effort to pay even modest amounts to demonstrate good faith, perhaps making no effort even to communicate with the lender.
In family life, honesty is called for in many matters: The head of the house ought to be truthful with his wife about his income and financial matters; the wife should be honest with him about how she spends family funds; both need to be persons of integrity, including limiting their sex interests to each other; the children do well to be truthful and obedient as respects their associations and forms of entertainment, consistent with their parents? stated wishes.?Ephesians 5:33; 6:1-3.
From all that has been said, it ought to be clear that a genuine Christian must "renounce unrighteousness"?the wicked works and bad fruitage that accompany dishonesty, lying, deceiving, cheating, and moral corruption.?2 Timothy 2:19; Romans 2:21-24.
Rewards and Benefits
Fairness and straightforwardness, truthful dealings with others, promote honesty. A climate of trust and confidence thus develops, leading to healthy attitudes and relationships. Honesty also provides an atmosphere for confident living, free of time- and energy-consuming defensiveness bred by suspicions, doubts, and fears about others.?Compare Isaiah 35:8-10.
Honesty contributes to our having a clean conscience, which is essential if we are acceptably to "render sacred service to the living God." (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Timothy 1:19) It gives peace of mind, leading to a good night?s sleep. You can face others without embarrassment. Being honest eliminates the gnawing fear of being caught in wrongdoing. In this way we maintain human dignity and self-respect. How could that ever be out-of-date or impractical?
Thus, there are many present rewards and benefits that will flow to us and others if we are honest persons. Yet, more than anything else, we should want to be honest not just because it is the best policy or because we are commanded to be honest but because we love our Father Jehovah. We want to maintain our precious relationship with him and have his approval. We also want to be honest because we thereby express love of neighbor. So, simply put, being a true Christian means being honest.?Matthew 22:36-39.
The psalmist says: "O Jehovah, who will be a guest in your tent? Who will reside in your holy mountain? He who is walking faultlessly and practicing righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart. . . . To his companion he has done nothing bad." (Psalm 15:1-3) If we lead honest lives as worshipers of Jehovah, then when he justly ends the present unrighteous system and when "the tent of God is with mankind," we will be among those who enjoy eternal blessings as his "guest." Then we will never be out-of-date!?Revelation 21:1-5.
[Box on page 5]
Can You Deal With the Challenge to Your Honesty?
The world we live in challenges our convictions and our determination to do what is right. It is structured to emphasize putting ourselves first, even at the expense of others.
Is it your sincerely held view that honesty is still the best policy? Are your convictions strong enough to keep you honest when pressures put you to the test? For example, what would you do if:
· After you have been unemployed for many months, you find a large sum of money that would cover your bills and give you funds to spare?
· Cheating on an important examination in your school was the only way you could get the grade that could determine your economic future?
· Finding recognition as a scientist would require you to "adjust" the data from your research so that your report would be published?
· On your vacation to another country, you buy an expensive item at a very good price but to declare it at the border would mean paying a high duty?
[Box on page 6]
Acts of Honesty Not Out-Of-Date
Do people still care about their fellowman? Yes, even though newspapers report acts of honesty as if they were the exception and hence newsworthy.
The police in Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.A., tried to lure thieves by placing an expensive TV set in an unlocked car. They watched for several weeks to see what would happen. "What we found was people would walk by the car, look in and see the TV, open the door, push the lock button down, close the door and walk on by." By so doing they showed honesty.
Canadian newspaper headlines tell about the return of lost cash because of the beneficial effect of Bible teaching:
"Good Samaritans save holiday."
?The Windsor Star
"Honest Pat turns in $421."
?The Spectator
"Return of missing $983 restores merchant?s faith."?The Toronto Star
In these cases, those returning the lost cash were Jehovah?s Witnesses. In the first, two young Witnesses sharing in the door-to-door ministry found and returned a purse to a woman. She said: "I think those boys are one in a million. . . . You know, that really does restore your faith in human nature." Since she was from out of town, it would have been easy for the youths to have kept the money, but they said: "It was nothing. We were just doing something good for someone else."
The second report also had to do with a traveler. "But temptation left no question in [the finder?s] mind," the paper reported. The finder explained that he was one of Jehovah?s Witnesses, "and we believe strongly in honesty."
In the third case, the person who lost the cash "confessed he had almost lost his faith in humanity." The husband of the Witness who found the brown paper bag of cash told a reporter that being guided by the Bible was the key: "That made it easy for my wife" to turn it in.
In another case, two Witnesses working from house to house found a lost pay envelope. When they took it to the local police station, the sergeant on duty said that there had been no report of lost money. The Witness suggested announcing the find on the local radio station. The policeman looked rather puzzled. He said: "You?re making a lot of effort to return this money. What religion do you belong to anyway?" When the Witness replied, the sergeant said: "I thought so, because you?re the only ones who are honest enough to make such efforts."
Making house-to-house calls, one of Jehovah?s Witnesses, W. K , was met with a most unusual request. The man of the house and his wife were quite ill but had to have a bank transaction made that day. They asked if the Witness would do it. Upon agreeing, he was given $2,000 in cash to take to the bank. Returning from the bank, he could not resist asking: "How could you trust me without even knowing me?" The answer: "We know, and everyone knows, that Jehovah?s Witnesses are the only ones to trust."
Though there certainly are honest people to be found in all lands, in addition to Jehovah?s Witnesses, it seems that they are sufficiently rare to merit special note. How thankful we can be that the Bible?s teaching on honesty produces beneficial and practical results!
Honesty

Here is a bit of Honesty from the man... the WTBTS is a snare and a racket.

WTS definition of honesty

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