04.10.24
‘What Does Quiet Integrity Look Like?’
My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion… so shall it be life unto your soul, and grace to your neck. Then shall you walk in your way safely and your foot shall not stumble. When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. (Proverbs 3:21-24)
Last time, we were presented with the biblical principle of a life of quiet integrity as presented in our opening text.
What will this quiet life of integrity look like? How is it fleshed out in my life? The remaining verses in Proverbs 3 will enlighten us.
First, my life will be honest (27, 28). Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give;” when you have it with you.
These verses are referring to two concepts. One, I will pay that which is owed. My bills will be paid in full and on time, I will pay my taxes and fulfill all of my loans. I will return any extra change that I am given. I will be fair with my employees.
They also mean that I will do my best to show kindness to others. When I have the means to help someone in need, and God lays this on my heart, I must respond.
Second, I will act with appropriate gentleness (29, 30). Devise not evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells securely by you. Strive not with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
Once again, there are two concepts here. We must be reluctant to start a fight. The word devise speaks of ‘plowing through.’ You understand, of course, that there is a difference between contending for the right thing, and being contentious about anything.
Then, we should learn to not take offense. Elsewhere, the psalmist wrote- Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them. (Ps 119:165) Yes, there are times when a person should respond to wrongdoing, but we should give the other person the benefit of the doubt. We can be slow to retaliate either verbally, physically, or legally.
The last verses in the chapter form a parenthesis of sorts (31-35). Solomon presents a series of contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. Wickedness brings all kinds of trouble in its wake. Righteousness, on the other hand, showers us with blessing.
Solomon has been describing for us a life of whole-hearted discipleship. It all starts with a born-again experience at the foot of the cross.
Jesus then asks us to take up our cross and follow Him. He asks us to die to self and live entirely for Him This whole-hearted discipleship will be a patient quest of glad commitment. It will be seen by others as a life of quiet integrity, all bringing glory to the Savior.
Where are you on this road of life? We at Immanuel Baptist Church desire to be of help to you if we can. Please feel free to contact us.