June 24, 2020

Integrity #

Proverbs 20:7 – The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Introduction

Integrity is something that is very important. Integrity is not something easily viewed. Integrity is that personal desire to do what is right when no one is around to notice, and no one will ever find out. It is closely related to character.

I. Integrity in Conduct (Proverbs 20:7) #

A. Integrity in Action – Job, David, Samuel, Daniel, Joseph #

1. Integrity does not come naturally #

Prov. 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Recently people have made videos of themselves giving their child candy, instructing their child to not eat the candy, and then leaving the room. Of course the child eats the candy. They are not born with integrity.

3. Walketh – is simply to continually, daily, regularly, without even thinking about it. #

When you learn to walk, it is a lot of work! Little kids are wobbly, then tend to fall. If you ever have to re-learn to walk as an adult, it is tough, it requires a lot of work and effort!
A child that is taught to walk in integrity, will be lightyears ahead of those who must learn integrity at an older age!
You can learn integrity later in life, it will require concentrated effort on your part.

Walking with God is the ONLY way to ensure complete integrity!
In society today, corruption is common place.

B. Integrity Blessed! “his children are blessed after him” #

1. They may not even realize it, but society does recognize integrity, even if they do not promote it or practice it. #

Many well known schools, businesses were built on the backs of people of great moral character and integrity.
Their children were blessed with many blessings because of the integrity of the parent!
In many cases that integrity was corrupted through the generations, and a great decline is witnessed today!

II. Integrity with Committment (Proverbs 20:6) #

Prov. 20:6 ¶ Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

A. Integrity doesn’t proclaim itself #

A person that is constantly telling you how good they are, or how much they do… is not a person of integrity.
The Bible clearly illustrates this here for us.
One who requires recognition, is not doing right to do right, they are doing work to be recognized of man.
Matt. 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

B. Integrity just does right #

A man of integrity is hard to find
Be a man or woman of integrity!

III. Integrity in Conflict (Proverbs 20:3, 22) #

Prov. 20:3 ¶ It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Strife – exertion or contention for superiority.

We are not talking about standing for right and truth, or fighting for a cause, we are talking about strife, contention for superiority.

A. Strife for superiority (3) #

1. Most strive to be superior to others! #

It is thought to be a place of authority, instead it is a place of great responsibility, and few are able to bear that load.

Strife is caused because two people desire to prove themselves superior to the other!
There cannot be a fight, without two prideful people seeking the same position of authority and control. (King of the hill).
Matt. 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

2. Meddling – having to do; touching; handling; officiously interposing in other men's concerns. #

A fool doesn't know when to quit… they continue meddling, messing around, and causing strife.

B. Honour (3) – good opinion, which attends a character thought to be commendable #

1. It is not always easy to hold back when someone eggs you on, but it is honorable, it is what a man of integrity does. #

C. Intervention of the Lord (Proverbs 20:22) #

With a personal vendetta.

IV. Integrity in Cognizance (9, 25) #

Prov. 20:9 ¶ Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

A. Recognition that God makes us right (9) #

1. Man is sinful. Man, cannot make himself right. #

2. It would be a prideful arrogant thing to think yourself right for who you are. #

Psa. 119:9 ¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

The only way to clean you life, is by following the instructions given us in the Word of God!

B. Recognition of that which is holy (25) #

Prov. 20:25 ¶ It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

A king in Babylon took the Temple cups of pure gold, and used them for a drunken party in his palace….
God smote him that same night!
You better be careful with holy things!
1Cor. 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.