What Happens When I Do What I Know Is Wrong?

In review of Proverbs 10:9 it reminds me that “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV).

Today’s verse comes from Proverbs 10. In verse 9 I’m told that those with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.

This means if I follow crooked or wrong paths I will be found out! So when making decisions, I need the integrity test. The test of integrity is that my public life and private life match, what’s in my heart and what’s in my life are the same thing. I would ask myself, “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 myself. And if I violate my own conscience, I’ll have to pay for that.

Sometimes 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 I’m doing the wrong thing, but I’m going to go ahead and do it because I know God is a forgiving God.”

I can’t do something that God says is wrong and not have consequences. This is the very reason he doesn’t want me to make that decision, because he loves me, not because he wants to keep me from having fun. God knows there are consequences to every decision. He knows every bad decision leaves scars. He wants better for me.

This doesn’t mean that God does not forgive me for the wrong things I do. He’s 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.

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. Whatever is not from faith in our lives is sin.

Bottom Line:

Walk in integrity and be safe. Dishonesty or wrongdoing will be exposed.

What this means to me:

If I walk in integrity I will be on a firm foundation and be secure. But if I'm dishonest I'll be found out and exposed.

In summary, those with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. The test of integrity is that my public and private life match. Ask, would I want everyone to know about this decision that I'm making? I can't do something that God says is wrong and not have consequences. God knows there are consequences to every decision. This doesn't mean that God does not forgive me, but that forgiveness does not free me from the pain an the consequences that come from bad decisions.

Father this is a great reminder for me for decisions I make. I need to be making them in the firm foundation of what you and your Word teach me. There is no escaping the consequences of doing wrong. My wrongdoing will eventually be found out and or I’ll need to deal with the consequences of that decision. This morning Father I pray for your guidance in my decisions and in the work I have in front of me. Help me to lead and interact today with wisdom and your guidance. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, amen.