Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Wisdom from Proverbs”
Our Bible verse for today: “The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Living with integrity is its own reward.”
In Proverbs 10, like in many other Proverbs, Solomon contrasts good and evil people by the way they live and the consequences they suffer. Moral living is good for us, evil living is not. A person wise in the ways of God will have a life that is blessed by God. A person who lives contrary to the ways of God is a fool who will be punished and allowed to suffer the consequences of their own evil choices.
Proverbs 10:9 assures us that a lifestyle of integrity is a path to security, but the one who is not trustworthy will be exposed for who they really are and they will suffer the appropriate consequences. Are you a person of integrity? There is a way you can tell. In Psalm 15 King David gives us a list of Biblical standards of integrity which we can use to evaluate ourselves. Let’s go there and look at it:
- Live honestly (15:2). In other words you do not practice deceit or deception nor do you treat people unfairly. You are an honest person and people know this to be true of you.
- Practice righteousness (15:2). You actively promote good in the world. You’re willing to take a stand for what you know to be right.
- Speak the truth (15:2). Your “yes” is “yes” and your “no” is “no”. You say what you mean, mean what you say, and let the chips fall where they may. You are known for speaking the truth.
- Do not slander (15:3). You do not gossip or talk about others behind their backs. You do not spread false stories about people nor do you attempt to damage their reputation.
- Do no harm (15:3). You do not engage in actions that will bring harm to others.
- You are loyal (15:3). Your family, friends and neighbors know they can count on you.
- A friend of Christians (15:4). You honor and support those who honor the Lord, rather than those who don’t. You are a friend to those who are friends with Jesus.
- Keep your word (15:4). If you say you’re going to do something then you do it. People know they can count on you to keep your promises.
- Do not take advantage of people (15:5). You bless people in distress rather than taking advantage of their situation.
- Do not take bribes (15:5). You cannot be bought. You cannot be enticed into doing something you know is wrong.
When you are a man or woman of integrity people will know it to be true about you because of how you conduct yourself, and they will respect you for it. Living a life of integrity is its own reward.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 