Integrity, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that align with God's standards. It is a fundamental virtue that is emphasized throughout Scripture as essential for a righteous life. The Hebrew word often translated as "integrity" is "tom," which conveys completeness, innocence, and uprightness.

The Bible presents integrity as a hallmark of godly character. In the Old Testament, Job is a prime example of integrity. Despite severe trials, he maintained his righteousness. Job 2:3 states, "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. And he still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.'"

Proverbs frequently highlights the importance of integrity. Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse underscores the guiding power of integrity, contrasting it with the destructive nature of deceit.

In the New Testament, integrity is closely associated with sincerity and truthfulness. Jesus Christ exemplified perfect integrity, living a life without sin and teaching His followers to do the same. In Matthew 5:37 , Jesus instructs, "But let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' For anything more comes from the evil one." This teaching emphasizes the importance of honesty and straightforwardness.

The Apostle Paul also stresses integrity in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 8:21 , he writes, "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." Here, Paul highlights the dual aspect of integrity—being accountable to God and maintaining a good testimony before others.

Guidance

Guidance in the Bible refers to the divine direction and wisdom provided by God to His people. It is a recurring theme that underscores the necessity of seeking God's will and relying on His wisdom in all aspects of life. The Bible portrays God as the ultimate guide, who leads His people through His Word, His Spirit, and His providence.

The Psalms frequently express a desire for God's guidance. Psalm 25:4-5 pleads, "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You." This prayer reflects a heart yearning for divine direction and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6 offers a foundational principle for receiving God's guidance: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Trusting in God and acknowledging Him in every aspect of life is key to receiving His guidance.

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers. Jesus promised His disciples that the Spirit would lead them into all truth. John 16:13 states, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come."

The early church experienced this guidance as they sought God's direction in their mission. Acts 13:2 recounts, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" This instance illustrates how God provides specific guidance through His Spirit to accomplish His purposes.

In summary, integrity and guidance are intertwined in the biblical narrative, with integrity being a prerequisite for receiving God's guidance. The Scriptures encourage believers to live with integrity and seek divine guidance, trusting that God will lead them in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.