“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1).
Integrity is loyalty to sober, righteous, and godly living which cannot be compromised. It is living virtuously, adhering to the divine standard for morality. It is the untouchable principles by which you live your life. Integrity is what Job (Job 27:5), Daniel (Dan. 6), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego (Dan. 3) had.
The precious spiritual treasure of integrity is vastly more valuable than material wealth. “He who walks with integrity walks securely” (Prov. 10:9). Integrity simplifies life and provides clear guidance when tough decisions are the need of the hour (Prov. 11:3). A man’s integrity not only blesses him, it also blesses his children (Prov. 20:7) with a good name (Prov. 22:1).
The Greek word translated “integrity” in Titus 2:7 (in the NJKV) is aphthoria. Its root idea is “incapable of decay”. Unlike those who are like reeds blowing in the wind, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and the trickery of cunning and deceitful men, a person of integrity is like a tree firmly planted by rivers of water. There is no crookedness in his heart or lips.
To live with personal integrity is essential to living wisely.
