Category: Integrity

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

No, this article is not about perfume.  But, the writer of Ecclesiastes refers to perfume that stinks to make a point. Why does the perfumer’s ointment stink?  Because it has been corrupted by dead flies. Not a pretty picture, is it?

The lesson is about leadership.  Consider the reference to “one respected for wisdom and honor.” We want our leaders to be respectable. We desire them to show integrity, honor, and honesty in their personal lives and character. A lack of such integrity leaves a stench in our nostrils. Continue reading “Stinking Perfume” →

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1).

Some things are much more important than money, influence or power. Integrity is one of them.

The primary English definition for integrity is: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. This definition accords well with the Hebrew word in our text: tôm — moral innocence (Strong’s).

Strong also uses the word simplicity to define our term. This is interesting, as simplicity contrasts with the term duplicity (deceitfulness, double dealing).

When it comes to our interactions with others are we simple? Is it true with us that, “What you see is what you get”? Are we forthright, honest, truthful with others? Or do we seek to gain advantage by dishonesty, flattery, deceit?

It is true that for a while, a man who is perverse in his lips can personally benefit from his duplicity. That is why we are warned against such individuals who are guilty of “flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). Jude describes them as “sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” Ultimately he is foolish. His sin will “find [him] out” (cf. Numbers 32:23).

Be “rich toward God” (cf. Luke 12:19). Walk in integrity!

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My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.

Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!

The Genuineness of Nathanael

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).

Continue reading “Compliments from Christ” →

Most discussions of 2 Samuel 11 center of the adultery committed by David and Bathsheba. However, a discussion of the impact David’s sin had upon the husband of Bathsheba reveals some important lessons for us.

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God investigates us. We must investigate ourselves, and all things we involve ourselves with. We also are called from time to time to investigate others, all such investigation must be done with honesty and integrity.

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President Trump is a lightning rod for controversy. His pugnacious personality, outsider status and vulgarity is shocking to the sensibilities of both media and political opponents.

The criticisms of the President are well deserved on his part, as he is not a pleasant person. What is obvious to the unbiased, however, is that partisanship plays a large role in the criticism.

It is striking how often there is a willingness to overlook the failings of one’s own champion, while excoriating any perceived imperfection in the opponent’s man or woman.

Continue reading “Partisanship and Morality” →

Three points are made in the lesson:

• A Christian should always be honest
• A religious teacher’s honesty should be tested
• We must honestly appraise ourselves

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“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1).

Dishonesty and theft are unacceptable to Jehovah. In the same context, the wise man wrote, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (11:3). It is telling that honesty in a person is indicative of personal integrity, and that dishonesty indicates perversity and unfaithfulness.

The characteristics of honesty and integrity would go a long way to fixing the moral problems of our day. While all will claim that personal integrity is very important, our culture is rife with liars, thieves and politicians (sorry, couldn’t resist).

God demands honesty from His children. Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12).

Paul’s words in this text consist of a defense of himself to the church at Corinth. He protests his honesty, that “we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity.” The word “simplicity” indicates purity and integrity. Paul was not attempting to manipulate or “double deal” the Corinthians. In his dealings with that church, he always conducted himself with proper actions and motives.

Paul’s teaching was not by “fleshly wisdom”, but by the “grace of God.” As such, he treated the Corinthians justly, and could with confidence and a clean conscience proclaim that he had done what was right. A truly honest person can legitimately claim to be a friend because of the way he treats others. Motivated by love, he will always seek what is best for them. It is upon this basis that the apostle made his “boast” with regard to his relationship with the Christians in Corinth.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians about their gift to the suffering saints in Judea. As part of the instructions, Paul teaches important lessons regarding love, integrity, devotion and service.

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Using Bible examples, the sermon shows the importance of personal humililty, integrity, involvement, concern and risk.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

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The Rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16 shows that God vindicated the integrity of Moses, and that integrity as it is defined in scripture, is closely tied to a respect for God’s authority.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .