Psalm 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on you. Integrity and uprightness are terms of like import, and signify a virtue that is essential to all true religion and morality. I. THE NATURE OF INTEGRITY OR UPRIGHTNESS IN OUR DEALINGS WITH MEN. 1. With respect to our actions; and so it may be taken for justice and honesty, in opposition to injuring and cheating. It is very dishonest to borrow money or goods, or to trade upon credit, without upright designs and fair prospects of paying everyone his own. 2. With respect to our words. This may be taken as truth, in opposition to lying. But to understand a lie there are moral distinctions that must be attended to. The wrong of falsehood consists in knowing or thinking one thing and saying another with an intent to deceive. There are lies which men call ludicrous, but they had better be avoided. Others, called, officious, which are told to hide a fault, or to prevent some mischief. The worst of all is the injurious lie. II. RECOMMEND THIS INTEGRITY. 1. In its native beauty. 2. For the reality and honour of religion. All religion is mockery, and vain pretence without it. 3. The safety and happiness of all society depend upon it. There is no living with a man of a false heart and tongue. 4. Integrity is of high advantage to ourselves. It prevents abundance of guilt, and many a throbbing wound in the conscience which a contrary temper and behaviour would subject us to. It screens us from the reproach and vengeance of wicked men. This should excite a religious care, upon Christian principles, to exceed the brightest of the heathen in our moral conduct. Let us see that our hearts be made upright by the renewing of our minds. (J. Guise, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.WEB: Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. |
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