Known For Your Integrity

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold." — Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV)

Integrity is essential in every area of life—whether in business, relationships, or faith. But in a world that often rewards cutting corners and dishonesty, it’s easy to wonder: Does integrity really matter?

I was reading about a South Korean scientist, Hwang Woo-suk, who rose to international fame in the early 2000s. He was a pioneer in cloning research and claimed he had successfully cloned human stem cells—a discovery that could revolutionize medical science. He became a national hero, celebrated with awards, massive funding, and even a postage stamp in his honor.

But by 2006, everything came crashing down. Investigations revealed that his groundbreaking research was fraudulent. While he had successfully cloned a dog, the rest of his claims were fabricated. His talent and intelligence were undeniable, but his lack of integrity destroyed his career and reputation.

This isn’t just a problem overseas. Think about Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion. For years, he inspired millions with his athleticism and his fight against cancer. But it was later revealed that his success was built on a foundation of lies and illegal doping practices. His incredible achievements, once a source of inspiration, became a stain on his legacy.

The truth is, while talent and success may bring temporary recognition, integrity is what lasts. A joint study by Korn Ferry International and UCLA Graduate School of Management surveyed 1,300 senior executives to determine the most essential trait for effective leadership. Their top answer wasn’t talent, intelligence, or even innovation—it was integrity.

Proverbs 22:1 reminds us: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” As Christians, integrity isn’t merely about how others see us. It’s about how we honor God. Proverbs 10:9 confirms: “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” God sees everything—the choices we make in public and in private—and He calls His children to reflect His truth in every area of life.

Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to compromise your integrity? How can you honor God by choosing to live truthfully today?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the God of truth. Help me to value a good name and a life of integrity over temporary success. Strengthen me to live with honesty and faithfulness, even when it’s difficult. May my life reflect Your character. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

From "Integrity: an Inside Job": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/cd43xf5/6-integrity-is-an-inside-job

*The two stories and one study came from John Maxwell's book, "Talent Is Never Enough" (Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2007), 191-203.