Although there鈥檚 so much more to explore about wisdom, in this week鈥檚 column I want to move on to the topic of integrity. Several parts of the definition of this virtue include moral uprightness, a strong code of ethics and a state of being whole or undivided; another source speaks of consistently doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances.聽
In attempting to walk with integrity I鈥檝e proven practicing moral uprightness can make us the object of scorn or rejection and that sometimes integrity comes at considerable, if not great, personal cost. (I should also note here that there are times when we bring negative reactions on ourselves by an attitude that borders more on self righteousness rather than on genuine integrity.)
On the other hand, integrity provides rich benefits that include God鈥檚 guidance (11:3) and deliverance from potential moral, personal or even financial failure (11:6 and Psalm 25:21) though Integrity is rated even higher than financial wealth (19:1) Having said that, I don鈥檛 ever want to leave the impression that to have wealth is to automatically lack integrity 鈥� there are some who possess an abundance of both and there are those who lack both. How we live is a personal choice, not an automatic characteristic.
Sir Frances Bacon, Sr. once said: 鈥淚t's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.鈥�
In matters big or small, 鈥淗e who walks with integrity walks securely; but he who perverts his ways will become known.鈥� (10:9). 鈥淎 false balance is an abomination to the Lord but a just weight is His delight (11:1)
Honouring God includes Integrity.
