Walk In Integrity - Proverbs 28

 Proverbs 28:6

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity

Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

Riches can only help in this life and even then they fail to give us assurance. Solomon was a very rich man. He had so much gold he had to use some of it to cover other gold. But, in this chapter of Proverbs we several warnings about the failing and risk of chasing after riches. In verses 6, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, & 27 we see several warnings about chasing riches and holding them in higher esteem than the poor, hard work and trusting God.  In the above proverb we read that it is "better" to be poor than to have riches and allow them to be used in the wrong manner or earned in the wrong manner.   Integrity trumps money.   In our society today we don't see that.   In this society having money, even obtained under false pretenses, is acceptable.  Athletes with no integrity are honored.   Entertainment heroes are praised, despite life-styles that are absent truth and integrity.   If we have no possessions to speak of but have a life committed to truth and the doing of right, we are in better shape than if we have boat full of money.   Often when leaders are asked to tell their top values they live by, integrity is at the top of every list.   Yet, in truth, people often sell their integrity for a meager amount.   We often see the urge to get more and more by showing less and less integrity. Notice what Solomon said in these other proverbs on integrity: 

Proverbs 2:7 (ESV)

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

 Proverbs 12:22 (ESV)

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,

but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 19:1 (ESV)

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)

The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

Proverbs 21:3 (ESV)

To do righteousness and justice

is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

God seems to put a lot of value in walking integrity.   So ought we!