The proverb ‘Honesty is the best policy’ has often been laughed at because the world has seen and witnessed people enjoying the fruits of their ill-gotten wealth and leading luxurious lives. But we probably forget to see the difference in their inner and outer personality. We watch and feel thrilled by their costly garments and by their glamour. What we fail to notice is that they have no peace or contentment. Fear stalks them. They live empty lives.
On the other hand, a man of integrity has peace of mind and contentment. He has nothing to fear. He makes no enemies but only friends who are sure to stand by him in case of need.
But a dishonest man is looked upon with distrust and suspicion and sooner or later exposed. He makes no friends, gets very little real sympathy in times of trouble. He is frequently in difficulties and is often compelled to incur heavy expenses to evade the consequences of his dishonest actions.
It has been well said therefore that “dishonesty may serve a turn, but honesty is the best in the end.”
The story of ‘The lion and the Cow’ stands as a fine example of this proverb.
Once a hungry lion caught a cow. Just as he was about to kill the her, the cow requested the lion to let it go in order to feed her calf. She promised to return immediately. The lion trusted here and let her go. The honest cow kept her promise and returned. The lion was touched by the honesty of the cow and set her free.
Thus it is clear that honest dealing is the best dealing. It may take sometime to reap the fruits of honesty, but they are sure to come for indeed ‘honesty pays in the long run’.
