"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

⁴ Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness."   

 Proverbs 11:3-5

As a Christian, your integrity will lead you to do what is right in every situation. It will guide you according to God’s truth. His clear instructions will guide you day by day and bring peace to your soul. The treacherous in verse 3 are those who are crooked or dishonest in the way they conduct business (v.3b). Though they lack integrity, they may still prosper for a while. But the day will come when their crookedness finally catches up to them. When you are tempted to compromise your integrity, always remember this fact: one day you will answer to God for your life, including how you conducted your business and performed your job.

You will experience true peace of heart and mind, a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, and the priceless blessings of God when choosing integrity. You will still suffer adversity, as we all do, but you will avoid the excruciating consequences that come to those who lack integrity.

Christians have done great damage to the cause of Christ. But instead of bringing shame to His name—as the dishonest do—your integrity will bring glory to God, especially when others see you doing the right thing at great expense to yourself or your job.

Study Questions:

• What does integrity mean to you?
• How can you foster an integrity that consistently guides you and is pleasing to the Lord?

Download a free PDF of this section of The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible® and continue your study.