Is it in the Bible?
Is “Honesty is the best policy” in the Bible?
No. “Honesty is the best policy” is not in the Bible. The Bible asks for honesty because God loves truth, not because it pays. Lying lips are detestable to Yahweh (Proverbs 12:22), and each believer is to speak the truth with his neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).
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The answer
Where it comes from, and what the Bible says.
Not a Bible verse
No. It is not in the Bible.
The Bible asks for honesty because God loves truth, not because it pays. Lying lips are detestable to Yahweh (Proverbs 12:22), and each believer is to speak the truth with his neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).
What the Bible says instead
Lying lips are detestable to Yahweh, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
Proverbs 12:22 · open the chapter →
Therefore, having put away falsehood, each of you must speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
Ephesians 4:25 · open the chapter →
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Plain answers.
Is “Honesty is the best policy” in the Bible?
No. “Honesty is the best policy” is not in the Bible. The Bible asks for honesty because God loves truth, not because it pays. Lying lips are detestable to Yahweh (Proverbs 12:22), and each believer is to speak the truth with his neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).
Where does “Honesty is the best policy” come from?
An English proverb from around 1600, first found in the writing of Edwin Sandys.
What does the Bible say instead?
Read Proverbs 12:22, Ephesians 4:25. The Bible asks for honesty because God loves truth, not because it pays. Lying lips are detestable to Yahweh (Proverbs 12:22), and each believer is to speak the truth with his neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).
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