Volume XXIV, Number 3 (Issue 1164) January 19, 2026
What Good Is a Code…
… if it is ignored?
Last week’s missive prompted several responses. Two of them, one from a reader in Tulsa, the other from a reader in Broken Arrow, OK arrived within minutes of each other. The first commenter included some information on the Code of Chivalry. The second was a request for me to explore the challenge of abiding by the tenets of one’s faith in a work world where others may play fast and loose with societal norms. Perhaps because they arrived so close together or possibly because I saw a connection between the dots, I thought I might speak to both. In doing so a bit of the history of and observations about the former will enable me to best speak to the latter. With that as preface, here goes.
While there is no uniform Code of Chivalry, there are some common elements to the various versions that developed. For example, historians generally agree the first editions evolved from Germanic warrior traditions. Furthermore, those codes were created as a counterpoint to the traditional warrior ethos of the day. According to Professor David Crouch of the University of Hull, the common elements of those knightly oaths emphasized:
- Defending the Church and the faith
- Protecting the poor, the weak, and the oppressed
- Serving one’s lord with loyalty and courage
- Living honorably and truthfully
- Showing respect and courtesy to women
To the extent there are surviving written versions, the best early examples may be found in “The Song of Roland” (Cir. 1100) and the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable (Cir. 12th and 13th centuries). The
text my friend Richard sent me spoke of and defined the qualities of fair play, valor, honor, courtesy, nobility, and loyalty as central to knights, knighthood, and the code they endeavored to live by.
As for the request that I speak to the challenge of living by the tenets of one’s faith in a business world where some colleagues are comfortable bending/breaking the rules and expecting others to do likewise, there are innumerable examples of corruption, fraud, self-dealing, and violations of ethical standards from the business world. Of course, such problematic behavior is not confined to the business sector. We also see it in our political, governmental, educational, charitable, media, and faith circles. Sadly, bad behavior abounds regardless of the environment. Furthermore, in most instances it is only the missteps that are disclosed to the public that we take note of. Countless more go undisclosed and undetected. Whether such problematic behavior is driven by a risk and reward analysis, stress, rationalization, ego, or a defective moral compass is hard to say. But the trends are troubling. That is the bad news.
The good news is there are many more individuals who approach their day committed to following our Judeo-Christian principles. They may fall short – no one is perfect – but they do their best to adhere to and model a value system that is thousands of years old, not to mention incredibly similar to the Codes of Chivalry that I have previously referenced. These men and women of unquestionable character do what they do without making headlines or having their stories told. Yet each and every one of them makes a difference so here is to their dedication to doing what is right – without fanfare and even when no one is looking. May more of us follow their example.
So, what to do when you find yourself in an environment where others are pressing you to engage in unethical conduct? Do you allow peer pressure or a boss’ real or implied treats of repercussions to cause you to violate your own standards? Or do you refuse to go along to get along? Hopefully, between your personal value system and better angels you will find a path that works for you. But let us not be naïve. Given a host of pressures, it is easy to rationalize what seems to be a small step across the line only to find oneself on a slippery slope. Thus, it is an unwavering personal commitment to ethical conduct that makes it possible for any of us to stand our ground.
To do so may require we seek a different environment or pursue available internal remedies to bring another’s bad behavior to light. As in so many things, the choice is ours to make. But in all cases a measure of courage is required.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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Copyright 2026 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are both welcomed and encouraged.