https://odb.org/2026/05/26/acting-with-integrity
Proverbs 12:13–23 (NIV): 13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble.
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
17 An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
In a moment of distraction, Sarah unknowingly dropped her diamond engagement ring into a homeless man’s cup. Billy Ray, the panhandler who was given the ring, had it appraised and considered selling it. But he chose honesty and returned it to Sarah when she came back a few days later. When we practice integrity, we please God and inspire others. Solomon says God delighted in his integrity: “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22). He uses strong language to describe God’s view of dishonesty—He detests it. When God’s people lie or “deceit is in [their] hearts” (v. 20), it defies Him and goes against His character. In contrast, when His people have “truthful lips” (v. 19) and deal faithfully, it brings Him joy. So treating others well is more than just telling the truth—it reflects God’s own character. And in a world where deception can seem profitable, our integrity is something He “delights in” (v. 22). (Marvin Williams, Our Daily Bread 26th May 2026)
Likewise, Jesus said that a person’s speech will show what’s in one’s heart (Luke 6:45). God desires for us to honor Him with our lives. Believers in Christ want to be able to say, “We have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with [fellow believers], with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12). The Spirit can help us live with integrity. Even if the world doesn’t notice, God will. (K.T Sim, Insight, Our Daily Bread 26th May 2026)
A key characteristic of integrity is no one may see but God sees. When no one is watching, who are we like? The temptation to be dishonest is overwhelming when we are in the shadows and unseen. Often politicians and public officials get away with corruption. You are clean until you are caught seems to be their modus operandi. In most jurisdictions, once caught, your political life is over. But in some places, people still yield considerable influence from behind bars because of legacy but more likely because of the funding they control. Cash is king, as some have coined.
As a believer, it is sometimes difficult to be honest because of worldly influence. The bright lights of earthly wealth and the trappings it brings. The nice cars, the beautiful abodes, the fancy clothes and material things, the travel, the list goes on. Recently, Telekom Malaysia reported a US$20 million elaborate and complex fraud involving a cluster of senior employees based in the US. It is now a full criminal investigation by the DOJ and it seems that the evidence is overwhelming. Unfortunately, like most fraud cases, the reported amount may well be just the tip of the iceberg!
Integrity comes when we are presented with an opportunity to be dishonest and we decline to cheat. Even the lure of underpaying for something may be difficult to resist, what more if millions are involved. We can only say we are honest if we are tested and walked away. If not, it is just mere words, with no meaning whatsoever.
For us, if we succeed in walking away, or to turn the other way, we know God sees and He is delighted. That should be our sole and only motivation to be honest and to keep our integrity. Not in the hope of getting a reward or blessings from heaven for giving up on the gain had we been dishonest. It is knowing we have pleased God in the process and thus we are spiritually matured and better equipped to serve Him. I think this is a crucial element to look out for when we are honest. Of course if we look at Joseph’s life, it speaks of integrity being rewarded. But that should not be our motivation. Proverbs 12:22 – The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Surely as children of God, we don’t want God to detest us! May our words always be truthful with no ill-intention or evil, and may our actions be full of integrity and honesty for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Ronnie's Thoughts 