What Happens When I Do What I Know is Wrong

In review of Proverbs 10:9 it says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Bottom Line:

Integrity will keep you safe, dishonestly will eventually be discovered.

What this means to me:

If I walk in integrity, I’ll always be safe in doing what’s right. But if I choose to take a crooked or dishonest path, I’ll will be caught.

The verse in Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV). When making decisions, I’ll have to have the integrity test.

The test of integrity is that my public and private life match; what’s in my heart and what’s in my life are the same thing. I should ask myself the question, “Would I want everyone to know about this decision that I’m making?” The truth is, when it comes to integrity, even if I can fool everyone else, I can’t fool yourself. And if I violate my own conscience, I’ll end up paying for it.

There are times when I know I’m about to do the wrong thing. I know I shouldn’t do it, but this thought comes to my mind: “I know God is a forgiving God.”

Unfortunately I can’t do something that he says is wrong and not face the consequences of it in my life. That’s the very reason he doesn’t want me to make that decision; because he loves me and not because he wants to keep me from having fun. He knows there are consequences to every decision. He knows every bad decision will leave a scar in my life. And he wants better for me.

God will forgive me for the wrong things I do, he is a forgiving and gracious God. But that forgiveness does not free me from the pain and the consequences that come from bad decisions. I can be forgiven and still have regrets. I can be forgiven and still face pain. I can be forgiven and still have a broken relationship. I can be forgiven and still lose rewards.

Romans 14:14 says, “If someone believes it is wrong, then he shouldn’t do it because for him it is wrong” (TLB). This verse simply says that when in doubt, don’t. It’s a violation of the integrity test.

In summary, integrity will keep me safe, whereas dishonestly will eventually be discovered and bring consequences. This morning I thank you God for protecting me as I live with integrity. You have provided me with your word so that I can know what is right and true. As long as I trust in you and attempt to make it part of my life, you will provide protection. If I step off the path and decide to do something else, I’m also stepping outside of your protection and I’m subject to the consequence of it. Next time I am tempted to not walk in integrity, I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me that there are consequences of going off of his path and that I’ll risk affecting not only my life but also those around me.