Honesty

“God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.”
Psalm 7:10-11 NLT

There is an old saying, “Honesty is the best policy”, and David uses the word “Honest” to describe God. Of course, God is in an unique position as judge because He doesn’t have to depend on the testimonies of witnesses, the statements from the accused in the dock, or the speeches of the prosecuting and defence counsels. God sees right into the hearts of the people accused of a crime. Such an insight in our courts of law would radically transform the dispensation of justice. And we would have nothing to fear from miscarriages of justice because God is “honest”. 

David also describes God as his shield, “saving those whose hearts are true and right”. In David’s day, a shield would protect a soldier from spears, swords or arrows, intent, in the hands of the attacker, in causing harm, piercing the hearts of the one being attacked. And so it is with our thoughts and actions in less tangible ways. David said that if a person is honest, then God will shield that person’s heart, their reputation and integrity, from the attacks of those who would claim otherwise. 

There are a wealth of Scriptures that extol the virtues of honesty. For example, Proverbs 12:22, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth“. Or there’s Proverbs 19:1, “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool“. There are those who perhaps cover up a dishonest act, in the hope, even expectation, that they will never be found out. But, as David wrote, God sees all, and “He is angry with the wicked every day”. We pilgrims live lives of honesty and integrity, because we know that there is no other way. Even the smallest act of dishonesty will eat away at our souls and ultimately destroy our standing before an angry God. The sad thing is that many Christians founder on the rocks of dishonesty, starting in small ways and rationalising in their minds alternatives to an honest appraisal. There is no way other than the way of honesty. 

Dear Father God. Please help us to walk in honesty every day of our lives. Please point out to us any ways in which we fall short of Your standards. In Jesus’ name. Amen.