Integrity

Proverbs 19:1

“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” 

A man does not have to tell you he has integrity, and you should watch out for one that does.  I worked for a man that always had to pull out his business card to let people know that he was my boss, and for a good reason, it was hard to believe that a person so insecure and unstable would have such a title.  I also worked often with Bill H. our national sales manager, when Bill walked into a room he always used the same line, even when ask his title, I’m in sales!  And everyone in the room knew he was the boss.  So back to a man of integrity, he is a safe man, one whose word is his bond, one who walks uprightly before God and man. 

So today shall we see how Solomon addresses the word integrity in the Proverbs?  Beginning in Proverbs 10:9, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”  I’ve learned to watch out for the businessman who puts up the sign stating he is a Christian and a man of integrity; many of them show themselves to be crooks.  If you are a Christian, your life will testify to that truth.  Note: You may also look at Proverbs 28:6.  But before we look elsewhere shall we see what Proverbs 11:3, has to say with us.  “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”  Two roads and one less traveled in our world today, the way of integrity.  It is hard to find in the business world, it is also missing in the Political world, and sad but true, it is absent in our news reporting, for truth has been put away for spin or lies.  What does a person of integrity look like, they are genuine, they are honest, a person of worth.  But a person who goes on the road of duplicity they are deceitful and subversive.

As a follower of Christ, the model we have in 1 Peter 3:14-17 is the only road for us.   ^“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice