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help if you seek them out. It is not your place to judge others, but it is your place to help them.

I remember one little proverb that I learned in elementary school. To be honest I never gave it much thought, nor would it be influential until late in my 20s. The poem recited this way, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive."

To develop more honor, honesty and integrity you must be truthful and align yourself with what is right. It is easier to obey the laws of the land, those of your faith and of your group and community, for they are put in place for your protection and well being.

If our society is to grow and expand, then these words must have meaning and must be followed by every individual who is protected under our laws and rules of order. You see when one goes outside these general guidelines they inadvertently hurt themselves and others along the way.

Our trust is violated by dishonesty. Dishonesty is brought about by a lack of integrity. Our self respect is lowered to the degree that we lower our standards or code of conduct. You see honesty allows solutions to take place, dishonesty corrupts that facts and create a certain vagueness or cloudiness to handle the situation with standard policies, programs or actions. It doesn't matter whether the venue is in the workplace or group activities. Clarity is what makes things work. When we are clear about a situation then we can respond with definite purposeful acts that allows all to win in life.

Maybe I will not show my dismay publicly when I am betrayed or feeling that way. My soul weeps for the person who has violated my sacred trust; I will pray for them to be returned to the rightful path. My soul is burdened by such a violation, but I forgive that person. A transgressor will always reap what they sow, the harvest was determined by their act and so it shall pass that if they are destined to suffer the consequence, let it be so.

If one should fear to appear ignorant by being honest, then it is better to be honestly ignorant than deceptively ignorant. How I look is exactly how I am. One can at least look forward to positive correction and learn some new skill or manner of doing something, than being a deceiver that only brings further chaos into a situation.

Honesty is the best policy, for your relationships, for your family and for your work and community. That also does not mean you are a yes person or someone who has no voice. An honest or even spirited debate on issues is better than taking a dark road.

Maybe the path that has led me to giving you these words is a test of my own integrity. One should trust there own perception, but leave room if that perception is not correct. Most people would be in agreement that laying your cards honestly out on the table is better than concealing bad deeds to make oneself right or to deceive the other party into a false sense of security.

Honesty, integrity and honor are not just words. These words are the foundations in which to live the good life, take heed and examine your acts in accordance to these words and that is my message to you.

Learn more about this author, John Tebar.
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