Integrity Is a Guide (Proverbs 11:3)
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Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
Integrity is to us an incredible GUIDE. A guide – reason being – those who walk in integrity are intent on God’s will being accomplished and His path being tread. Theologian Charles Bridges encourages us saying: “‘Show me an easier path’ — is nature's cry. ‘Show me’ — cries the child of God — ‘a sure path.’”
Integrity desires the sure path of God. It doesn’t look for the easiest way forward – it looks for the truest way forward. It looks to walk the narrow road with Him. To glorify Him. And that desire, that pursuit, is rewarded with guidance.
‘The integrity of the upright guides them...’
The desire to know the will of God, that we might walk in it (Psalm 143:10), will always, ALWAYS bring light upon our path. It will serve as a guide, a lamp unto our feet.
It reminds me of Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:13: ‘Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?’
If you are pursuing what is good – in other words, living in integrity – who can truly harm you? Sure, people may hurt you outwardly, but your soul is safe in God’s hands.
But that’s not true of the treacherous and the wicked. The second part of the verse says:
‘...the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.’
In short, crookedness destroys. It shows up in little compromises – shading the truth, cutting corners, living one life in public and another in private. But over time, that road caves in.
It’s so easy for us to think we’ll never be found out for our private lives and the things we do or have done in secret, but God sees all, and one day we will all have those works exposed and the inner thoughts revealed.
And that means the crookedness of the one who does not walk in uprightness, who does not walk in integrity, will be to his own destruction.
Of course, Jesus walked the path of perfect integrity for us – never once straying, never once compromising – and He did it so that even our crooked paths could be made straight. Isaiah says, “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). That includes every secret, every misstep, every moment we didn’t walk in the light. Jesus took it all to the cross.
And in Him, we not only find forgiveness – we find the power to walk the narrow road ourselves.
Now this morning let’s ask ourselves:
Where in my life do I need God’s guidance right now – and am I willing to walk the narrow road to receive it?
Are there any crooked paths I’ve been trying to hide, instead of bringing into the light of Jesus?
Let’s take a moment now to bring those questions – and our hearts – before God in prayer.
