Be Honest
Family Rules #4:1
When we speak, honesty counts the most. Deceit and lies are unacceptable.
Leviticus 19:35 “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity.”
There are people and businesses charge a certain price for a certain amount of goods and services, only to find out that they had been cheating the customer by shorting them on their product. God detests such greed.
Tell the Truth
Family Rules #4:2
It is better to talk a little than chat too much. Tell the truth; do not speak insincerely.
The Virtue of Talking Less and Avoiding Vain Speech
No Cunning, Deceptive Speech and Foul Language
Family Rules #4:3
Cunning, deceptive speech and foul language should never be used. We should never conduct ourselves in an unruly manner.
Virtue of Honesty and Virtue of Controlling Our Tongue
If It Is Not True, Do Not Say It
Family Rules #4:4
We should not readily talk about something we have not seen for it may not be the whole truth. We should not readily pass on to others what we do not know for sure.
Don't Make Promises You Can't Keep
Family Rules #4:5
If someone asks us to do something and we are not sure whether it is appropriate, we should not carelessly promise. If we do promise to do something [and it is inappropriate], we will be wrong whether we keep or break our promise.
It's important to be reliable and dependable, and if I commit to doing something, I want to follow through on that commitment. However, if at any point I realize that the request is not appropriate, I will communicate that in a respectful and assertive way. Ultimately, my goal is to be helpful while also upholding ethical and moral principles.
Speak Clearly to Prevent Mumbling
Family Rules #4:6
When speaking, say each word unhurriedly, clearly, and correctly. Do not mumble or talk too fast.
Mind Your Own Business
Family Rules #4:7
Some people like to gossip and comment about the faults or good points of others. But if something does not concern us, we should not get involved.
Learn from Examples
Family Rules #4:8
When we see the goodness of others, we should encourage ourselves to learn from them. Even if we are far behind them, gradually we will achieve as they have.
Self-reflection
Family Rules #4:9
When we see the faults of others, we should reflect on our own behavior. If we have the same fault, correct it. If we do not have this fault, we should always be alert and not make the same mistake.
Develop Character Strengths and Virtues
Family Rules #4:10
When our morals, knowledge, and skills are not as good as those of others, we should encourage ourselves to try harder.
Be Content with What You Have
Family Rules #4:11
If the clothes we wear and the food we eat are not as good as what others have, do not feel sad.
We compare ourselves to others happiness, income, relationship status, professional accomplishments, material possessions and the list goes on and on.
The problem with comparison is that it often leads to envy, wanting what someone else has. You see, envy results from a feeling of lacking. And it’s important to note that it differs from jealousy.
Don't Attract Fake Friends
Family Rules #4:12
If criticism makes us angry and compliments make us happy, we will attract bad company, while good friends will leave us.
Take Criticism with Grace and Appreciation
Family Rules #4:13
If we are appreciative of criticism and uneasy with compliments, people who are virtuous, sincere, and trustworthy will gradually become our friends.
Know the Difference between "Mistakes and Wrong"
Family Rules #4:14
If we accidentally make a mistake, it is only an error. But if we do it on purpose, it is definitely wrong.
Own Up to Your Mistakes & Admit When You're Wrong
Family Rules #4:15
If we correct our faults and mistakes and do not repeat them, then they will cease. But if we try to cover them up, we will be doubly wrong.
COVERING UP YOUR MISTAKES:
They say that to err is human. We all make mistakes, but we all seem to deal with them in different ways. Some people may feel inclined to cover up their mistakes, possibly for fear of embarrassment or punishment, but this may not be the best approach for you to take. The problem with covering up your mistakes is that it can oftentimes lead to even more covering-up for the original cover-up.