Integrity

I recently attended another funeral service.

This service was for a cousin.

Although family, I always looked up to him as a man.

When his obituary was posted, his many admirable qualities were mentioned.

But one word jumped off the page and caused me to think.

That word was ‘integrity.’

Sadly, it is not a word we hear much anymore.

Personally, I have used the word many times in day-to-day affairs with others.

But what is integrity, and is this a biblical trait?

Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.”

My perhaps oversimplification is “be as good as your word.”

If you make a promise, keep it.

If you say you are going to do something, do it.

But what does scripture say about integrity?

Proverbs 11:3 (NRSVue) - The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

There are many other proverbs.

But what does the New Testament have to say?

2 Corinthians 8:21 (NRSVue) - for we are setting our minds on what is right not only before the Lord but also before the people.

What did Christ have to say about integrity?

The Beatitudes provide this answer.

Matthew 5:8 (NRSVue) - “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Integrity is essential to following Jesus.

But unlike other godly characteristics, the results of integrity develop over time,

Characteristics such as love, patience, and kindness are immediately evident.

The fruits of integrity develop over time and have a bearing on our relationship with God and with others.

These relationships take a long time to build.

They can be damaged in no time at all.

That is why integrity is so important and why scripture stresses this fact repeatedly.

My cousin had this quality and God made certain I observed it during our time together.

I am indebted to both.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, June 12, 2026.

I will be back here on Friday, June 19, 2026