Over a quarter century ago I resolved to systematically read through the Old Testament books of wisdom, as they are known. Logistically it鈥檚 simple: there are 150 chapters in Psalms and 31 chapters in Proverbs so by reading five Psalms and the appropriately dated chapter in Proverbs every day, I am able to read through each book once a month and 12 times a year.
Do I ever tire of the portions or feel I鈥檝e mastered the contents? Not at all because I know there are always lessons to be learned or reinforced; the words of David and his son, Solomon, have never become stale to me. This past week, for example, the topic uppermost in my mind and heart has been鈥漣ntegrity鈥�.
As always I begin with a dictionary definition so here goes: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, the state of being whole and undivided. In looking for examples I found it interesting that one of the first I found was that of employers looking to hire new employees. In that article the general consensus was that integrity is considered a fundamental value in the process. (Of course, that has to work both ways for a successful working relationship.) The more I researched the topic the more I realized how complex and often risky it is to demonstrate high moral values in life and in work.
There is no area of life, business or politics where integrity is out of place. While it may be considered out of style, its foundations are strong and blessed by God; while it may be costly, its rewards are incalculable. 聽
鈥淗e who walks with聽integrity聽walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.鈥� (Proverbs 10:9)
Another thing: Integrity begins with I. As in me. And in you. As in every individual.
