Has anyone else noticed that today’s headlines seem to grab attention in inciteful ways. Whether from ads on Facebook or real stories on news websites, there are stories that aim to get us riled up. And then there’s the clickbait. Those spaces that create stories just to garner attention because if they can get you to click on them, then their ad supporters are happy and the story maker-upper gets to make a couple bucks.
Sensationalistic garbage.
There are a couple verses in Proverbs 28 that caught my attention in this regard this morning.
“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
Proverbs 28:6 (ESV)
“Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.”
Proverbs 28:10 (ESV)
We have a strong need for men and women of integrity in today’s society. Now, I’m not sure that has changed much over the years. There has always been a lack of integrity in societies throughout the centuries. Otherwise, why would Solomon have been writing about it 3,000 years ago. Nonetheless, it is certainly poignant for today. But in the here-and-now, with so many being willing to sacrifice any semblance of character for a few dollars, the need for integrity seems more noticeable than ever.
I also notice from these verses that God doesn’t seem to have much patience for people intent on leading others astray.
“Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.”
Proverbs 28:18 (ESV)
In other words, BEWARE! If you are doing anything deceitful, anything underhanded – if you are sacrificing integrity on the altar of your cause – God’s Word has bad news for you. You are not going to fare well in your endeavor. In fact, God’s Word demonstrates (and history tends to show) that those who use these techniques and up falling by the same techniques they devised.
What’s especially interesting to me is this: Within Christendom, I don’t know how anyone can be surprised by this. Scripture has multiple examples. Daniel’s accusers are tossed in the lion’s den. In Esther, Heman ends up meeting the end he was devising for Mordecai. Ananias and Sapphira meet untimely ends for their deception. Scripture is clear here – lack of integrity brings destruction.
But, what does that mean for you and me?
“Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”
Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)
Let us never forget (or forsake) the God we serve. A check for that – if you find your heart hardened, if you find it easy to hate someone, to deceive others for your cause, to deceive yourself in order to accomplish your goals – then it’s time to return to your Master. Because for every story of one who dies by their lack of integrity, there is one of redemption and restoration.
Thank God.
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