Day 19 – Read Proverbs 19
Who Cares About Integrity?
Both my dad and my grandfather served for decades as elders in our home church. As I grew up, I was blessed to watch uncompromising men of integrity walk through life. I got a front-row seat to see how their actions and decisions affected others in a positive way, including myself. There was no question about their honesty, self-discipline, humility, and relationship with Jesus, which was of utmost importance to them.
My dad talked with me about verses like Proverbs 19:1. He let me know keeping my integrity intact was more important than promotions. If compromising honesty was the cost of “climbing the ladder,” then it was far better to make less money and maintain my integrity. When we choose honesty, we walk in integrity and wisdom.
The Guidance of Our Good Father
I’m glad Proverbs begins with a father and son conversation. We hear love and good-hearted intention laid out through the wisdom of our Father’s perfect will. Through this understanding, God sets the tone for the entire collection of thoughts in this book, and we find solid direction from the Lord through these proverbs.
Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. – Proverbs 19:1 NLT
We don’t hear harsh tones with wagging fingers. Instead, we see a Father’s concern for His children, a desire for wisdom and integrity, and why a life of self-discipline leads down the best pathways. Integrity and self-discipline are guideposts that help keep us in our Father’s will.
In Proverbs 19, we see why operating with integrity and self-discipline is essential. The author of Proverbs writes in verse 24, “Lazy people take food in their hand, but don’t even lift it to their mouth.” Self-discipline teaches us the value of good, hard work. It reveals why entitlement, laziness, and living without direction can be a burden on the people around us.
Biblical Keys for Walking with Integrity
- Verses 5 and 9 remind us that lies are always exposed in the end.
- Verse 13 tells us our attitudes and motivations carry weight for others.
- Verse 22 shows us that loyalty and honesty do matter.
Daily Doses of Wisdom’s Treasures
I will never forget those lessons I learned from my dad and grandfather about being a person of character. They have guided and guarded me well over the years. We don’t become people of integrity by accident. We must pursue it daily, with humility, through God’s wisdom.
Dig Deeper
1. Who’s been the best example of God-honoring integrity in your life? Reach out and thank them today.
2. Read Titus 2:7. Why is it so crucial for us to have integrity and self-discipline as we lead others toward Christ?
