Honesty and Integrity

Alaska Railroad Tracks Lined on Either Side
by Pink Fireweed by Rich Reid

In the dictionary, the word integrity means

1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness, wholeness

2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible, honor,

3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness.
Synonyms of integrity are honesty and unity.

Honesty and Integrity are very close in their meanings but there are some subtle differences.  I have heard someone say that it helps to think of these two attributes as sisters.  Honesty is always truthful and lives her life in transparency. Integrity is constant in her goodness and excellence. Integrity is always willing to be held up as a praiseworthy example of a righteous life.

The first definition (soundness or wholeness) is most often applied to a structure or a physical object; say the steel beams of a high-rise or tracks of a railway. Thinking just of the first definition above, we know that something that does not have integrity will eventually fail and be left ineffective. This definition applies not only to physical structures then, it can apply to people as well. We frequently think of a woman of integrity being honest and trustworthy, but integrity is more than that.

The second definition tells us that to have integrity is to be incorruptible. Being Christian women of integrity means that there is a firm adherence to God’s moral Law and that we What does the Bible have to say about integrity?

1. Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly. (Leviticus 19:35-36, Deut 25:15, Proverbs 16:11-13)

2. Integrity is giving your word and keeping it. (Exodus 8:28-32)

3. Integrity will protect you. In Psalm 25, David prays that integrity and uprightness will protect him. How can it? (Psalm 25:21, Proverbs 2:7-8, 10:9, 11:3, 13:6)

4. Integrity is more valuable than riches. (Proverbs 28:6)

5. The Lord will test and judge your integrity. (1 Chronicles 29:17, Psalm 7:8)

6. The Lord hates lies and lack of integrity. (Zechariah 8:16-17)

7. It may be difficult to maintain your integrity. (Job 2:3, 2:9, Proverbs 29:10)

8. Bad company can corrupt your character. (1 Corinthians 15:33)

9. Integrity will be rewarded. (1 Kings 9:4-5, Nehemiah 7:2, Psalm 41:11-12)

10. Your integrity should set an example. (Titus 2:7)

Who do you know that you would describe as a woman of integrity? What sets this woman apart from other people of a similar age and position? If people who know you were asked for five words that describe you, would integrity be one of them?

What can you do to improve your integrity?

© 2008 Sylvia Britton