📖 Biblical Definition
Biblical honesty is truthfulness in word and integrity in deed — refusing the false weight, the false report, the false witness, the false impression. The law commanded just balances: "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have" (Leviticus 19:35-36). The ninth commandment forbids false witness (Exodus 20:16); Christ reaffirms it (Matthew 5:33-37); Paul presses it into the church: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 8:21). The Christian man’s yes is yes and his no is no. A handshake is enough.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Truthfulness in word and integrity in deed.
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The integrated character of truthful speech and upright action; refusing false weights, false witness, and false report; providing 'things honest' before God and men; the character grace produces and the law demanded.
📖 Key Scripture
Romans 12:17 — "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
2 Corinthians 8:21 — "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
Proverbs 11:1 — "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Reduced to 'not lying' rather than the integrated character Scripture portrays — true word and true deed together.
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Biblical honesty is wider than not-lying. It is true weights, true reports, true testimony, true work. Lev 19 binds them all together. The Christian's whole conduct is to be honest before God and man — not merely his words.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek kalos — honest, good.
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['Greek', 'G2570', 'kalos', 'good, honest, fair']
['Hebrew', 'H6664', 'tsedeq', 'righteousness, justice']
Usage
"Provide things honest in everyone's sight."
"True words; true weights; true work."