Chapter 10: Dishonesty in Small Matters Inconsistent with Honesty in An… He that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10.
These words are a part of the parable of the unjust steward, or rather, a principle which our Lord lays down in connection with the parable. The words do not require that I should go into an explanation of the parable itself, as they make no part of the story which the Lord
Jesus was relating. The principle involved or laid down is what I have to do with tonight.
In preaching from these words I design to illustrate the principle laid down, which is this:
One who is dishonest in small matters, is not really honest in anything.
The order which I shall pursue is the following:
I. I shall show what I do not mean by this principle. II. Show what I do mean by it. III.
Prove the principle, that one who is dishonest in small matters is not really honest at all. IV.
Show by what principle those individuals are governed who, while they are dishonest in small things, appear to be honest, and even religious, in larger affairs. V. Mention several instances where persons often manifest a want of principle in small matters.
I. I am to show what I do not mean by the principle, that one who is dishonest in small matters is not really honest in anything.
Answer. I do not mean that if a person is dishonest in small matters, and will take little advantages in dealing, it is therefore certain that in greater matters he will not deal openly and honorably according to the rules of business.
Or that it is certain, if a man will commit petty thefts and depredations, that he will commit highway robbery. There may be various reasons why a man who will commit such depredations will not go into more daring and outrageous crimes.
Or that if a man indulges unclean thoughts, it is certain he will commit adultery.
Or that if he indulges covetous desires, it is certain he will steal.
Or that if he indulges in ill-will towards any one, he will commit murder.
Or that if he would enslave a fellow man, and deprive him of instruction and of all the rights of man, he will certainly commit other crimes of equal enormity.
Or that if he will defraud the government in little things, such as postage, or duties on little articles, he will rob the treasury.
II. I am to explain what I do mean by the principle laid down, that if a man is dishonest in little things, he is not really honest in anything.
What I mean is, that if a man is dishonest in small matters, it shows that he is not governed by principle in anything. It is therefore certain that it is not real honesty of heart which leads him to act right in greater matters. He must have other motives than honesty of heart, if he appears to act honestly in larger things, while he acts dishonestly in small matters.