What epitaph suits an honest person?

"A man of his word" or "Her word was her bond."

Is "To thine own self be true" public domain?

Yes, it is from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*.

What symbol suits honesty?

An open book, scales or clasped hands.

Headstone Quotes About Honesty: Verses and Epitaphs

"His word was his bond." Few tributes say more about a person than that. These quotes honour someone known for honesty, integrity and fairness in everything they did.

Short epitaphs

A man of his word.
Honest to the end.
Her word was her bond.
Fair, true and kind.
He lived with integrity.
Truth was her compass.

Scripture

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (Psalm 15:2)
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely. (Proverbs 10:9)
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest… think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

Public-domain poetry and prose

This above all: to thine own self be true. (Shakespeare, Hamlet)
No legacy is so rich as honesty. (Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well)

For a business owner

For a shopkeeper, tradesperson or farmer known for fair dealing, "Honest work, fair prices, good friend" tells a whole story. See headstone ideas for a shopkeeper.

Keep it simple

Honesty is a plain virtue, and plain wording suits it. A single short line usually says more than a long quotation.

Designs to pair

An open book — see open book meaning.
Scales of justice for a judge or lawyer — see headstone ideas for a judge.
A handshake — see clasped hands meaning.
A compass — see compass meaning.

A note on sources

Quotations here are scripture (King James Version) or works in the public domain, alongside original lines you're free to use. If you choose another quotation, check who wrote it and whether it is still under copyright before it is engraved.