The book of Proverbs provides an abundance of verses on integrity. I heard a quote one time that said, “Integrity begins with how I live when no one is watching.” This statement is true and the flip side to that would be how I live when no one is watching will affect the way I live when people are watching.

It is easy in the generation we live in to be dishonest, and many times even lie in order to advance our agenda, but the Lord tells us in Zechariah 8:16-17 that he hates lies and lack of integrity, and Psalm 7:8 says that God judges our integrity. Our integrity needs to be an example for other people to follow. Titus 2:7-8 tells us, “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” It saddens my heart to see Christians, many times even leaders, show a lack of integrity, because of money or because they are afraid of what people will think. Each of us need to search diligently our hearts to see how much integrity we really have. Remember that our integrity guides us, but if we get off focus, it can destroy us and everyone around us no matter, no matter how influence you have on others.

Proverbs 10:9 says that, "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: But he that perverteth his ways shall be known." A person of integrity will have a good reputation and not have to fear that he or she will be exposed or found out. Integrity provides a safe path through life.

Proverbs 11:3 says, "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." Proverbs is a book of wisdom. The wise man or woman will live a life of integrity, which is a part of wisdom. Those who follow perverseness and deceit will be destroyed by the decisions and actions of their lives.

Proverbs 20:7 says, "The just man walketh in His integrity; his children are blessed after him." Integrity leaves a legacy. A righteous man or woman walks in integrity and provides a path for his or her children to follow.

Proverbs 28:6 says, “Better is a poor man that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” Many times we lose our integrity over our materialism or greed, instead of remembering that integrity is more valuable.