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Pasa Graphe' Theopneustos Kai Ophelimos (Greek) is one of the most often-repeated passages from the Scriptures, ie, the Bible. The passage appears in the heading of our Facebook page. But what does it say to us in our various tongues? Well, for those of us who speak English, this passage is a bold testimony from the pen of one Paul, a first-century scholar from the Isrealite tribe of Benjamin. It is also a statement steeped in the thelogy of the Biblical narratives. So, Paul wrote to a young ethnic Jew named Timotheus: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable......"
At the time Paul wrote those words, there was not yet a codex known as the "New Testament." The scrolls of papyrus on which were written the Scriptures are what we call today the "Old Testament." In its immediate and limited interpretation, Paul is saying that the messages in the Old Testament are inspired by God. That being so, who is the man who would say that the record of the flood in Noah's day was simply an allegory, and not an historical account?

Honesty

God expects and deserves honesty. It's in the Bible, Psalm 51:6, TLB. "You deserve honesty from the heart; yes, utter sincerity and truthfulness. Oh give me this wisdom."

Being dishonest about someone is as harmful and lasting as physical wounds. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 25:18, TLB. "Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an ax, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow."

The Lord doesn't approve of dishonesty in business dealings. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 20:23, NIV. "The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please Him."

Be honest and open. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 2:3, TLB. "So you can see that we were not preaching with any false motives or evil purposes in mind; we were perfectly straightforward and sincere." II Corinthians 8:21, NIV says, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men."

Honesty is involved in two of the commandments. It's in the Bible, Exodus 20:15-16, NIV. "You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."

Leaders value those who speak the truth. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 16:13, TLB. "The king rejoices when his people are truthful and fair."

Truth is more valuable than flattery. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 28:23, TLB. "In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery."

The children of honest parents are blessed. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 20:7, TLB. "It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father."

Tell the truth. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 12:13-14, TLB. "Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense. Telling the truth gives a man great satisfaction, and hard work returns many blessings to him."

Fraudulent gain is sweet only for awhile. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 20:17, NIV. "Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel."

Riches gained dishonestly don't last. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 21:6, NIV. "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare."

Do it God's way. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 11:1, TLB. "The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty."

God values honesty most. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 21:3, TLB. "God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give Him gifts."