How honest?

If someone were to ask you is honesty the best policy for your life how would you respond?

I read two opposing pieces this week which provided some interesting views.

Alfred Lubrano in Saturday’s, 2/9/08, Philadelphia Inquirer writes in an article titled: ‘Unconventional Wisdom: Lie to your lover: Honesty can be far from the best policy.’

Recently, the people who publish Harlequin romance novels - famous for finding 1,500 or so euphemisms for the word sex - came out with the 2008 Harlequin Romance Report. In it, they analyze the ego-saving white lie.

According to the survey, 63 percent of Americans consider the canard blanc to be "an acceptable and even welcome part of any relationship."

The Harlequinians say that the most ubiquitous of all white lies is, not surprisingly, the response to the question, "Do I look fat in this?"

The survey shows that 61 percent of American men will always answer, "No," no matter what.

In another piece titled ‘To Tell the Truth’ at Lifeway.com, Rodney & Selma Wilson, authors and speakers on marriage and family, state:

In marriage, truthfulness is often reassuring and uplifting. However, the truth can sting.

Regardless of your mate’s anticipated response, honesty is always the godly choice. In the midst of any awkwardness or pain, you will find peace of mind in knowing your mate loves you enough to communicate honestly.

The Wilson’s continue: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). What the Lord says is always truth — whether it’s encouraging, reassuring, healing, or convicting. This rock-solid security is comforting, and this sense of security extends to the marriage relationship when truthfulness is constant.

Although the truth can hurt, and hurt for awhile, I think telling the truth is the best option. But I have recently found that discretion is required in order to determine what should be told voluntarily to another.