Proverbs 11

Teaching our children to have Integrity

 

What it is?

1. It is honesty v. 1
   1. The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that one refuses to change (Cambridge Online Dictionary)
      1. Think of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife
      2. Think of Daniel and his three friends in Daniel 1
         1. And again in Daniel 3 when they wouldn’t bow to the false god
         2. And again in Daniel 6 when Daniel prayed even though it meant death
   2. This was an old command reiterated by Solomon
      1. Deuteronomy 25:12-14
      2. Proverbs 16:11 and 20:10
   3. It was a sin addressed by Hosea in 12:7
   4. We must teach our children to always be honest
   5. For us, this was a spanking matter
   6. Matthew Henry says “He is not an honest man that is not devout; he is not a godly man that is not honest.”
   7. Dishonest business dealings are offensive to God
   8. Nothing is more pleasing to God than fair and honest dealing
      1. It models who God is
      2. He will do right every single time . . .
2. It is humility v. 2
   1. Notice that it is the opposite of pride
      1. Nebuchanezzar was severely judged by God for his pride
      2. Herod was as well.
   2. Notice that it is blessed by God
      1. Humility leads us to wisdom
3. It is uprightness v. 3
   1. The word means correct; right; straight
   2. Psalm 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
4. It  is righteousness. v. 4-6

 

Why it matters?

 

1. It guides us v. 3
2. It makes a difference in death v. 4
   1. A good conscience makes the end of ones life easier
3. It leads us to righteousness
4. It counsels us
5. It makes us gracious
6. It makes us generous
7. It brings life v. 30
8. It bypasses judgment v. 32

 

How do you get it?

1. You train it
   1. Proverbs 20:11
      1. A child either has it or doesn’t
   2. Verse 5
      1. When they get it and mature - it directs their way
      2. Perfect = complete or mature or whole
2. You pursue it
   1. We often have opportunity to pursue integrity . . .
3. You live it
   1. It shows up in how we treat people
   2. In how we run our business