How can Psalm 36:3 guide us in maintaining integrity in our daily interactions? The Text at a Glance Psalm 36:3: “The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.” What Integrity Is Not • Wickedness in speech • Deceit that twists truth for personal gain • Abandonment of wisdom and the deliberate doing of good Integrity in Speech • Speak only what is true (Ephesians 4:25) • Refuse exaggeration, half-truths, or flattery that manipulates (Proverbs 26:28) • Let words build up rather than tear down (Proverbs 16:24) Integrity in Thought and Motive • Treasure wisdom from above, which is “pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17) • Meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8) • Invite the Lord to search and align the heart daily (Psalm 139:23-24) Integrity in Action • Do good deliberately, not merely avoid evil (Galatians 6:9-10) • Keep promises and follow through (Psalm 15:4) • Handle money and possessions honestly (Proverbs 11:1) Daily Application Pointers • Start the day with Scripture, setting the tongue on a path of truth (James 1:26) • Pause before speaking, asking if the words are necessary, accurate, and gracious • Confess missteps quickly, restoring fellowship with God and neighbor (1 John 1:9) • Surround yourself with believers who model upright speech and conduct (Proverbs 13:20) Scripture Connection Points • Psalm 15:2 — “He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness and speaks the truth from his heart.” • Proverbs 10:9 — “He who walks in integrity walks securely.” • James 3:9-12 — The tongue reveals the source of the heart’s spring. • 1 Peter 3:10-12 — Those who love life guard their lips from deceit. Encouragement to Walk in Light By rejecting deceit and pursuing wisdom and goodness, believers reflect the character of Christ, who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Integrity in daily interactions becomes a living testimony that the Lord’s words are trustworthy and that His light triumphs over all hidden darkness (Ephesians 5:8-9). |
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