Proverbs on Integrity

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (4:23) Though we value our knowledge, experience and abilities, Solomon teaches above all else we are to guard our heart for our heart determines our character, our actions and our life Our heart is defined by Biblical scholars as our innermost being, and it is to be protected as our most valued possession from which flows the issues of life (King James Version) Contrary to popular opinion, Gods instruction is not to follow your heart Unless our innermost being is changed by the Holy Spirit, our heart is prone to deception The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it (Jer 17:9) Instead we are to submit our hearts to Him: Trust in the Lord with all your heart (3:5) As a result of this submission, we experience freedom and rest as the peace of God which transcends all understanding guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7) The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. (10:9) The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight. (11:1) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (11:3) There is security in the walk of integrity, for the upright pleases God and will experience an ultimate victory regardless of worldly circumstance (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28) On the other hand, the one who takes crooked paths will reap what is sown (Gal 6:7-9) If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him (26:27 A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. (12:17) The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful. (12:22) Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. (13:6) When Solomon provides a list of things God hates (6:16-19), the second on the list is a lying tongue (following the first offense which is a proud look) Sixth on this list is a false witness who pours out lies suffice it to say that God opposes dishonesty of any kind Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow . (13:11) Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making . (16:11) Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth . (16:13) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver of gold. (22:1) Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. (28:6) Gods value on integrity encompasses all of life not just in relationships but in business Reputation (what others think of us) results from our character (what we are when no one sees us), and our character results from a guarded heart This is valued by God (Ecclesiastes 7:1), will be esteemed by others (Romans 14:18), and will bring glory to Gods kingdom (Matthew 5:16)