The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. ~Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
Collins English Dictionary defines “integrity” as:
- adherence to moral principles; honesty
- the quality of being unimpaired; soundness
- unity; wholeness
The phrase used here - ”walks in his integrity” – implies a person who lives his life consistently. Hour by hour, day by day, year by year, a righteous person known for integrity is characterized by beliefs and actions that are in alignment.
The “wholeness” aspect of integrity speaks to consistency of character in a person’s life. Have you ever heard someone described with “what you see is what you get”? In other words, you know how that person will behave, because you already know what they believe. Their thoughts and actions are whole, or integrated. The person’s thoughts and deeds are in alignment.
Interestingly, this verse also states that the descendants of a person known for integrity are blessed. And the verse implies that they are blessed as a direct result of their parent having lived out moral standards during their lifetime. What a marvelous assurance! Your children will inherit a legacy of blessing, as a result of the good choices you make today.
Are you living out your beliefs? Are your actions consistent with your words? What will you do today to assure that your descendants are blessed?
