Integrity involves our whole being, honesty involves only our purse

Uni-verse 173/10,000 For better through verse Isaiah 33 v 15
Isa 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;


The marks of a righteous person is that he or she speaks uprightly, hates extortion for gain as well as gaining wealth by stealth or bribery, shrinks from doing or even hearing of violence and does not contemplate evil. The mouth, the mind, the eyes, the ears, the limbs and the heart of the person are all involved in walking in righteousness. The blessings are that such a person will dwell in safety and the security of the Most High God for He will send His angels to encamp around his house. The needs of such a person will be met as the Lord covenants to provide for it. He will not be overtaken by bad news or misfortune.

It is the fear of God that keeps a person from thinking, speaking or doing evil. It is the love of God that urges a person to think good, speak good and do good. The love of God prompts us to give to the poor and needy, to defend the weak, the widows and orphans against injustice. The fear of God keeps us from sexual immorality. The love of God causes us to delight in His Word. The love of God keeps us from being self righteous and makes us compassionate people who do not judge others. The love of God and the fear of God need to go hand in hand as we walk on the straight and narrow path. The love of God is like the right leg of righteusness while the fear of God is the left leg. We need both legs to walk uprightly.

An undivided heart of love and loyalty to God is at the root of a life of integrity. If we harbour sin,pride, doubt, bitterness, unforgiveness and covetousness in our hearts, we forfeit the ability to live a righteous life as well as the blessings of righteousness. Our deep sense of insecurity keeps us from being contented with what God has given us. But, our faith that we are not walking alone, that He who made and owns the whole universe is with us and in us will restore us to a level of inner security that nothing can shake and nobody can take away.

Prateep V Philip