“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3 (ESV)
The West Point Military Academy conducts a Protestant/Inter-denominational chapel every Sunday. During the service, cadets pray these words regarding personal integrity. “Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy.”
What is integrity? Proverbs 11:3 was authored by King Solomon (Prov. 10:1). In today’s text, integrity (תֻּמָּה tum’mat) means wholeness and completeness. The English word “integrity” comes from the mathematical word integer, referring to a whole number and not a fraction. An individual of integrity is undivided in their commitment to truth and moral uprightness.
“Integrity is a steadfast adherence to a moral code. Regardless of circumstances, the man of integrity is the same person with the same convictions. He is not duplicitous or two-faced, adapting his moral character to the supposed needs of the moment. Instead, there is a simplicity to him. He is the same man at home, work, and church—before watching eyes and when he is alone,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“Integrity means that you live by your convictions: You know what you believe, and you act according to what you believe. And consistently so. Psalm 15:4 says that even when a man of integrity promises something “to his own hurt,” he does not change. Although it is costly, he will not be moved from his moral principles.”
Solomon wrote the integrity of the upright (יָשָׁר; ya’sar), or the straight and level individual, continually guides (נחה; tan’hem) or leads them. Within the antithetical parallelism of the proverb, the opposite is also true. The crookedness (סֶ֫לֶף se’lep) falsehood and duplicity of the treacherous (בגד; bo’ge’dim) and their untrustworthiness destroys (שׁדד; ye’sod’de), devastates and ruins lives.
“This kind of uncompromising integrity is severely lacking in men today. We repeatedly watch spiritual leaders collapse. Men abandon conviction when compromise is more beneficial. Men say they believe the Bible—but don’t faithfully preach it. Men say that sin should be punished—but not if it’s committed by their children. Men oppose corruption—until they have to confront someone and risk losing their job. Men maintain high moral standards—until their lusts are kindled by some illicit impulse. Men are honest—until a little dishonesty will save them money. Men hold convictions—until they’re challenged by someone they fear or admire,” states Dr. MacArthur.
There have been individuals in my life who I considered spiritual mentors and heroes. I respected them and appreciated their preaching, their teaching and their godly example. I’ve listened to their sermons, bought their books and supported their ministries; financially and prayerfully.
Several of them failed in their walk of integrity. While I was never disillusioned, I became deeply disappointed. I also was reminded of I Corinthians 10:12: “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
These instances, and the teaching from God’s Word, give me a holy resolved to finish well (2 Timothy 4:6-8). I do not want to become another pastoral casualty. I do not want to bring shame upon the Lord, the Gospel, my family, my colleagues, my students or my friends. I desire to be one of a few, good men. I pray there are others who possess this holy resolve as well (I Peter 1:13-16).
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 