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Business Quote by Timothy Keller

“A friend who attended a prestigious MBA program once told me about the business ethics course he took there. The professor counseled honest business practices for two reasons. First, if you lie or cheat you may be caught, and that would be bad for business. Second, if people in the company know…” quote by Timothy Keller
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““A friend who attended a prestigious MBA program once told me about the business ethics course he took there. The professor counseled honest business practices for two reasons. First, if you lie or cheat you may be caught, and that would be bad for business. Second, if people in the company know they ae working in an honest business, that will boost morale . . . "Tell the truth--because it's to your own advantage," was the counsel. What happens, however, when you inevitable come to situations in which telling the truth would cost you dearly? What happens when telling a particular lie would be stupendously advantageous to you?””

Timothy Keller

About This Quote

Source Sermon: “The Truth and Its Cost,” 2015

Honesty benefits both business and morale, yet dilemmas arise when truth threatens personal gain.

In simple terms: Truth helps business, but sometimes hurts you.

Key Takeaway

Weigh ethical integrity against personal cost.

Themes

ethics business integrity dilemma

Mood

ethical pragmatic

Type

theological business advice

When to use this quote

  • corporate policy
  • personal decisions
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

morality risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is lying justified for survival?
  • How can organizations foster a culture that rewards honesty?
A Different Perspective

Truth may not always be the most practical choice in competitive environments.

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