DCLM Daily Manna 18 May 2023 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Integrity Is It
TOPIC: Integrity Is It (DCLM Daily Manna 18 May 2023)
KEY VERSE: “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Proverbs 19:1).
TEXT: Proverbs 19:1-9 (KJV)
1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
MESSAGE:
Thousands of years ago, a disturbed Egyptian monarch looked across the executive council hall, searching for a man of integrity among his wise men and magicians to drive a strategic economic plan that was unveiled. The king wanted a person of integrity, not those with magic wand and worldly wisdom. He needed someone “in whom the Spirit of God is…discreet and wise”.
Integrity is the sum of probity, honesty, rectitude, candour, uprightness, goodness and all that can be found in a man of character. The word of God says such a man, even if he is rated poor, is better than a perverse and a foolish person who might be boasting in his riches. Cataloguing other virtues, the passage urges us to seek knowledge, without which one would be led into sin. We must also cultivate the habit of giving generously.
Lack of integrity in relationships is partly responsible for the sinking values in society today. Where there is no trust and transparency, we cannot maintain a healthy and stable community. Our environment would not be different from life in the animal world, where the weak are at the mercy of ruthless predators.
Humanity can regain the lost virtue of integrity from the One who demands it in our walk and work with Him. As He insists it is indispensable, those we interact with in the world are also saying it is the qualification to earn us trust and responsible tasks in the family, career and nation. For the genuine Bible believer, it is the lifeblood of our salvation.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Professing to be a Christian without having integrity is a ruse.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Galatians 4-6
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
