The Oxford Dictionary defines integrity as “the state of being whole and undivided.” Indeed, people of integrity live consistently. They do what they say they will do. They are the same person at home when no one is watching, as they are when they are in front of hundreds of people. In other words, as we learned during the weekend message, those with integrity “practice what they preach.” In our Bible study this week, we will see that integrity is essential for followers of Christ. Because we claim to follow Christ, we are called to live out what we claim to believe in private and public. After all, as we heard in the weekend message, “every area of our lives is going to rise and fall on our integrity.”
Solomon, one of the kings of Israel and a man known for his remarkable wisdom, wrote about the importance of integrity in Proverbs 10. This Proverb contains great wisdom for us to glean from and to follow. In this Proverb, Solomon compares those who live godly lives and those who live ungodly lives. He makes it clear in this Scripture that the godly focus on “right living” over accumulating wealth here on earth, work hard, listen to instruction, and more (verses 1-8). Those who live this way demonstrate their integrity by actually living out what they claim to believe. Next, Solomon wrote the words, “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed” (verse 9). Those with integrity can walk safely and securely because they have nothing to hide and know they have done everything possible to honor God with their lives. In contrast, those who do not live in integrity and do not live out what they claim to believe, “will be exposed.” In other words, those who do not walk in a way that honors God and do not “practice what they preach” will not walk in safety. In fact, they will be exposed and recognized by those around them for their lack of integrity.
Each one of us has a decision to make today. Will we walk in integrity, living out what we say we believe, day in and day out, in private and public? It’s never too late to turn to God, confess and repent of sin, and be people who live out their faith every moment of every day. If we do, we will find deep safety in God. That’s why Solomon ends this Proverb saying, “The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity” (verse 29)
Take an honest look at yourself and your life today. Is there an area of your life where integrity is lacking? Is there something in your life that you need to let go of, a sin that needs to be confessed, or something you need to start doing in order to be a person of full integrity? Whatever it looks like for you, commit to taking a step toward integrity today. Remember, every area of your life will rise and fall on your integrity.
1A wise child brings joy to a father;
a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value,
but right living can save your life.
3 The Lord will not let the godly go hungry,
but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy people are soon poor;
hard workers get rich.
5 A wise youth harvests in the summer,
but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
6 The godly are showered with blessings;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
7 We have happy memories of the godly,
but the name of a wicked person rots away.
8 The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9 People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.
11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses.
13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
14 Wise people treasure knowledge,
but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,
but evil people squander their money on sin.
17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life,
but those who ignore correction will go astray.
18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
slandering others makes you a fool.
19 Too much talk leads to sin.
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.
21 The words of the godly encourage many,
but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it.
23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool,
but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
24 The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;
the hopes of the godly will be granted.
25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation.
26 Lazy people irritate their employers,
like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27 Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,
but it destroys the wicked.
30 The godly will never be disturbed,
but the wicked will be removed from the land.
31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.
