from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager
CONDUCT = CHARACTER
The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Proverbs 21:8
Our conduct points to our character. If our behavior is devious or scheming, it points to guilt. If our pattern of choices is upright it indicates innocence and purity of heart. More often than not, our conduct equates our character; our character and deeds tend to run plumb. Even a child is known by his (her) actions, by whether his (her) conduct is pure and right (Proverbs 20:11).
Job was a man of integrity. Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason” (Job 2:3).
Though Job lost all that he had – his family and his possessions – he held fast to his integrity. He fell to the ground and worshiped, demonstrating that He loved God more than His gifts.
Job’s response to such mind-numbing devastation agitated his wife who said, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) Curse God and die. That was Satan’s goal for Job and remains his objective for mankind yet today.
In spite of Job’s pain and suffering, his unanswered questions and unsupportive spouse and friends, Job kept his steps on God’s path; his feet did not slip. He said, “Till I die, I will not deny my integrity” (Job 27:5). Although he wasn’t sinless, he was forgiven, and knew the joy and freedom of living with a clear conscious.
It’s complicated and pointblank exhausting, to cover up a lie with more lies, and deception with more deception. Foolish conduct leads to wickedness, death and destruction.
The way of the wise has nothing to hide. It’s a straight path to God and abundant life. God’s desire for His children is to guide them in the way of wisdom and lead them along straight paths (Proverbs 4:11). In everything – at home and/or the workplace, when we surf the Internet and pay our bills, interact with friends and/or strangers, let’s set an example by being women of integrity. Like Job, until we die, may we not deny integrity!
Wisdom Step: What kind of characters are you and I? Our conduct will point to the answer.
May I be consistent in conversation and conduct,
the same alone as in company,
in prosperity and adversity,
accepting all Thy commandments as right,
and hating every false way.
The Valley of Vision – A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
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