Numbers 30-31 / Luke 4:1-30 / Psalm 63 / Proverbs 11:20-21
Truth and integrity are becoming rare in the world today, and distinguishing truth from lies is becoming harder to discern. Proverbs 11:20 states The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.
The term crooked heart is interesting, but what does it mean? Before we look it up, when I think of a crooked path, I think of one that takes many twists and turns. Or when I think of someone who doesn’t want to speak truth (or doesn’t know truth), I think of someone who dodges questions or speaking clearly.
Truth, on the other hand, appears as more of a straight path, although it may perhaps take some gentle curves along the way. These pictures are simply my own interpretation of what a truthful, verses a lying, path might look like if drawn. That’s what we artists do – we visualize as we read.
What does it look like to compare a crooked heart with someone who has integrity? That may seem straight forward, but let’s dig into the subtleties as I love to do!
Crooked heart = twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted, deceitful and false in mind, will, understanding and thinking.
Integrity = sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity. Also, what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact.
Right away you’re probably wondering, as am I, if anyone would fall fully into either category. We know some people who appear to be evil and some who appear to be good and honest. But the truth is, apart from Christ in us, none of us is good. Yes, there are people who try to do good and people who don’t care and enjoy evil (I know that’s hard to imagine, but it’s true).
If you’re trying to live right, that’s a good thing. But right living alone will not gain eternal life and reconciliation with God. We must go through Jesus Christ to be made right with God. There is no other path.
If you’re concerned with integrity, you either belong to Christ or you may be on a path to finding Him as He is the only Good in the world. Today, I bless you with integrity and no matter where your heart may lie in regard to Christ, I pray your path leads you daily to Him.
