Daily Devotional for Friday, October 10

Walk in Integrity

“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good,” Proverbs 19:1, 8.

Integrity, this word has been mentioned in a past devotional as a word you do not hear much anymore. The Greek meaning is completeness, morally perfect or upright. Webster’s defines it as a firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values; an unimpaired condition; and the quality or state of being complete or undivided. This is what Proverbs is all about; learning to walk in wisdom and righteousness so you will have integrity.

There was a time when a handshake sealed an agreement. Why? Because people had integrity. They did not think about going back on their word because they cared about being honest and trustworthy. It may not seem like it in society today, but people still do think highly of those who show respect for others.

Keeping your word shows integrity. God speaks very specifically about not making promises or vows lest you cannot fulfill them. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee” (Deuteronomy 23:21). James writes in 5:12, “But above all things, my brethren, swear not,. . .but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”

Swearing or promising you will do something and not following through will make you untrustworthy. This is not a good label. It is better to admit you cannot do something or you do not want to do something than to say you can or will and not follow through with it. Many people think the opposite, not thinking of the consequences.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Do not be so quick to speak, and when you do, follow through with it.

Karry Irizarry