“If it is not right, do not do it: if it is not true, do not say it.”
The test is deliberately simple: action and speech should each pass an ethical standard before they are expressed.
Meditations, Book XII, in George Long’s translation.
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.”
Consistent upright conduct reduces the need to maintain conflicting stories or hidden motives.
Proverbs 10:9 in the King James Version; the opening clause is quoted here.
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them.”
Integrity functions as an internal guide when a person has to choose without knowing every consequence in advance.
Proverbs 11:3 in the King James Version; the opening clause is quoted here.
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
The proverb contrasts deception with dependable truthfulness and treats honesty as a moral practice.
Proverbs 12:22 in the King James Version.
“His honesty is not policy.”
Honesty is distinguished from strategy: a person of character tells the truth because it is right, not merely because truthfulness happens to be advantageous.
The Power of Truth, opening chapter, Project Gutenberg #56020; Jordan rejects the phrase “honesty is the best policy” as too transactional.
“I shall obey God rather than you.”
Socrates presents moral and philosophical duty as more binding than compliance with pressure from political authority.
Apology, Jowett translation; Socrates says he would continue practicing philosophy even if acquittal were conditioned on silence.
“Truth is the rock foundation of every great character.”
Jordan makes truthfulness foundational to character, treating honest conduct as structural rather than as a convenient tactic used only when it pays.
The Power of Truth, opening chapter, Project Gutenberg #56020; Jordan introduces truth as the foundation of character.
