why does it pay to be honest?

Your parents taught you right. My parents also did the same. But why you are having a doubt whether it pays to be honest? Let me ask you a question. Suppose being honest does not pay, will you become dishonest? As per my belief, honesty pays. It may not be in material terms. It may even result in material loss. But honesty pays you in terms of mental peace and inner satisfaction. For me these two are more valuable than money.

I think that it pays to be honest. My own self esteem would be nothing if I were not honest. Now might omit some stuff to save a person's feelings but other than that I do not lie. Actually, I cannot lie. My face gives it away every time.

Honesty is about who you are. Anyone can be a liar. Any fool can be a thief. It takes far more guts to be honest. Socially, it's a defining characteristic. It affects how other people relate to you. That can be a major help in quality of life, because ultimately people base their relationships on trust, at some level. An honest person is much less of a threat, or liability. People don't necessarily welcome honesty, but they recognize it for what it is, and can accept it, unlike liars, who by definition can't be trusted and are always a risk. On a personal level, being honest with yourself is about as tough as it gets, but it's also safer. Fewer delusions, fewer excuses, but more also much less sleaze, hypocrisy, and "situations" created by dishonesty. It greatly enhances self reliance, and therefore a person's ability to be independent. Your achievements are your own, they're real, and your identity is uncompromised by false or cosmetic versions of yourself. It pays in terms of self respect, and you really can't buy that. Liars can't even afford to think about it.

i think it does. we just have to be careful because sometimes being to honest can hurt someone. the best thing i think is to be true to yourself.