What other scriptures highlight the importance of integrity in stewardship and service? Setting the scene in 2 Kings 22:6–7 “ …to the carpenters, builders, and masons. And they are to buy timber and chiseled stone to repair the temple. But they need not account for the money put into their hands, because they work with integrity.” Josiah’s officials could hand over funds without demanding receipts because the craftsmen’s reputations were spotless. Scripture repeatedly circles back to this same theme—faithful people handling God-given resources with transparent honesty. Verses that echo the call to integrity • 1 Corinthians 4:2 — “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • Luke 16:10 — “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” • Colossians 3:23-24 — “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Titus 2:7-8 — “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach….” • 1 Peter 4:10 — “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another….” • Proverbs 10:9 — “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Psalm 15:1-2 — “He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, … shall dwell on Your holy mountain.” • Daniel 6:4 — “They could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy and no negligence or corruption was found in him.” • Genesis 39:6 — “Potiphar left everything he owned in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” • Nehemiah 5:15-16 — “I did not do so, because of the fear of God… I also devoted myself to the work on this wall. We did not acquire any land….” Snapshots of faithful stewards • Joseph manages Potiphar’s estate and later Egypt’s grain—every account balances (Genesis 39–41). • Daniel administers a pagan empire yet leaves his enemies empty-handed when they dig for scandal (Daniel 6). • Nehemiah refuses the governor’s food allowance to spare a taxed-out people, proving that leadership can be both strong and selfless (Nehemiah 5). • Paul the apostle carries a collection for Jerusalem churches, traveling with approved delegates to avoid any hint of misuse (2 Corinthians 8:19-21). Principles to carry forward • Integrity is proven in the small, unseen choices long before it is commended in public. • Faithful stewardship links work to worship; every task becomes temple service (Colossians 3:23). • Transparency protects both the steward and the gospel’s reputation (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • A clear conscience is worth more than detailed ledgers—yet integrity welcomes accountability all the same. • God entrusts greater responsibilities to those who handle lesser ones well (Luke 16:10). |
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