Imitating Integrity

Our culture loves its heroes. From movies to sports to social media, we’re bombarded with stories and images of people and characters we’re supposed to admire and emulate. But there’s a better place to go for examples of people worth imitating. I’m talking about the Bible, of course, and Jesus Christ is our number one biblical example of how to live.

There are many other heroes in the Bible but let me tell you about one of my favorites. We don’t know her name, but her virtues are outlined in Chapter 31 of Proverbs. She’s referred to as “a wife of noble character”, and her actions and attitudes are worth studying and imitating…no matter who you are.

The characteristics of this Bible hero that stand out to me are her integrity, and what we might call her work ethic. Here are some of the phrases that describe this woman of “noble character”:

• “She works with eager hands…” A person of noble character has a positive attitude towards work, knowing that her diligence produces many benefits.

• “She gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family…” The Bible makes it clear that providing for your family is a primary responsibility. She takes it very seriously. I'm not sure I love the part about getting up at O-Dark whenever, but I understand the intent.

• “She considers a field and buys it…out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” Part of her biblical integrity involves expertise – gaining useful skills and using them for the benefit of family and community.

• “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” This hero is aware that living well requires strength and determination. You don’t reach your goals sitting on the couch watching YouTube.

• “She opens her arms to the poor” This woman of character is so successful…that she is able to be generous with her surplus. Am I working just for myself, or so I can help others also?

• …she speaks with wisdom…” A person of noble character develops enough experience to teach others. Her work ethic is the “water that raises all boats”, because everyone benefits from the example she sets of integrity and wisdom.

• “She does not eat the bread of idleness”. It’s pretty clear that a biblical work ethic means NOT being lazy. I'm sure my Proverbs 31 heroine recognizes the need for regular rest, but she also knows when it's time to "just git 'er done." It's a matter of balance.

• I think the most important quality of the woman of noble character is that she follows and honors the Lord. Everything she does comes from a desire to serve God, and all of her success springs from this priority.

While worldly success, money, glamor, and influence might seem desirable, they never really satisfy. Integrity and a godly work ethic, on the other hand, are worth striving for, because they have eternal value. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." (Prov 31:30).

So perhaps it’s time to rethink our heroes. We can learn a lot from the Proverbs 31 woman about what it means to live with personal integrity. I encourage you to read Proverbs 31 today and make it a point to imitate her.

Standing with you,

Carolyn