Choosing Integrity When No One Sees (Proverbs 20)

Evening Scripture Proverbs 20Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;    whoever is led astray by them is not wise. A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;    those who anger him forfeit their lives. It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,    but every fool is quick to quarrel. Sluggards do not plow in season;    so at harvest time they look but find nothing. The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,    but one who has insight draws them out. Many claim to have unfailing love,    but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives;    blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on his throne to judge,    he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;    I am clean and without sin”? Differing weights and differing measures—    the Lord detests them both. Even small children are known by their actions,    so is their conduct really pure and upright? Ears that hear and eyes that see—    the Lord has made them both. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;    stay awake and you will have food to spare. “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—    then goes off and boasts about the purchase. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,    but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;    hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,    but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. Plans are established by seeking advice;    so if you wage war, obtain guidance. A gossip betrays a confidence;    so avoid anyone who talks too much. If someone curses their father or mother,    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. An inheritance claimed too soon    will not be blessed at the end. Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. The Lord detests differing weights,    and dishonest scales do not please him. A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.    How then can anyone understand their own way? It is a trap to dedicate something rashly    and only later to consider one’s vows. A wise king winnows out the wicked;    he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord    that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;    through love his throne is made secure. The glory of young men is their strength,    gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil,    and beatings purge the inmost being. Evening Reflection What do we do when no one is around? How do we act and behave when no one is looking? Are we as trustworthy when we think no one sees us, as we are when we know we’re being watched? Do we choose integrity over doing what seems easier? Because God always sees us, at all times, we know, as believers in Jesus Christ, that there is no hiding from His sight. But sometimes, we may think He isn’t really paying attention, and we can get away with things, stuff we believe is small and doesn’t really matter to Him, because we think it’s really no big deal, and besides, He understands our weaknesses. Although it’s true that God does understand our faults and shortcomings, of how we are tempted and sometimes fail, it doesn’t mean He is okay with them. It just means He knows the flesh is weak, and at times, we easily give into it.  Still, He also knows that He sent the Holy Spirit to help us, to lead and encourage us to choose integrity over temptation, whether anyone is watching us or not, knowing He is with us wherever we go, to help us resist choosing sinfulness over righteousness. Evening Prayer God,I ask You today to direct my steps, to teach me to choose integrity when no one sees me. Help me to be faithful to You in all I do, following Your just ways, weighing decisions and choices in life according to Your word and measures, rather than adapting to the world’s unjust methods of measuring and dishonest scales.Help me avoid creating strife with others and keep me from starting or entering quarrels with those around me. When I experience injury, disappointments, and rejection from others, strengthen me to let go of my hurt and pain and trust You to avenge me.Put a guard over my lips, so that when I’m tempted to gossip, my mouth does not give in. Empower me to live a blameless life before you and before those around me. Cleanse my heart so that I might live a pure and clean life.Amen Want More? If tonight’s episode blessed you, be sure to follow the show so your next nightly scripture is ready when you are. Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.