What is honesty?
Many children think honesty means you ‘don't tell a lie’ – which is definitely part of being honest. However, honesty is more than just not lying.
A more complete definition of honesty shows that an honest person does not do things that are morally wrong as well.
If something you do is breaking the rules/law or if you have to hide what you are doing because you know you will get in trouble, then you are probably not being honest. So honesty is about integrity and speaking and acting truthfully.
Honesty in what you say…
Honesty is speaking the truth, it is not…
- saying things that are not true
- saying things you think might not be true
- making things up in order to hide the truth
Lying is dishonest because you are saying something that isn't true.
Honesty in what you do…
Honesty is acting with integrity. Being honest means you act in a way that you know is right. Dishonesty is when you do something you know is wrong, morally, or when you have to hide your actions because you know they are wrong.
Honesty in yourself…
A big part of honesty is what you say and how you act toward others. However, another part of the definition of honesty is whether you treat yourself in the same way. Being honest with yourself means you really know why you are acting in a certain way; whether what you tell yourself is true; and whether you are really being true to yourself, your values and what you believe.
