Conscience

Conscience: an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior. 

Conscience, in its essence, is the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's actions and judgments. It's a faculty that allows us to evaluate our own conduct, intentions, and character, and feel a sense of obligation to do what is good or avoid what is bad. In religious contexts, conscience is often linked to a person's relationship with a higher power and the adherence to divine or moral laws. 

When someone experiences a guilty conscience, it means they feel bad or uneasy about something they've done, indicating a belief that their actions were morally wrong. This feeling of guilt arises from a conflict between their actions and their internal moral compass. 

Dishonesty and Deception: Lying, cheating, or manipulating others, even in seemingly small ways, can cause discomfort, especially if it becomes a habit. 

Rationalizing Unethical Actions: Trying to excuse or justify harmful behavior by minimizing its impact or blaming others can be a sign of a compromised conscience. An example would be justifying cheating on taxes by saying "everyone does it," even if you know it's wrong.

Lack of Accountability: Refusing to take responsibility for one's actions or admit mistakes, especially when those actions have harmed others. This can be seen in politicians caught in scandals who deny any wrongdoing.

Disregard for Social Norms and Laws: Consistently breaking rules or showing disrespect for authority can indicate a disconnection from moral standards. For instance, littering despite knowing it's wrong and harmful to the environment.

Exploitation of Others: Taking advantage of vulnerable individuals for personal gain without feeling guilt, such as scam artists or dishonest businesspeople.

Failing to Act on Empathy or Compassion: Remaining indifferent or failing to offer help to others who are suffering, even when you know it's the right thing to do. For example, seeing someone in need and choosing not to help.

Hiding or Avoiding Morally Dubious Actions: Engaging in behavior that conflicts with your beliefs and then hiding it from others due to shame or guilt. A person who spends a day watching TV instead of working on a to-do list might try to make it look like they were productive to avoid explaining their actions to a partner.