Integrity

Prov. 11:3

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

 

What is integrity? What comprises it? A speedy reply would be, doing what you say you are going to do, but then that could describe an evil person as well. What about a person who is truthful, saying and doing what is morally right? I think I am getting closer to the truth. The dictionary says, "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Without specifying what moral code or artistic values we are considering, this definition is too open ended. Obviously, this word is hard to define.

 

For a believer, the moral code would be the Bible. It should rule and govern all his life regardless of societal or cultural ethics. Many times adhering to the Word would be a detriment to success in this world. Hopefully, a believer would stand out in any crowd in this world because his entire world view should be vastly different. Chapter 11 has some good examples of this:

 

v. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Pride is a huge component of success in this world. Children are taught from an early age to take pride in their accomplishments never once acknowledging God. Humility is considered being a door mat and not a trait to be desired. But a believer with integrity would be humble!

v. 3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. The world is full of crooked, treacherous people. Many people at the very top of their chosen profession are exposed as highly evil and conniving, taking advantage of people, and living for wealth. Money has become their idol and getting it any crooked, treacherous way is no problem for them. Integrity would be the guide of the believer! The principles of the Word would provide the foundation for this guide.

 

v. 13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Slander is a business in our culture! Newspapers and magazines thrive on slander as do the people who buy them and read them. With so many things to hide, people want to make themselves appear better so they slander others. Often people say they will keep a secret, but when it works to their advantage to spill the beans, they do. But a believer of integrity keeps a secret. He goes to the Father in prayer instead of broadcasting it to others.

v. 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. The wicked, a man without integrity, will earn wages and possibly get rich for a time, but because deception is always a huge part of his life, he can never be sure when his money will flee. But the believer whose life is full of integrity will sow righteousness, and righteousness brings a sure reward. For him, the riches of this world are paltry and without value. He builds his life on what is sacred and lasting.

 

The chapter goes on and on. What a vast amount of wisdom is in the Proverbs. They provide a sure source of instruction on integrity and so many other areas as well. They teach the principles of wisdom that can be applied to the life and grown by the Spirit of God. It is God's Word that grows integrity in the life.

 

Father,

Convict my heart when I am demonstrating integrity. Teach me to live with Your wisdom guiding my every step. I do confess my penchant for acting before praying. Grow me ever closer to You.

In His Name,

Amen