WISDOM FOR LIVING DAILY DEVOTIONAL
OCTOBER 15, 2022
TOPIC: AVOID DISHONESTY
BY T. O. BANSO
“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase” (Proverbs 13:11 New King James Version).
In the desire of some people to advance or succeed in life, they engage in dishonesty. This includes lying, deceit, stealing, fraud, and similar dishonest behaviour. Just as individuals can be dishonest, corporate organizations can also be. They may achieve their goal but there are always consequences. “Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life” (Proverbs 10:2 Good News Translation). Today’s English Version renders it thus: “Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life.” Dishonest people/organizations could be found out later by the victims of their dishonesty, other people, or security and regulatory agencies.
Even if nobody finds out about their dishonesty, God sees perpetrators of dishonesty and He may allow individuals who engage in dishonesty to reap the fruit of their actions here on earth. But if not, and everything goes well with them on earth, it doesn’t mean they have escaped God’s punishment. God doesn’t allow dishonesty. “Therefore, let the fear of Adonai be upon you; be careful what you do; for Adonai our God does not allow dishonesty, partiality or bribe-taking” (2 Chronicles 19:7 Complete Jewish Bible).
Many people, who have lied, cheated, or acted fraudulently live in the fear of being found out. Their consciences trouble them, especially in the presence of those they report to or the victims of their dishonesty. They don’t have peace of mind. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (New King James Version). But some people’s consciences are dead!
The word of God tells us to avoid dishonesty and be honest in all our dealings. Proverbs 16:8 says, “Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest” (New Living Translation). Any advantage gained from dishonesty is only temporary; it doesn’t last as lies are eventually exposed. This results in shame, humiliation, demotion, and all other forms of punishment. “What you get by dishonesty you may enjoy like the finest food, but sooner or later it will be like a mouthful of sand” (Proverbs 20:17 Good News Translation).
Avoid dishonesty. There have been cases of honours withdrawn from people who were found to be dishonest. Academics who followed the dishonest path by plagiarizing have also been disgraced. People who falsified documents or advanced in life, using fake documents had been found out and brought down from their high offices. Those found guilty of embezzlement have been tried in court and convicted. Some were sent to prison and others were given the option of a fine.
In Luke 16, the dishonesty of the steward/manager of the rich man was exposed. His boss received a report that he was wasting his goods/money and instructed him to get his report in order because he would fire him. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16:10-12 New International Version).
Be honest. To those who are dishonest, you may appear to be stupid but, ultimately, they will see their folly. The truth will catch up with falsehood eventually! And more importantly, everything doesn’t end here on earth; there is eternity. Jesus said, “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:11-12 New King James Version).
Every hidden or secret thing will eventually be brought to light or revealed (Luke 8:17). Don’t be deceived. There is nothing hidden that shall not be exposed. What was done in the dark will be brought to light. What was whispered will be broadcast to the hearing of everyone! (Luke 12:3). Don’t be dishonest. Everything will come out into the open, no matter how long. If not here on earth, but surely in eternity.
Whatever is your calling or profession, be honest. Honesty pays. That is what God demands of you, not only what society, the government, your customers/clients, or those you relate with expect. “The Lord loathes all cheating and dishonesty” (Proverbs 20:23 The Living Bible).
Avoid dishonesty; be honest. Proverbs 11:3 says, “If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty” (Contemporary English Version). The New Century Version puts it like this: “Good people will be guided by honesty; dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy.” Those who think they’re smart and engage in dishonesty will eventually be proved wrong.
Some of them have been proved wrong already and are full of regret now. They have either lost or are losing all they acquired by dishonesty. “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase” (Proverbs 13:11 New King James Version). It is the blessing of the LORD that makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22).
Avoid any form of crookedness, including dishonest measurement (Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:15-16). God hates dishonest scales (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; Ezekiel 45:10; Micah 6:11). “Remove dishonesty from your mouth. Put deceptive speech far away from your lips” (Proverbs 4:24 GOD’S WORD Translation). Don’t fall for the temptation to engage in dishonest practices to advance in life. Be honest in all your dealings with God and man. Avoid dishonesty.
TAKE ACTION!
If you are not born again, you need to give your life to Jesus now. I urge you to take the following steps: *Admit that you are a sinner and you cannot save yourself and repent of your sins. *Confess Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *Renounce your past way of life – your relationship with the devil and his works. *Invite Jesus into your life. *As a mark of seriousness to mature in the faith, start attending a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church. There they will teach you how to grow in the Kingdom of God.
Kindly say this prayer now: O Lord God, I come unto You today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and God raised Him on the third day. I repent of my sins and confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I surrender my life to Jesus now and invite Him into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and making me a child of God.
I believe you have said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You will need to join a Bible-believing and Bible-teaching church in your area where they will teach you how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things and become all God wants you to be. I will be glad to hear from you. The Lord be with you.
PRAYER POINTS: Father, I repent of all my dishonest behaviour in the past. I shall no more try to gain wealth by dishonesty or engage in any dishonest behaviour in Jesus’ name. Holy Spirit, help me to be honest in all my dealings with God and fellow human beings. Father, I pray that honesty will prevail among human beings as more people come to Jesus and follow His teachings.
(For over 800 in-depth and powerful messages by T. O. Banso, visit www.cedarministry.org).
T. O. Banso is the President of Cedar Ministry International, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947
Email: cedarministryintl@yahoo.com,
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