Why honesty is important

My grandmother used to say that, ‘a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches because we shall always have our names and reputation. Wise people always resist the short-term gain of dishonesty because they know honesty pays off in the end.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Honest children are trustworthy. The New Times / File

My grandmother used to say that, ‘a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches because we shall always have our names and reputation.

Wise people always resist the short-term gain of dishonesty because they know honesty pays off in the end.

"Honesty is important because people have to trust you to be a friend. When you are honest person, people will always believe in you, no matter what," says eight-year-old Richard Niyonshuti.

Niyonshuti says he values honesty because it feels good.

"If you are not honest, you just look bad," he says. "At times when you tell a lie, people will ask questions about the lie you told, and then you have to lie again.”

Honesty is telling the whole truth, even if it gets you into trouble.

Aroma Dusabe, aged 13, who attends Christian Life Church Sunday school, believes that honesty expresses both self-respect and respect for others.


Dishonesty is a sign of disrespect and children should try to be honest in what they do. Being honest is a virtue that shows that a child is well behaved. Therefore, learn to tell the truth and avoid telling lies to others because at the end of the say, liars are never to be trusted.

Ends