Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. The Bible has a lot to say about integrity and highlights it as an important virtue for followers of Christ.
Here are some key points the Bible makes about integrity:
1. God desires integrity
God cares deeply about integrity and uprightness. He looks at the heart, not just outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7). Several verses emphasize how integrity pleases God:
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3)
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6)
God is pleased when His followers display integrity and uprightness. He desires truth on the inside, not just moral virtue on the outside (Psalm 51:6).
2. Integrity reflects God’s character
Since human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), living with integrity reflects His moral character. Displaying integrity shows godly virtues like honesty, morality, purity, and righteousness. When God’s people live with integrity, it points others toward Him.
The Bible calls God the “God of truth” (Psalm 31:5) who is faithful and upright (Deuteronomy 32:4). As His ambassadors on earth, Christians are called to reflect His blameless character (Philippians 2:15). A life of integrity gives concrete evidence of belonging to God.
3. Integrity produces blessings
There are many benefits to living a life of integrity. Here are a few blessings the Bible associates with integrity:
- Gains the trust of others (Proverbs 20:7)
- Brings joy (Proverbs 10:9)
- Leads to honor (Proverbs 11:3)
- Provides security (Proverbs 10:9)
- Guards against evil (Proverbs 13:6)
- Prolongs life (Proverbs 10:27)
- Leads to prosperity (Proverbs 28:20)
In contrast, the Bible warns that dishonesty and deception lead to downfall and destruction. Integrity paves the way for God’s blessings.
4. Integrity requires wholehearted devotion to God
Maintaining true integrity means having undivided loyalty to God. King David demonstrated this kind of single-minded devotion throughout his life. Despite moments of failure, he repented and kept his heart fully devoted to God (Psalm 86:11).
David’s son Solomon emphasized the importance of integrity to obeying and fearing God: “The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 11:3-4)
This integrity flows from loving God with all your heart and desiring to follow His ways (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12). It requires guarding your heart above all else (Proverbs 4:23).
5. Integrity means practicing what you preach
Hypocrisy is hated in the Bible. God condemned the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who did not practice what they preached (Matthew 23:3). True integrity means living consistently in private and in public.
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
This verse makes clear that hypocrisy and two-faced behavior cannot be hidden forever. A lifestyle of integrity, on the other hand, can stand up under scrutiny.
6. Integrity requires correcting your motives
Outward righteousness is not enough. Integrity also requires purity of motives. Jesus strongly corrected the motives of the religious leaders of His day:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
God cares just as much about why we do things as what we do. Integrity means regularly asking God to purify your heart motives and correct any wrong desires (Psalm 139:23-24).
7. Integrity leads to a clear conscience
Living with integrity results in a clear conscience, with nothing to hide. The apostle Paul described his integrity this way:
“I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16)
A blameless conscience is a precious gift from God that comes from living uprightly. It contrasts with the inward shame and regret that results from dishonesty and secret sins.
8. Jesus perfectly modeled integrity
In everything He did, Jesus displayed perfect integrity. He defended those who were mistreated (Matthew 9:10-13). He drove out money-changers who were making God’s temple a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12-13). Jesus practiced what He preached and perfectly aligned His outward actions with inward motives.
Most remarkably, Jesus’ integrity led Him to the cross. He lived a sinless life and willingly suffered and died to redeem mankind. This demonstrates His unspeakable integrity and commitment to God’s purposes (Hebrews 12:2).
As His followers, Christians are called to walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6) and let His integrity guide their lives.
9. Integrity requires wisdom and courage
It takes godly wisdom and courage to live with integrity in this fallen world. Temptations abound, so believers must be vigilant to protect their integrity. As Psalm 25:21 says, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.” This requires daily dependence on God and His Spirit to avoid compromise.
The world will at times oppose a life of integrity. For example, Daniel’s colleagues schemed against him because he refused to compromise his devotion to God (Daniel 6:4-5). But Daniel courageously continued serving God faithfully, and God protected his integrity.
10. God restores those who slip but repent
Even strong believers may stumble at times, like David did when he committed adultery and murder. But the Bible offers grace to those who fully repent and turn from their crooked ways. David repented, and God forgave him and renewed a heart of integrity within him (Psalm 51:10).
By God’s strength, a life of integrity can be maintained over the long haul. But when failures happen, God graciously forgives, restores, and renews the heart to continue walking in holiness.
Integrity Should Mark God’s People
This overview shows that integrity is a frequent and vital topic in Scripture. God cares deeply about integrity and calls His people to turn from crooked ways and embody uprightness in every part of life. Integrity reflects God’s character, guards against evil, and blesses those who display it.
By the power of His Spirit, God enables His followers to live with integrity. As Psalm 15 describes, those who walk with integrity, speak truthfully, keep oaths, reject bribes, and hold firmly to biblical truth will never be shaken. May all who know Christ pursue this kind of integrity all their days.