The man (woman) of integrity walks securely, but he (she) who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

Although the purpose of the Pharisees and Herodians’ initiating this conversation was to catch Jesus in His words, they spoke truth when they said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth” (Mark 12:14).

Jesus was indeed a man of integrity. He didn’t speak out of both sides of His mouth. He was a person of His word. He never broke a promise. He told the truth and is the Truth (John 14:6). He wasn’t swayed by public opinion or the applause of men. He loved God, walked in His ways, and kept His commands. Always.

Can the same be said of you and me? Or do we say one thing at Bible Study and quite another when we’re on break with our co-workers? Do we act one way at church or in front our children and quite another when we’re home alone or out with friends? Or are we women of integrity who always do the right thing?

Life has two roads. The road of integrity is narrow and only a few find it. It’s straight and secure, and leads to life. It’s the way of the wise, the road that Jesus walked, and we must make every effort to walk it, too (Matthew 7:13-14 Luke 13:24, Proverbs 10:9a).

The road of the foolish is broad, crooked, and walked by most. It leads to destruction. It’s a path of deep darkness where people think they won’t be found out. Isaiah warns, Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?” (Isaiah 29:15). The all-wise God knows. Those who take crooked paths will be found out (Proverbs 10:9b).   

Where are you most tempted to cut corners, to lie, to disobey, or to sin against God and others? Write each temptation on the front of an index card. On the back of the card write a Bible verse that teaches how God wants you to live. Commit those verses to memory. Make them your prayer. Meditate on them day and night. When you do, you won’t waver from being the woman of integrity that God desires you to be!

Foolish people are blown around like chaff on a perishable path. The wise walk secure on the highway of the upright by guarding their way, which guards their lives (Proverbs 16:17).