Proverbs – Day 11
Day 11: Reputation and Integrity – part 1 Once lost, few things are more difficult to recover than a bad name. These proverbs teach us that the name of the […]
Day 11: Reputation and Integrity – part 1
Once lost, few things are more difficult to recover than a bad name. These proverbs teach us that the name of the righteous will endure (Prov. 10:7); that integrity is a guide all through life (Prov. 10:9); that discretion is more valuable than beauty (Prov. 11:22) and that obedience is blessed (Prov. 13:6). They remind us of the great value that the Lord places on integrity. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples that they were to be innocent as doves (Matt. 10:16). He calls us to absolute integrity in every part of our lives.
A fool reacts to every perceived insult, but the wise have learnt to ignore insults (Prov. 12:16). When the Lord Jesus was reviled, He did not revile in return. He trusted God the Father (1 Pet. 2:23).
Again, the fear of the LORD forms the foundation of all these behaviours. In God’s kindness, even in a sinful world, “good sense wins favour (Prov. 13:15).” This should encourage us to seek God’s wisdom and not be afraid to live it out.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
– Prov. 10:7
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
– Prov. 10:9
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
– Prov. 11:3
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
– Prov. 11:22
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
– Prov. 12:16
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
– Prov. 13:6
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
– Prov. 13:13
Good sense wins favour, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
– Prov. 13:15
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
– Prov. 13:17
A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favour, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.
– Prov. 14:35
O God, there is none like You. You are the God of holiness, integrity and righteousness.
We desire to live lives innocent as doves in all things, and so honour Your Name, Amen.
– Graham Barnes
