Proverbs 10:1-9.      

In a recent conversation with some of my second-grade students, I asked them if they knew what it meant to be trustworthy (we were coming up with qualities of a good friend). Most were stumped. What does trustworthiness look like to an eight-year-old? After discussing it for a bit, we landed on the idea that being trustworthy is a lot like being dependable: You will do the right thing.

Integrity is much like trustworthiness and dependability: You do the right thing, even when no one is looking. It’s easy for my students to make good choices when they know someone is watching. We all can manage that much. When no one is looking, however, what do our actions say about who we are? Do the words we speak match the behaviors we choose?

Today’s proverb points us to the benefit of living with integrity: walking securely through life. Does this promise ease? No. However, the path of integrity is one that leads to Christ and wholeness. A path of dishonesty is one that (with hairpin curves and loop-the-loops) leads to a warped journey that ultimately can’t be hidden.

Take time to reflect on your own path. Is it one of integrity or not? Choose wisely.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson