Honesty vs Integrity

Hi there Margaux, what a wonderful topic and discussion. I have often said that honesty and integrity are two of the most important qualities for me to have in any relationship. It's a shame really, that these topics do not get more attention or more discussion going. It seems that people really don't want to take the time to think through a response before giving it. Well, I am slightly younger than you are, I will be here for my 31st summer. You started this discussion from a religious point of view but I think honesty and integrity are universal to the human condition whether one believes in a higher power or not. I consider myself to be a deeply spiritual person but I do not practice any organized religion regularly. I'm not an atheist because I do believe that there's something out there, what ever one chooses to call it, that brings us all together. I believe that we're all interconnected and I like the term collective unconscious, when I describe the concept of a higher power But, many people choose to call that God. And that's fine by me, I don't care what anyone calls something as long as they know it's there. Now back to honesty and integrity, and obviously I'm speaking from a moral humanistic perspective not necessarily a religious or Biblical one. I understand honesty to mean "say what you mean and mean what you say." Put simply, I expect someone to know enough about themselves to know who they are and what they believe. I don't expect everyone to agree with my own values and beliefs but I expect the person to know themselves enough to know what it is that they do believe. So, I expect the person to know what they mean and then also to stand behind what they've said and mean what they say! The meaning what you say is where all honesty comes from. I'm telling you my belief because it's truly what I believe and not because I think it's what you want to hear in the moment or what I think the right answer must be. I'm willing to stand behind that comment or statement in the light of day. That to me is honesty. Integrity is of course closely related to honesty but is with inside the person themselves. When I explained my understanding of honesty as being able to stand behind your beliefs and or statements when they are examined by someone else I said that I expected them to know what their beliefs were (or at least be aware that they are unsure and don't know what they believe) if the person knows what they believe and will stand behind it when it is scrutinized by others; That to me is integrity. A person has integrity if they act and react according to their beliefs and values. Actions in this instance definitely speak louder than words, and I consider integrity to be acting in the same manner whether someone is watching or not. So if you follow my train of thought now that I've given you both of my definitions. A person must have integrity first and know who they are as a person and what they believe. And then comes honesty. A truly honest person will state their beliefs as their own. Integrity cannot be separated 100% from honesty because you can not be truly honest unless your actions are in line with your belief system. Integrity is when you act within your belief system whether anybody is watching you or not. I hope that I haven`t rambled on too much but as I'm sure you're already aware it's hard to articulate in words there meanings. I would be interested in hearing any further thoughts you may have... Until next time, Happy Mylotting!

If one does not keep his/her integrity it is for the person who see this faults to forgive. No one is prefect. The purpose of God wishes for us is to worship him and to love and forgive others. This all falls under integrity. You build integrity by reading your bible, praying and listening to the voice of God. We will falter at times but always be humble in asking for forgiveness and build on not doing the things that you know is wrong in the sight of God.