“Every Man Did Deal Justly”

Church Educational System

Elder Sheldon F. Child of the Seventy explained what it means to “deal justly” with one another when he spoke about honesty and integrity:

“When we say we will do something, we do it.
“When we make a commitment, we honor it.
“When we are given a calling, we fulfill it.
“When we borrow something, we return it.
“When we have a financial obligation, we pay it.
“When we enter into an agreement, we keep it” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 39; or Ensign, May 1997, 29).

President N. Eldon Tanner (1898–1982) of the First Presidency illustrated the importance of dealing justly with others:

“A young man came to me not long ago and said, ‘I made an agreement with a man that requires me to make certain payments each year. I am in arrears [behind in fulfilling financial obligations], and I can’t make those payments, for if I do, it is going to cause me to lose my home. What shall I do?’
“I looked at him and said, ‘Keep your agreement.’
“‘Even if it costs me my home?’
“I said, ‘I am not talking about your home. I am talking about your agreement; and I think your wife would rather have a husband who would keep his word … and have to rent a home than to have a home with a husband who will not keep his covenants and his pledges” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1966, 99).

Book of Mormon Student Manual (2009 Edition)

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