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‘The integrity of the upright guides them.’ Proverbs 11:3 NIV

The word integrity is related to the word integer, a mathematical term for a whole number as opposed to a fraction. So when you walk in integrity, that means you tell the whole truth and not just a fraction of it. That’s why we take an oath in court to tell ‘the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.’

Why do we slant the truth, embellish it, and tell half-truths? Sometimes it’s for financial gain, other times it’s for social advantage. Sometimes it’s to hide our actions, other times it’s to avail ourselves of certain benefits. Jacob, whose name meant ‘trickster’, conspired with his mother and deceived his father into giving him the birthright of the firstborn—twice as much of their father’s inheritance which rightfully belonged to his older brother Esau. And Jacob paid dearly for it. He spent the next twenty years as a fugitive working for his father-in-law, who was an even bigger and better cheat than Jacob. Jacob had forgotten His encounter with God and these promises: ‘I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ (Genesis 28:15 NIV) As Jacob’s value system changed, the taker became a giver. He told God, ‘Of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.’ (Genesis 28:22 NIV) Despite Jacob’s slip-ups, God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams. He eventually became a man of integrity and returned home after many years with a beautiful family, great riches, and a new name: Israel. The truth is, integrity pays dividends every time. Why? Because God guarantees it.

SoulFood: Isa 49–52, John 8:12–20, Ps 123, Pro 29:1–3

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024

The Word for Today

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