HONESTY

"The Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21).

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The natural state of man's behavior is that of dishonest and self-serving deeds. Dishonesty, including relative dishonesty, cares about the natural desires of the one doing the act, despite the hurt and pain it causes others.

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"You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15).

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Dishonesty is related closely to this verse. In Exodus 20:15, God speaks about dishonesty in terms of taking that which is not our own. This act runs contrary to His commandments and against His teachings to us, which alongside the act of a lie for one's own benefit, may come with temporary pleasure or escape, but lead to harder, more painful consequences, spiritually and physically, in the longer term.