Why is it that the honest people are always the ones who finish last?. Let me explain...?

Question

It seems that everyone who knows how to manipulate the system are the ones succeding. There is no reward for integrity. Is honesty 'stupid' Example. In military bootcamp I dropped a piece of my rifle. I told the D.I. What I had did. Do you know that I spent more time on the quarterdeck than people who tried to get away with it. The quarterdeck if you dont know is where we were punished. This is basically the story of my life. I try to do things right but right doesnt seem to make movement. Is there something wrong with me or is there something wrong with society. I have found out one thing. Everyone who has tried to get over has made it terribly hard for the honest. Does anyone else know what I mean? Please give some advice, or simply tell me what you think

Answer 1

It may seem that way sometimes. I know what your saying. But there have been studies done one famous one has come to the conclusion that nice people do in fact finish first. People who are more willing to be honest and get along and place others first are more likely to succeed. It might seem that is not true but in the long run your Honesty will pay off in your relationships with people who MATTER, not some drill instrucotor who wont matter much in 10 years but your wife and your children and your freinds there the ones who matter.

Answer 2

Yes I know exactly what you mean.I have never been in the Navy but, Iam a very honest person, I do things by the book and it seems to me that people who do this are the ones who dont get promoted or any kind of advancement. It is society. Brown nosing and lying get you everything. But being truthful and honest gets you the back of the bus. My honesty has cost me friends, jobs all kind of things because I wont lie. Seems to me society would rather hear lies then the truth and I think it is because of people with what I call "ME" attitudes. They do anything and everything to get what they want in life no matter who they have to hurt, kill, lie , cheat or steal from to get it.

Answer 3

Yeah that's exactly how i sometimes feel. definitely there is nothing wrong with us trying to do everything honestly and right. but you must know that although you should always be honest (sp in your speaks) you should be careful not to become like an open book ready to be read by everyone. be a bit politician. for me it always works. remember "ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY".
when you do things in a frank and honest way, u feel much more comfortable and happier to yourself; u don't go under any pressure that something might go wrong because of your unfaithfulness. that relaxing feeling is the best thing honesty brings you. but be a politician as well!

Answer 4

Well, I suppose this will go under honesty as well, but from some of what I've seen, it seems as if the hard-working people get dumped on in large businesses, but the a**kissers who do nothing but stroke the ego of their boss moves up. It's sad, but that's what flattery and manipulation will get people, while the honest ones get taken advantage of. Sometimes I've wondered if what it takes is to be like them and be false just to move up in the world, and I realize, I wouldn't be happy with myself. So I settle with doing what I can and doing it to my benefit. Now that doesn't mean I'll take getting screwed, by any means.

Answer 5

Don't ever give up on being honest. You did the right thing in boot camp. I don't know why your drill instructor gave you more hours on the quarterdeck. Just feel glad you did the right thing. Don't let society corrupt you. We need more people like you in this world.


*hug*

Answer 6

Being honest and having integrity go a long way to define the quality of your character. I completely identify with your dilemma. I just got fired for standing up for the truth and maintaining integrity with those I served. What is important to remember is that we are not supposed to compare the quality of who we are with others. If we are in a right relationship with God and truly strive to serve Him in obedience in pursuit of the purpose of our creation then we are pleasing to the one with whom it counts most.

This means that we are using all that we have been given to accomplish the task at hand. If we are performing on a scale of 1-10 and are putting out a 7 when those around you average a 4 then you would be considered successful according to the worlds standard. However, if you are capable of putting out a 9 then you are shorting your self and God in the work you could be doing. On the other hand if you are trying to put out at a level 5 and your true ability is at a level 3 then you are dishonoring God. This is not because you are trying to do to much, it is because you are trying to do someone elses part for them and now you are not available to do the work that God has for you on the path that He has made especially for you. It is when we compare our self to others that carnality sets in and sin is the result. This is why the hard work of being a Christian is to pursue your one on one personal relationship with your heavenly Father, finding out what He wants you to do and how to do it His way. It is when we do this that our eyes are focused on the prize that calls us heavenward through Christ Jesus. The prize being a personal relationship with the Living God and your Creator.

In all of this it is important to remember that even though it rains on the wicked and unrighteous as well as the righteous there is a major difference. God swings His mighty arm for the righteous. We do not have to defend our honor or integrity He will do it for us. This is what turning the other cheek is all about. Trust God! When it is all said and done you will be the one left standing not those who thought they got away with something. It is the quality of a mans character that shows up in the little things and lead into the bigger things in life. Nothing will remain hidden.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear (awe, reverence and respect) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.