What does the Bible say about integrity?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that integrity is wholehearted faithfulness to God, expressed in truthful speech, upright conduct, and a clear conscience before others. Proverbs commends those who walk securely in integrity, even when they are poor, and warns that crookedness ultimately brings ruin (Proverbs 10:9; 28:6). The upright are guided by their integrity because they fear the Lord and seek what is right rather than mere outward gain (Proverbs 11:3; 21:3). God delights in truthful lips and calls His people to think on what is true, honorable, and pure (Proverbs 12:22; Philippians 4:8). This life flows from God’s love shown in Christ, enabling believers to keep a good conscience and love others sincerely (1 John 4:7-10; 1 Peter 3:16).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 10:9
He who walks blamelessly walks surely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.
- Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright shall guide them, But the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
- Proverbs 28:6
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.
- Proverbs 20:7
A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
- Proverbs 19:1
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
- Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, But those who do the truth are his delight.
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.
- 1 John 4:7-10
[7] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God. [8] He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love. [9] By this was God's love revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
- Proverbs 21:3
To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Genesis 18:19; Exodus 18:21; Deuteronomy 16:19; Deuteronomy 16:20; 2 Samuel 22:21; Job 10:7; Job 13:15; Job 13:18; Job 16:17; Job 27:4-6; Job 29:14; Job 31:1-40
- See CHARACTER
- See DISHONESTY
- See FRAUD
- See HONESTY
- See JUSTICE
- See RIGHTEOUSNESS
- INSTANCES OF
- Pharaoh, when he learned that Sarah was Abraham’s wife Genesis 12:18
- Abimelech, when warned by God that the woman he had taken into his household was actually Abraham’s wife Genesis 26:9-11
- Jacob, in the care of Laban’s property Genesis 31:39
- Joseph, in resisting Potiphar’s wife Genesis 39:8-12
- Joseph, innocent of the charge which caused him to be cast into the dungeon Genesis 40:15
- Jacob’s sons, when accused by Joseph of robbery Genesis 43:15-22; Genesis 44:7-16
- The Egyptian midwives when commanded to destroy the newborn babies of the Israelites Exodus 1:17-21
- Moses, in taking nothing from the Israelites in consideration of his services Numbers 16:15
- Samuel, in exacting nothing from the people on account of his services 1 Samuel 12:4
- David, in self-reproach for the cutting of Saul’s robe 1 Samuel 24:5
- David, in preventing foraging by his insurgent forces 1 Samuel 25:15
- David, in his conduct while in refuge with the Philistines 1 Samuel 29:6; 1 Samuel 29:9
- Workmen, who repaired the temple 2 Kings 12:15; 2 Kings 22:7
- Joab, when ordered by David to count the military forces of Israel 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Priests, who received the offerings of gold and other gifts for the renewing of the temple under Ezra Ezra 8:24-30
- Nehemiah, reforming the civil service, and receiving no compensation for his own services Nehemiah 5:14-19
- The Rechabites, in keeping the Nazarite vows Jeremiah 35:12-17
- Daniel, in his abstemiousness (i. e. abstinent) Daniel 1:8-20
- Daniel, in maintaining uprightness of character and consistent devoutness Daniel 6:4
- Joseph, the husband of Mary, in not jealously accusing her of immorality Matthew 1:19
- Zacchaeus, in the administration of his wealth Luke 19:8
- Nathanael, in whom was no guile John 1:47
- Joseph, a counselor Luke 23:50; Luke 23:51
- Peter, when offered money by Simon Magus Acts 8:18-23
- Paul and Barnabas, when the people of Lystra desired to deify them Acts 14:12-15
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