Definition:
Personal integrity refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It involves consistency in actions, values, methods, measures, and principles. In a biblical context, maintaining personal integrity is living in accordance with God's commandments and upholding righteousness in all aspects of life.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible places a high value on integrity, often associating it with righteousness and wisdom. Integrity is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God and is essential for a life that honors Him.

Old Testament Insights:
The concept of integrity is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Job is a prime example of maintaining personal integrity despite severe trials. In Job 2:3 , God Himself acknowledges Job's integrity: "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 10:9 states, "He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out." This verse underscores the security and peace that come from living a life of integrity.

New Testament Teachings:
In the New Testament, integrity is closely linked with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity and sincerity in Matthew 5:8 : "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This purity of heart is a key aspect of personal integrity.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the necessity of integrity in the life of a believer. 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." Paul stresses the importance of maintaining integrity both before God and in the sight of others.

Practical Application:
Maintaining personal integrity involves several practical steps:

1. Honesty and Truthfulness: Being truthful in all dealings, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:25 : "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

2. Consistency in Actions: Living consistently with one's professed beliefs, as James 1:22 advises: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

3. Moral Courage: Standing firm in one's convictions, even when faced with opposition or temptation, as demonstrated by Daniel, who maintained his integrity in a foreign land (Daniel 6:4-5).

4. Accountability: Being accountable to others and to God, as seen in Proverbs 27:17 : "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Examples of Integrity in Scripture:
· Joseph: Despite being wronged by his brothers and tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph maintained his integrity, which ultimately led to his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 39:6-12).
· Daniel: Known for his unwavering commitment to God, Daniel's integrity was evident when he continued to pray despite the king's decree, resulting in his deliverance from the lions' den (Daniel 6:10).
· Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of integrity, Jesus lived a sinless life, consistently aligning His actions with the will of the Father (Hebrews 4:15).

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide a single definition of integrity, it is clear that maintaining personal integrity is a vital aspect of a faithful Christian life. It involves a commitment to truth, consistency, and moral courage, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will.