God Delights in People Who Are Trustworthy and Honest in Every Word They Speak

Ryan had built his reputation at work on being sharp and persuasive. He knew how to say the right things to close a deal, even if the truth had to be stretched. For a long time, it seemed to work—his bosses praised him, and his paycheck kept growing.

Lies may bring quick gains, but they leave a man restless and chained by guilt.

But late at night, when he replayed the conversations in his head, a knot tightened in his stomach. He had told people things that were not true, and his conscience reminded him that the trust he gained was built on lies.

One morning during his quiet time, he came across Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” The verse hit him like a blow. He had never considered how his words looked to God.

Ryan realized that his lies were not clever strategies, they were sins. They not only hurt others but separated him from God’s delight. That morning, he bowed his head and prayed, “Lord, forgive me. Help me to become a man who is trustworthy.”

The change did not happen overnight. At first, telling the truth felt risky. He worried he would lose deals or disappoint others. But each time he chose honesty, he felt a surprising peace. His integrity became more valuable than his image.

When a client asked for a guarantee he could not give, Ryan was honest about the limits. To his shock, the client respected him more for his transparency and still signed with him. Slowly, Ryan saw that truth built deeper trust than lies ever could.

Integrity may cost in the moment, but it always builds deeper trust.

At home, his wife noticed the difference. “You seem lighter,” she said. He smiled, knowing the burden of dishonesty was being lifted. His children began to see in him a man who lived out the values he taught them.

Ryan also began speaking about integrity at his men’s group. He admitted how easy it had been for him to twist the truth, but how destructive it became. His honesty opened the door for others to confess their own struggles with deceit.

One man shared, “I lie to avoid conflict with my wife.” Another admitted, “I lie at work to make myself look better.” Together, they began praying for courage to live as men who are trustworthy.

Ryan learned that honesty was not just about avoiding lies, it was about building a reputation that reflected God’s character. Each word spoken in truth became a brick in a foundation that could not be shaken.

Over time, Ryan’s coworkers began to notice. They trusted him with bigger responsibilities because his word carried weight. His career grew, not because he manipulated, but because he lived with integrity.

He no longer measured success by the size of his paycheck, but by whether God delighted in his life. And he knew that God delights in people who are trustworthy.

Looking back, Ryan saw that lies had enslaved him, while truth set him free. The fear of losing out had been replaced with the joy of living under God’s approval.

Now he tells other men, “You may think a lie will protect you, but it will always trap you. Only the truth leads to freedom and trust.” His story proves that God does not bless deception. But He delights in people who are trustworthy, men whose words match their lives.

What makes honesty hardest for you?

• Fear of consequences
• Desire for approval
• Avoiding conflict
• Pride and ego