Awise American statesman once said, “Honesty is the best policy.” It would be wonderful if every elected or appointed official would take that statement to heart. However, we know that the statement was not original with this person, but has been taught in God’s Word from ancient times. Paul wrote to the Romans:

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17)

It is not easy to be honest. It is only by the grace and power of God that anyone could really be honest in all things and in all ways. In order to “provide” things honest, a lot of planning, thinking, and preparing needs to take place. In fact, “providing things honest” shows preparation and purposeful thinking in order to be honest.

Preparation is not only needed, but prayer is necessary to be and do honestly. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we read:

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Another very important verse bearing on this subject is found in Hebrews 13:18:

“Pray for us; for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”

Sometimes we are prone to just give up trying to be honest because it seems as if the whole world is dishonest. We not only see dishonesty in government circles, but in every area of human endeavor. The child of God must not be tricked by Satan in giving up or becoming entirely discouraged. The answer to the problem lies in our yielding to the new nature and allowing the Lord to control our desires and attitudes. The apostle Paul spoke to this problem in teaching that we should strive to be honest in all things, even if others do not.

“Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” (2 Corinthians 13:7)

In conclusion, we know we have the means of being honest as we study and believe the Word. Things we can do are, think on honest things (Philippians 4:8); pray for honest things; practice honest things (even if others do not); and “provide” or think and prepare beforehand so as not to be caught off-guard.