Raising Honest and Trustworthy Children

As Christians, we believe that being honest and trustworthy are values that are highly valued by God. Being truthful is important because it reflects our relationship with God and others. When we lie, we break the trust and create distance between ourselves, the Lord, and others. The Bible teaches us that lying is harmful to ourselves and to the ones we lie to, and that honesty is essential for our well-being and the well-being of our relationships.

Model Honesty in Our Daily Lives 

Families are the primary source of influence and guidance for children. As such, it is important for parents to teach their children the value of honesty and integrity. One of the most effective ways to teach children about honesty is to model it in our daily lives. Children learn by observing and imitating their parents and caregivers. When they see adults being truthful in their words and actions, they are more likely to develop a sense of honesty and integrity themselves.

Talk to Your Children about Honesty 

Parents can also teach children about honesty by discussing it clearly. When parents talk to their children about the importance of honesty and how lying can harm relationships, it helps children to understand why honesty is a crucial value. Children should be taught that honesty is not just about avoiding punishment or negative consequences but it is also about building and maintaining trust and respect in relationships.

Address the Issue When Your Child Lies 

When a child lies, it is essential to address the behavior and help the child understand why lying is wrong. Fathers and mothers should talk to their children about the consequences of lying, such as damaging trust, harming relationships, and losing credibility. It is also important to help children understand the difference between telling the truth and being hurtful. For example, it is actually possible to be honest, and still not be rude or unkind.

What the Bible Says About Lying and Honesty 

Proverbs 12:22, it is written, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” God’s love for honesty is also reflected in Proverbs 6:16-19, where it is written that God hates “a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil.” These verses show us that lying is a sin that separates us from God, and repenting and turning to truthfulness is important.

Many examples in the Bible demonstrate the importance of honesty. One such example is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. They lied to the apostles about the proceeds from the sale of their property and were struck dead by God. This story shows us that God values honesty and punishes those who lie. Another example is the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10, who repented his dishonesty and paid back four times what he had stolen. This story teaches us that honesty requires not only confessing our sins but also making restitution for the harm we have caused.

Create an Environment that Encourages Honesty and Openness

Parents can also create a culture of honesty and openness in their homes by creating an environment where children feel safe and comfortable, to be honest. When children feel that they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of punishment or negative consequences, they are more likely to be truthful. Parents can achieve this by being non-judgmental and listening actively to their children’s concerns.

Parents have a crucial role to play in teaching children the value of being honest and trustworthy, as it is an essential virtue for Christians to possess. Let’s pray for grace to help them grow into honest and trustworthy adults, but let’s not forget to also pray for grace to model honesty in our own lives and actions, too! 

Blessings, 
Lisa 

P.S. Have you seen our Biblical Character Building Cards and Guidebooks in our store? They’re designed to help you and your children explore more about honesty and other Biblical character traits. Check them out at VibrantHomeLife.com/store!