Which other Proverbs emphasize the importance of integrity and uprightness? Proverbs 21:29—A Snapshot of Character “A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.” Solomon contrasts the stubborn, unyielding posture of the wicked with the steady, trustworthy path of the upright. The rest of Proverbs repeatedly sounds this same note of integrity. Other Proverbs That Spotlight Integrity and Uprightness • Proverbs 2:7 — “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” • Proverbs 4:25-27 — “Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.” • Proverbs 10:9 — “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Proverbs 11:3 — “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.” • Proverbs 13:6 — “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.” • Proverbs 19:1 — “Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.” • Proverbs 20:7 — “The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.” • Proverbs 21:3 — “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” • Proverbs 28:6 — “Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” • Proverbs 28:18 — “He who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways will fall into ruin.” • Proverbs 12:22 — “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” • Proverbs 16:11 — “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.” Threads That Tie These Verses Together • Integrity provides protection—God Himself becomes a shield (2:7; 10:9; 13:6). • A straight path and sure footing come when we refuse to compromise (4:25-27; 21:29). • Integrity blesses more than the individual; it overflows to family and community (20:7). • God values righteous conduct above ritual or image (21:3; 12:22; 16:11). • Wealth or poverty never outweigh the worth of a clean conscience (19:1; 28:6). • Ultimately, the upright are delivered, while the crooked collapse (28:18; 11:3). Living Out These Truths Today • Keep your word, even when it costs. • Choose honesty in finances, business, and relationships. • Let decisions be guided by God’s unchanging standard, not cultural convenience. • Model transparency for family and friends so they taste the security integrity brings. |
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