Keeping It 100: Why Integrity Still Matters

Scripture: Proverb 13:5-6

5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves stench and bring shame on themselves.

6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

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"Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner." — Proverbs 13:6 (NIV)

“To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.” — A.W. Tozer.

In a world where “fake it till you make it” is the norm, integrity can feel outdated. Social media rewards filters over reality, businesses thrive on half-truths, and relationships are often built on appearances rather than honesty. However, Proverbs 13:5- 6 clarifies that living right isn’t just about being a “good person” but protecting peace and long-term success.

So, the real question is—does integrity still matter?

Integrity vs. the Culture of Faking It

Proverbs 13:5 says, “The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.”

Think about it: We’ve all seen influencers, celebrities, or even people we know crash and burn after being exposed for lying, cheating, or pretending to be something they’re not. Sure, deception might bring short-term gains, but it always comes with long-term consequences.

In Your Career: Do you pad your résumé or overpromise your abilities? Doing so may open doors, but it will not keep them open.

In Relationships: Are you presenting your “highlight reel” while hiding your struggles? The truth always comes out.

On Social Media: Are you building an identity based on likes rather than reality? That kind of validation doesn’t last.

God calls us to hate what is false, not just avoid it. When you live with integrity, you don’t have to keep track of lies, fear getting caught, or live with guilt. You move with confidence, knowing your foundation is solid.

Integrity is a Flex, Not a Burden

Proverbs 13:6 is a game-changer: “Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.”

Integrity is like a security system for your life. It guards your reputation, your peace of mind, and your future. When you live righteously, you don’t have to look over your shoulder, wondering if your lies will catch up with you. You can sleep at night knowing you’re real in every space you enter.

Look at Joseph in Genesis 39—when faced with temptation; he chose integrity over a quick win. It cost him in the short term, but God elevated him to be second-in-command in Egypt because of his character. That’s what integrity does—it sets you up for real, lasting success.

The Trap of Shortcuts and Compromise

The second part of Proverbs 13:6 warns us: “Wickedness overthrows the sinner.”

Ever notice how some people seem to have it all, only to lose it just as fast? That’s because when success is built on lies, it’s only a matter of time before it collapses. Sin always looks like a shortcut, but it’s a setup for failure.

Cutting corners at work? Eventually, it’ll get exposed.

Lying in a relationship? It’ll destroy trust.

Living recklessly with no accountability? That path leads to regret.

God isn’t trying to kill your fun—He’s trying to set you up for a life that won’t fall apart.

How to Keep It Real in a World That Rewards Fake

So, how do we live out Proverbs 13:5-6 in today’s culture?

Be the Same Person Everywhere – Stay consistent whether at work, with friends, online, or alone. Integrity means you don’t have to switch personas.

Surround Yourself with Real Ones – “Walk with the wise and become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). The people in your circle shape your future.

Own Your Mistakes—We all make mistakes. The difference between integrity and deception is whether you admit it or cover it up.

Trust God’s Timing – Shortcuts may look good now, but lasting success comes from doing things correctly.

Final Thought

Living with integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. It’s about choosing truth over convenience, honesty over hype, and righteousness over regret. And when you do? God’s got your back.

“Integrity isn’t just about what you do when people are watching—it’s about who you are when no one is. A life built on truth never falls apart.” — Sherrie T.

What’s Your Move?

Take a moment and ask yourself: Are there areas where you’ve been compromising your integrity? It’s never too late to get back on track. If this spoke to you, share it with a friend and start a convo about what it means to live real in today’s world!