I Will Not Lie

Javed, a ten-year-old boy, was polite, intelligent, and well-behaved. He never argued with anyone or hurt others with his words. His teachers, classmates, and parents were proud of him. Being an only child, Javed spent much of his time with his mother, helping her with household chores and sharing stories about his school day. He never missed school, knowing that skipping lessons would set him behind.

His father worked as an accountant in a private company that supplied milk across the country. Due to his busy schedule, he could not spend much time with Javed, but his hard work ensured a comfortable life for the family. The family owned a car, which allowed Javed and his mother to go wherever they needed without trouble. Javed understood that these comforts were the result of his parents’ hard work, and he diligently followed his responsibilities.

On holidays, Javed loved spending time with his father, who usually read newspapers or watched TV. Javed would sit near him with his toys or storybooks, never bothering him unnecessarily, as his mother had taught him that holidays were for his father’s rest. Sometimes, the family went out together for meals or short trips, and Javed always enjoyed those moments.

One holiday afternoon, while Javed’s father was watching his favorite TV program and holding a newspaper, Javed played with his toy cars, making engine sounds and racing them across the carpet. His mother was busy cooking in the kitchen. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Javed’s father looked annoyed, as their friend, Jamil Uncle, had arrived unexpectedly. He asked Javed to tell Jamil that he wasn’t home.

Javed hesitated. His mother had always told him never to lie, and their teacher also emphasized that dishonesty was wrong. Looking up with a serious expression, Javed said, “Sorry, Abbu, I can’t tell Jamil Uncle that you’re not home. That would be a lie. Our teacher and Ammi have taught us that lying is bad, so we should never lie.”

His father was stunned and felt ashamed, realizing that Javed, despite his young age, understood honesty better than many adults. Instead of scolding him, he smiled, patted his son’s cheek, and said, “Well done, my boy. Today you’ve shown that even children can teach adults something valuable.” His mother understood the situation, smiled at Javed, and returned to the kitchen.

Soon, Javed heard his father’s hearty laughter from the living room. Peeking through the window, he saw his father and Jamil Uncle sitting in the garden, chatting over tea, completely at ease. Javed felt happy and left his toys aside to watch them. Later, after Jamil left, Javed’s father shared the story with his mother, praising their son for being so mature and confident at such a young age. That night, before going to sleep, Javed’s mother tucked him in, told him a bedtime story, and kissed his forehead, whispering, “Well done, my son. Today you’ve made both your father and me proud.”

Javed drifted to sleep with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that honesty and integrity were the values that truly earned respect and love from others.

Always be honest, even when it’s hard. Telling the truth builds trust, respect, and self-confidence. Lies might seem easier in the moment, but they create problems and guilt over time. A person who values honesty earns the respect of others and peace of mind for themselves. So, speak truthfully, act with integrity, and let your actions reflect your values—small choices every day shape the kind of person you become.

let your actions reflect your values—small choices every day shape the kind of person you become.