All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one. – Matthew 5:37, Jerusalem Bible.

There is no safe dallying with the Truth. – Isaac Penington, Letter 47, 1650.

How does Truth prosper in our community? Do we strive to maintain the integrity of our inner and outer lives in our spiritual journeys, our work, and our family responsibilities? Do we seek the Truth and tell it with compassion?

Are we honest and truthful in all that we say and do? Are we mindful in making promises and punctual in keeping them? Do we maintain strict integrity in business transactions and in our dealings with individuals and organizations? Do we use money and information entrusted to us with discretion and responsibility?

Are we honest with ourselves? What unpalatable truths might we be evading? Do we become unduly discouraged when facing our shortcomings? Do we seek the assurance and strength of Divine love through prayer and corporate worship?

Taking oaths implies a double standard of truth; in choosing to affirm instead of swearing, are we aware of the claim of integrity that we are making?

Our responsibilities to God, our neighbors, and all of life may lead us to take unpopular stands; if pressure is brought on us to lower our standard of integrity, are we prepared to resist it? Do we act on our principles even when this entails difficult consequences?

From Advices & Queries, for Use by Individual Friends, Meetings, and Worship Groups (Lake Erie Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends: Ann Arbor, 2012). Find the whole document online.