Bible, Faith, proverbs, Honest, Honesty, Lies

Making Honesty A Priority

In a world where little white lies are the norm and ‘fake it till you make it’ is practically a motto, does honesty still matter? We’re so surrounded by marketing half-truths and everyone’s highlight reels that it’s easy to think bending the truth is just part of getting ahead. But what if this culture of deception is slowly eroding our relationships, our mental health, and our society? In this video, we’re examining God’s wisdom and truth about lies – both big and small. Whether you consider yourself religious or not, you’ll find practical strategies for living with integrity in a world that often values convenience over candor.

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MESSAGE NOTES

FoolProof Your Life: Timeless Wisdom For Modern Living

Making Honesty A Priority (Pastor Ken Knott)

  • 90% of people lie regularly
  • We encounter up to 200 lies a day
  • The average adult can only distinguish truth from lies 54% of the time

“We’ve turned dishonesty into a virtue. That NOT telling the truth to spare someone’s feelings is a noble act.”

God’s Rescue Mission

  • God’s plan includes us living wise and successful lives
  • The word PROVERB comes from Hebrew “Khohmah” – meaning “skill or applied knowledge”

[Proverbs 1:7] “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Key Questions:

  1. Why am I dishonest?
  2. Why is honesty important?
  3. How can we live honestly?

1. Why Am I Dishonest?

a) We Have a Natural Bent Towards Dishonesty

[Proverbs 26:24-25] “People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.”

[Jeremiah 17:9] “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”

b) Dishonesty is Reinforced in Our Culture

[2 Timothy 3:1-5] “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred…”

c) Dishonesty is the Practice of Our Enemy

[John 8:44] “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

2. Why is Honesty Important?

a) Dishonesty Comes with a Huge Cost

[Proverbs 11:3] “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.”

“When trust breaks down, it makes us insecure people. Dishonesty produces insecurity!”

[Proverbs 6:16-19] “There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”

b) Honesty Strengthens

  • Strengthens Relationships
  • Builds a good reputation
  • Empowers us to authentically be on mission
  • Strengthens our Mental Health

[Proverbs 24:26] “An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.”

[Proverbs 16:13] “The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.”

[Proverbs 12:25] “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”

[Philippians 4:8-9] “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…”

3. How Can I Live Honestly?

a) Where Am I Being Dishonest? b) How Am I Being Dishonest? c) Why Am I Being Dishonest?

[Galatians 6:7] “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

[Ephesians 4:21-25] “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes…”

Conclusion

[Numbers 23:19] “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

“Honesty is more than just a moral guideline; it’s the foundation for authentic relationships and the pathway to living a wise life, the life God designed for you.”

Application

  1. Reflect on your beliefs about God and identify any misconceptions or untruths.
  2. Choose one verse about honesty from Proverbs to memorize and journal about its application.
  3. Find an “honesty partner” to challenge yourself to be completely honest for one week.
  4. Come clean: confess and seek forgiveness from those you’ve hurt with lies.

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?

In a world where little white lies are the norm and ‘fake it till you make it’ is practically a motto, does honesty still matter? We’re so surrounded by marketing half-truths and everyone’s highlight reels that it’s easy to think bending the truth is just part of getting ahead. But what if this culture of deception is slowly eroding our relationships, our mental health, and our society? In this video, we’re examining God’s wisdom and truth about lies – both big and small. Whether you consider yourself religious or not, you’ll find practical strategies for living with integrity in a world that often values convenience over candor.

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