What is Integrity According to the Bible?
Living a Life of Integrity
Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Integrity means living in a way that is consistent with God’s truth.
My father Apostle Edu would say “it is making sure that what you are saying aligns with what you are doing”
It is choosing righteousness over convenience, honesty over deception, and faithfulness over compromise.
It is not really an easy place to get to, but I’ve realised that God can help a sincere man.
In essence, integrity is a reflection of God’s own nature.
In a world where moral relativism is promoted, and truth is frequently considered as subjective.
Living an upright Christian life has become increasingly difficult.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody God’s character in all aspects of our life.
Integrity extends beyond honesty to embodying righteousness in acts, thoughts, and decisions, even in the absence of others.
It is a resolve to uphold biblical ideals in the face of societal influences that frequently contradict God’s expectations.
1. Integrity Begins in the Heart
Living a life of integrity is not really a one day thing, neither does it just happen in limbo.
Many times we associate integrity with just external actions—keeping promises, or following rules…..
Which is a very good thing.
However, true integrity begins in the heart.
You cannot really keep promises or follow rules if the heart is negated.
If it’s not in the heart the actions can be mere motions.
For example the book of Daniel 1:8 KJV
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat”
From this scripture, it is evident that Daniel’s display of integrity stemed from his renewed heart.
Integrity requires inner transformation, aligning our hearts with God’s will.
It’s not about appearing righteous but genuinely seeking to honor God in our thoughts, motives, and intentions.
Consequently, the heart will always be what God considers first.
If the heart is right, the actions though wrong abinitio will align it’s only a matter of time.
If heart is wrong, the actions though good can’t stand the test of time, it will flounder where it matters the most.
2. Integrity in Speech: Living a Life of Integrity
In today’s culture, dishonesty is often normalized.
Really, I’ve realised that it’s becoming harder and harder to truly live for God.
Seems as if the stakes and bars have been increased in the spirit.
And except the Spirit truly helps us, Okpari oo!!
Sometimes, our speech might stem from what we’ve fed our mind.
Even moments when we’ve determined not to behave anyhow we still did😭😭
Thank God for the HolyGhost, He is the believers greatest hope of approximating to Christ.
Yes, we are not yet there but if we can continue, transformation is assured 💯.
That’s why we keep looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith.
Refusing to allow our gaze slide from Him, even for a moment.
Assured that He will perfect His work in us.
3. Integrity in Work: Living a Life of Integrity
The workplace is one of the most significant areas where integrity is tested.
Time, and time again.
Not everybody will have the opportunity to hold a mic.
Infact, maybe, just maybe that your office is your pulpit.
Sometimes, the temptations to cut corners, engage in unethical practices, or prioritize personal gain over fairness
Comes upon us as believers like heavy garment
We might never really know that we are biased or greedy until a scenario plays out.
God’s stakes are high, and you can’t really please your boss, colleague and please God as well.
If your boss is a believer who understands these things, then you are a blessed man.
But if not, God is seriously counting on you to hold your own fort.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
When we work with integrity—being diligent, fair, and honest—we glorify God.
Whether as an employee, business owner, or leader, our commitment to ethical principles should set us apart.
Even when others compromise, we must remember that our ultimate accountability is to God, not just earthly authorities.
4. Integrity in Finances: Living a Life of Integrity
Money is a major area where integrity is often compromised.
There is this thing about the strange hold of money that’s makes us forget we are believers
God help us!!!
There is nothing, I mean absolutely nothing inherently wrong with money or having it.
But for us as believers, it is now a different ball game, God has to trust us alot to commit a measure of finance to us.
Some believers God committed finances to used it for philanthropy not necessarily what God needed.
I’ve come to realise that even as little as a thousand naira one has to be accountable for that.
God doesn’t waste investments, and money is part of the tools he has given to man to perpetuate His agenda on earth.
It is a steward mentality, that what you have as a believer even if it’s ten naira
Is not your own first of all, you will give account for how and where you spent it.
Proverbs 11:1 warns:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
As believers, we are called to practice financial integrity—
being honest in business, generous in giving, and responsible stewards of God’s blessings.
Luke 16:10 reminds us:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
If we are faithful in small financial matters, God can entrust us with more.
5. The Cost of Integrity: Standing Firm in a Corrupt Culture
Living with integrity often comes at a cost.
As song writer said “It’s not an easy road”
Many biblical figures, including Daniel, Joseph, and Esther, had to choose between compromising their values or standing firm in faith.
Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8).
Joseph fled from temptation, even though it led to imprisonment (Genesis 39:12-20).
Settle it in your heart that you will be criticised, ridiculed or probably ostracized.
Your boss or colleagues might even mistreat you, keep pushing.
Your life should bring a judgement to the unrighteousness in their lives,
Be strong and courageous, for the reward is for “he that overcometh”
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:3, NIV)
Even when the world opposes us, God sees our faithfulness and rewards those who stand firm.
Conclusion: Choosing Integrity Daily
Living a life of integrity is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to honor God in every aspect of life.
It requires courage, faith, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Though today’s culture may encourage compromise, as believers we are called to stand firm,
knowing that integrity is not just about following rules—it’s about reflecting Christ’s character.
In the end, a life lived with integrity brings peace, security, and eternal rewards.
Are you willing to choose integrity today?
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