Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

variation from the requirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very
sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin, whether
committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the streets. Those
who secure property by false representations are bringing condemnation on
their souls. All that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the
receiver.
He [one who utters falsehood or practices deception] loses his own selfrespect.
He may not be conscious that God sees him and is acquainted with
every business transaction, that holy angels are weighing his motives and
listening to his words, and that his reward will be according to his works; but
if it were possible to conceal his wrongdoing from human and divine
inspection, the fact that he himself knows it, is degrading to his mind and
character. One act does not determine the character, but it breaks down the
barrier, and the next temptation is more readily entertained, until finally a
habit of prevarication and dishonesty in business is formed, and the man
cannot be trusted.
God wants men in His service, under His banner, to be strictly honest,
unimpeachable in character, that their tongues shall not utter a semblance of
untruth. The tongue must be true, the eyes must be true, the actions wholly
and entirely such as God can commend. We are living in the sight of a holy
God, who solemnly declares, "I know thy works." The divine eye is ever
upon us. We cannot cover one act of unjust deal from God. The witness of
God to our every action is a truth which but few realize.
The Believer--A Better Man in Business
An honest man, according to Christ's measurement, is one who will
manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful weights and false balances, with
which many seek to advance their interests in the world, are abomination in
the sight of God. Yet many who profess to keep the commandments of God
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