Definition:
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In a biblical context, it refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands, demonstrating consistency between one's beliefs and actions.

Biblical References:
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of integrity, portraying it as a fundamental aspect of a righteous life. Integrity is often associated with truthfulness, uprightness, and moral soundness.

1. Proverbs 11:3 · "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them."
This verse highlights the guiding nature of integrity, suggesting that those who live with integrity are led by their moral principles, while those who lack it face ruin.

2. Proverbs 28:6 · "Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse."
Here, integrity is valued over material wealth, indicating that moral uprightness is more desirable than financial success achieved through dishonest means.

3. Psalm 25:21 · "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You."
The psalmist expresses a desire for integrity to be a protective force, linking it to a faithful reliance on God.

4. Job 2:3 · "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 maintains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.'"
Job is presented as a paragon of integrity, maintaining his moral principles despite severe trials and suffering.

5. 1 Kings 9:4 · "As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you and keeping My statutes and ordinances..."
God instructs Solomon to emulate David's integrity, emphasizing obedience to divine commands as a key component of integrity.

Theological Significance:
Integrity is not merely an external adherence to rules but a reflection of one's inner character and relationship with God. It involves a wholehearted commitment to living out one's faith in every aspect of life. The Bible presents integrity as essential for leaders, as seen in the qualifications for elders and deacons in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6-7).

Practical Application:
Believers are called to practice integrity in all areas of life, including personal relationships, business dealings, and community interactions. This involves being truthful, keeping promises, and acting justly, even when it is inconvenient or costly. Integrity serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to Christ through the example of a life lived in accordance with God's will.

Challenges to Integrity:
In a fallen world, maintaining integrity can be challenging due to external pressures, temptations, and the influence of a culture that often values success over righteousness. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in upholding their integrity.

Role Models of Integrity:
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified integrity, such as Daniel, who refused to compromise his faith despite facing persecution (Daniel 6:4-5), and Joseph, who maintained his moral principles in the face of temptation and false accusations (Genesis 39:6-12).

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not promise that a life of integrity will be free from difficulties, it assures believers that God honors and rewards those who walk in integrity. As Proverbs 20:7 states, "The righteous man walks in integrity; blessed are his children after him."