Is Honesty the Best Policy?
Avarice and Egotism Threaten Truth
As youngsters, we were taught, and we teach our children, “Honesty is the best policy.” Since honesty is so much a part of our lives, we seldom give thought that truthfulness is a divine injunction on humanity. This idea is expressed in Zechariah 8:16. “These are the things that you shall do; Speak you every man the truth to his neighbor: execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.” Also, in John 8:32 we find, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Daily news reports remind us that our nation is currently facing the consequences of a “Big Lie” allowed to permeate mass media unchecked for several years. Consequently, knowledgeable analysts identify the race to “The Whitehouse” as a potential threat to Democracy. Has honesty diminished in value in American Society?
I recently read in scripture an interesting passage. It described in a few words the Almighty’s requirement for human success. It admonishes us that as surely as time passes, humanity is lost except for those who have faith, do good deeds, and encourage one another to be truthful and patient. (Qur’an 103).
Truth has always been valued in American Society. We promise truthfulness in our oaths, before our testimony in legal matters, and interpersonal relationships between family and friends.
Lengthy historical reflection is not required to understand the importance of honesty in our social, political, and interpersonal relationships. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the subjugation of women was the rule rather than the exception. Men, falsely claiming superiority over women, systematically restricted them to child-raising and domestic responsibilities. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 began shedding light on this human injustice. As truth became manifest, equity and justice for the rights of women became part of our nation’s moral consciousness.
A similar analysis of the history of Asian minorities, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and African Americans provides us with kindred insights. The oppression of the human potential of one group by another is only possible when our creation, as equals in the face of the Almighty, is denied.
Selfish and greedy individuals typically attempt to reduce the perception of those not in their socioeconomic circles as people of lesser value. Therefore, in their view, there is no requirement to treat them equitably and justly. The denial of the true value of others has been repeated throughout history. I encourage the reader to consider: Apartheid in South Africa and the Israel / Palestine conflict.
In the verse cited above The Almighty admonishes us that human success is only achieved through faith, righteous endeavors, truthfulness in our interpersonal relationships and patiently working toward objectives for the good of humanity.
So, according to Divine injunctions, “Honesty is the best policy.” Our success as a body politic should be predicated on common societal beliefs, norms, and values; not the subjective truths of an avarice or egocentric minority. Success in life should hold identical meaning for all.
As we see in today’s headlines, some people challenge the need to confirm honesty as a nationally accepted standard. Therefore, it falls on God-Conscious men and women to uphold the Divine injunction of the importance of truthfulness in every human interaction and champion the cause for justice and equity for all.
