Should You Be Honest at All Times?

EVERYONE is honest some of  the time; many perhaps most of the time.  But how many people do  you know  who are striving to be honest all the time? 

Today, a lack of honesty prevails in numerous facets of life.  Nevertheless, God's view of honesty is well-known.  For example, most people are familiar with the words of the eighth of the Ten Commandments:  "You must not steal."  (Exodus 20:15) Many, however, feel that circumstances sometimes justify stealing or other forms of dishonesty.  Let us consider three examples of theft and are commonly excused.

Does Poverty Justify Stealing?

A Roman statesman once said:  "Poverty is the mother of crime."  A poor individual might feel justified in stealing.  Onlookers might agree.  What position did Jesus take on this issue?  He was very compassionate in his dealings with the needy.  "He felt pity for them."  (Matthew 9:36)  Yet, he never-under any circumstances -condoned stealing.  What, then, should a poor person do?  God has compassion for those who sincerely try to obey him, and he will bless their efforts to obtain what is needed. (Psalm 37:25)  The Bible promises:  "Jehovah will not cause the soul of the righteous one to go hungry, but the craving of the wicked ones he will push away."  (Proverbs 10:3) Can a poor individual count on this?  Victorine is convinced of it.

As a widow with five school-aged children, Victorine does not have it easy. She lives in a developing country with limited social benefits.  Daily life is spent mostly outdoors,. where opportunities to steal abound.  However, Victorine is not tempted to steal.  Instead, she tries to make ends meet as an honest street vendor.  Why does she remain honest? 

Next time: Conclusion of  Does Poverty Justify Stealing?

Watchtower, 2010