Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“The INTEGRITY of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” – Proverbs 11:3

Next to Love, Integrity is key among the principles, lifestyles, and LIFE SKILLS for IMPACT: “The INTEGRITY of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Pro.11:3). Integrity and fairness are crucial in all of life’s dealings. Dishonesty is detestable to God, but He delights in integrity: “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (v.1). Proverbs 16:11 and 20:10 echo similar truth: “Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are His work”; “Diverse weights and diverse measures are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.” We honour God walking in Integrity: “The righteous man walks in his INTEGRITY; His children are blessed after him” (Pro.20:7).

In ancient Israel, the marketplace was a vital part of daily life, and the use of scales was prevalent in commercial transactions. The accuracy and fairness of these scales were highly valued. The scales were not just about getting a fair deal; they were about trust, honesty, and sustaining a just society. Cheating or being unfair is not only wrong but is something God really doesn’t like. Doing the right thing, especially when it comes to being honest with others, is always the best choice. Following a lifestyle of Integrity is well pleasing in the sight of God, and He favours those who act with fairness and righteousness.

Integrity goes hand-in-hand with honesty and uprightness. They all describe an openness of heart before God, and purity before our Maker. Someone defines Integrity as: “Christ-like Character in work-clothes” – Character in Practice! It is the quality of being upright in character. God’s Word gives us clear reasons to walk in integrity: “But as for me, I will walk in my integrity…” (Psa.26:11a). A person of Integrity has the security of a quiet life that one who “perverts his ways” cannot enjoy: “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known” (Pro.10:9).

Living with integrity preserves: “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you” (Psa.25:21). Integrity liberates from the fear of being exposed or being caught in the web of sin. A person of Integrity has nothing to hide; no “skeletons in the cupboard”! He or she does not have to worry about being found in a wrong place. God is a holy! God is straightforward! He doesn’t play pranks with issues of destiny. Whosoever would enjoy His goodness must walk in Integrity. For a person of Integrity, ‘Yes’ is ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ is ‘No’ (Mt.5:37). Integrity, motivated by Divine Love is vital to God-glorifying Impact!