NIV 365 / Singleness of the Heart

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 136 of 365 Singleness of the Heart Some mistakenly associate the word integrity only with reputation-an external appearance. True integrity is a quality of character-an inward reality that refers to singleness of heart or mind, the development of a blameless character by adhering to an exemplary moral code. The Biblical model of integrity is marked by several distinct features: *innocent actions (Ge 20:5); *a clear conscience (Ac 24:16; Heb 13:18); *fear of God, truthfulness and opposition to covetousness (Ex 18:21); *blamelessness and uprightness (Job 2:3; Ps 25:21); *righteousness (Ps 7:8); *freedom from that which is shameful, crafty or deceitful (2Co 4:2); *refusal to serve idols (Ps 24:3-5); *disassociation with evildoers (Ps 26:4); *honorable behavior (2Co 8:21; 1Pe 2:12). The Hebrews understood that: *integrity of heart guides a person into right and rewarding situations (Pr 11:3); *integrity is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice (Pr 21:3); and *a person's integrity silences critics (1Pe 2:13-17). Integrity provides a mindset toward righteousness and an abiding intent to do the will of God and to walk in his ways. Taken from The Woman's Study Bible Proverbs 11:3 Proverbs 11:3 KJV 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.