Hargrave Connected

Devotional

 Integrity – The Better Way

“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” (Prov. 28:6 and 18, ESV)

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom for living life God’s way. The truths of Proverbs are not meant to be read as ironclad promises, but as principles that show us the way to live. Proverbs frequently speak of two ways to live – the way of the wise which pleases God, and the way of the wicked or foolish.

The verses highlighted today point to a better way – the way of wisdom. One dimension of the way of the wise is a life lived with integrity. It is better to be poor with integrity than to be rich and crooked (or wicked). Righteousness is to be prized over riches. It is not a sin to be rich, and riches are not to be obtained by wickedness, but riches should not be valued over integrity.

The author goes on to tell his readers that those who walk in integrity will be delivered, but the wicked will fall. The one whose walk is blameless is better off than the wicked because God is with him and will deliver him. The only promise that Proverbs offers the wicked is their certain downfall. They will receive justice, and though their path looks easy, their end is certain. It serves as a warning to all who see it. 

The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:1-20) is a prime example of these principles. Joseph faces and resists the temptation of his master’s wife who seeks to lure him into the way of the wicked. Joseph refuses to compromise on his integrity, and flees temptation, leaving behind anything (including his coat) that is holding him back. 

Joseph’s choice of the right way didn’t lead to a life of ease but to prison. But God was with him even in prison, blessing all that he did (Gen. 39:21-23). In the end, God restores Joseph and blesses him even more than before. 

There’s no guarantee that we will be blessed in this life for maintaining our integrity, but God promises us that he will be with us and that is the greatest blessing of all. In a world that devalues integrity in the pursuit of quick riches and fame, may our young men pursue lives of integrity and faithfulness as witnesses to their trust in their maker, whose way is always better.