The Definition of Integrity

The RANDOM HOUSE WEBSTER'S SCHOOL & OFFICE DICTIONARY copyright 1998 ("the world's" authority on definitions), defines integrity as uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles, the state of being whole or entire, or a sound or unimpaired condition. The "James Strong's" Exhaustive Concordance (1990), (my trusty Christian index to the Bible), defines integrity as moral uprightness.

These are two of the most reputable sources for defining the word integrity. Although there are many meanings of this term listed in the various publications of the Webster's Dictionary, the definitions of the two different sources mentioned, are relatively the same. Therefore, no one should misinterpret the concept of the term integrity, once identified.

Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me ...

Psalm 25:20-21

The term integrity is not a noun that's easily identified. It's a concept that with understanding, can be seen in a person who fears and honors"The LORD GOD," maintains personal awareness by looking and smelling clean, watching his/her attitude and behavior, respecting others (especially senior citizens and those having authority over them) and honoring business agreements, as well as personal commitments.

Integrity exists in married couples who communicate with one another regularly and lovingly, especially regarding issues that affect the family. This includes couples that report their whereabouts and those who support, defend and submit to one another, as well as those who show consideration regarding "the family car."

Integrity is also evident in cases where one spouse remains devoted even though the other has become ill, incapacitated, aged or requires constant care.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.

Ephesians 5:22

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it.

Ephesians 5:25

Also, integrity is seen in those who assist with household expenses and share in the responsibilities of raising the children, as well as those who resist and ignore lustful thoughts or gestures projected by others.

The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the LORD.

"As for Me, this is My covenant with them, says the LORD.

My Spirit, who is on you and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children or from the mouths of your children's children from this time on and forever," says the LORD."

Isaiah 59:20-21

Integrity can be noted in mothers who addressed their children's behavioral problems, as well as those who check back with care providers to make sure that their screaming child has calmed down, after their departure. This great characteristic can also be acknowledged in certain fathers who pay child support and spend time with their children without legal intervention.

Again, integrity is moral (good in conduct or character; specifically sexually virtuous) uprightness. Therefore; integrity is noted in single men who PAY THEIR OWN RENT and SLEEP under THEIR OWN roofs! This includes men who refrain from promiscuous lifestyles.

Conversely, integrity can be noted in single women with or without children, who dress and adorn themselves modestly, open their mouths with wisdom and those who respect themselves by refusing to accommodate men in exchange for "anything!"

The LORD is my shepherd and I shall not want ...

Psalm 23:1

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all other things will be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

Integrity is a quality of adults who keep in contact with, visit and attend to the needs of their maturing parents. This does not include those who appear or call suddenly when they need money, transportation, "free" childcare or to "Get out of jail, free." Conversely, integrity is noted in parents who are honest and not those who lie or practice civil disobedience to control their "adult" children.

Integrity is visible in family members and good friends who do not stop by or call "only" when they need something, but those who respect and support each other always and in all ways. Integrity is a quality of citizens who vote and pay taxes without injunction. Also, integrity is a reflection of those who refuse to gamble or support worldly events such as horse racing and Halloween (which will be discussed later). Most people know that investing in the lottery is riskier than trusting your teenager with your new sports car.

Nonetheless; many people still take that chance. Then lose large sums of money that could have been better spent. Yet, a lot of these same people refuse to pay tithes, because they're afraid of missing a payment on a bill and simply don't believe in the promises of God. And to bet money on a horse (one of God's most beautiful creations) that's being whipped to increase speed for the purpose of (winning) monetary gain is outrageous and inhumane ...

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 28:20

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:10

God's way of righteous living, includes kindness even to animals. Animals are useful to humans for companionship, work and food and they should never be mistreated or used in an unkind manner (TFLSB). For further study, reference Genesis 1:28; 9:3, 24:32 and Deuteronomy 25:4.

Integrity in its Simplicity

When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

Now contrary to Satan, the ways of the world and the flesh, integrity is not about lying, cheating, or stealing. It's quite the opposite. Integrity is about possessing character built upon truth, honesty and righteousness in "The LORD GOD."

Let not mercy and truth, forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thy heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:13

But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

Job 36:12

Now you have some idea of what integrity is, as stated by this and that official. However, in layman's terms, integrity is first, foremost and always acknowledging, loving and fearing The LORD GOD! It's the right thing to do. He is our Creator and He is worthy of our recognition and honor. He's also worthy of our love and...