Proverbs 3:21-35, The Message

God’s priorities include Trust, Wisdom and now Integrity!  These three integrated characteristics can offer a life of harmony and human flourishing.  So we are on the path of righteousness (right alignment with God’s Will), which calls us to trust God and through our trust in God, we gain Wisdom and Understanding.  By gaining Wisdom, we began to walk faithfully, but never alone.

Solomon suggests God assigns us Clear Thinking and Common Sense (Judgment and Discretion).  So this path, our journey with God and one another, is guided by integrity!

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching!”    C.S. Lewis

As we travel the road of integrity remember…

Think about your walking companions!
Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them.  They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive.  You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip.  You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.  No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.   Proverbs 3: 21-26

Don’t forget you are God’s Representative!
Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.  Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time” or “Try me tomorrow” when the money’s right there in your pocket.  Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.  Don’t walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight.  Don’t try to be like those who shoulder their way through life.  Why be a bully?  “Why not?” you say.  Because God can’t stand twisted souls.  It’s the straightforward who get his respect.   Proverbs 3:27-32

God guides honorable people!
God’s curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.  He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you’re down on your luck, he’s right there to help.  Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.”   Proverbs 3:33-35

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“God is always near!”