Reflect

When it comes to our integrity, Proverbs warns us that stakes are high. When we are dishonest, we’re playing with fire and headed for calamity. And God has strong feelings about our integrity – lying and dishonesty are so against His nature that He calls them an abomination. Many of us have experienced the destruction brought by deceit. Perhaps you had a relationship ruined because of dishonesty and loss of trust. Or you’ve seen a business collapse because of shady business practices. It may seem like a little thing at first, but deception can grow into a wildfire.

Yet it’s easy to allow dishonesty to begin to creep into our actions and words. A small lie here, an embellished assignment there, and before we know it, our world is falling apart around us. Proverbs encourages us that truthfulness is a delight to God. Even when speaking the truth is hard, even when acting with integrity is risky, God is our shield (Proverbs 2:7b).

Respond

How have you experienced the destruction that dishonesty brings, either in your own life or that of someone close to you?

What does integrity look like in your life? Where have you been tempted to be dishonest recently?

If you have struggled with integrity, either recently or in the past, spend some time talking to God about it.