Pastor Aaron Perdue

Living a life of integrity involves honesty, truthfulness, and moral excellence. In today’s culture, we see fewer and fewer people living a life of integrity, especially among leaders in government, business, and, sadly, even some churches. Integrity doesn’t naturally happen; it takes deliberate choices to do what is right rather than easy or convenient.

Jesus is the only person who lived a perfect life of integrity. Jesus modeled honesty, truthfulness, and moral excellence at all times, not just when the crowds were around Him. When people accept Jesus as their Savior, they should follow Jesus’ example. We can be encouraged that God gives believers the Holy Spirit to help guide us. People will see Christ in us as we live a life of integrity.

What does the bible say about integrity? In the Old Testament, we read about Job and how he lost his children, material possessions, and health. He had more troubles than just about anyone could have, yet he was concerned that he did not lose his integrity. Job 27:5 says, “Far be it from me that I should say you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.” That’s a good goal for all of us to have!

In Psalm 25:21, we read, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.” That’s a great picture of the psalmist being protected by his integrity. The psalmist writes about God, “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart” (Psalm 78:72). We can trust that God always has integrity and won’t go against what He has said—He’s trustworthy!

What is the difference between integrity and honesty in the bible? Honesty requires truth. There is a source of truth. Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). When we know Jesus, we have the source of absolute truth, and people who claim to have their “own truth” are wrong. Honesty is an integral part of living a life of integrity. Integrity encompasses living honestly, which means your actions align with what you say and believe. The key to maintaining integrity is honesty in all areas of life and choosing not to compromise.

Most Bible verses about integrity and honesty are in the book of Proverbs written by Solomon, the wisest man ever lived. Proverbs 10:9 says, “He who walks with integrity walks securely.” I love that when I choose integrity, the byproducts are peace and security. I don’t have to worry that I’ll get caught or have wrongdoings exposed because I choose daily to live a life of integrity.

According to Proverbs 11:1–3, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” Today, we rarely do business using scales, but this verse shows that God does not like or tolerate dishonesty. Honesty is what God delights in. Verse 3 points out that integrity guides the upright, and God’s Word is the guidebook that shows us how to live a life of integrity. When we choose honesty and follow God’s Word, we will live a life of integrity.

I know firsthand the importance of living a life of integrity because being a pastor means people watch me and my family to see if our actions align with our church’s teachings. I love working with young people; they are quick to pick up on anything they perceive as not lining up or compromising. Whether people are watching me, I choose honesty, truthfulness, and moral excellence. I’ve found that the deeper my relationship with Jesus goes, the more I naturally want to be like Him and live as He did. I want people to see Jesus in my actions and words. I don’t want to be a stumbling block to anyone. Some cite a religious leader’s lack of integrity to justify not attending church. I doubt they apply that same standard to a restaurant. I suspect they stop going to restaurants if they have a bad meal. Our focus needs to be on Jesus, not people. People will make mistakes, and God offers forgiveness. I don’t want to see if I can compromise and get away with leading a double life. I choose to aim high and follow Jesus’ example with the help of the Holy Spirit, and you can, too. Let’s live a life of integrity and watch God’s grace and blessings be seen in our lives!

To learn more on this topic from Pastor Aaron Perdue, download the free 5-part series,
Honor: God’s Key to Success. Drawing on lessons from the Bible, Pastor Aaron explains how honoring God, family, and others opens the door to success, blessings, and a fulfilling life. Through relatable stories, this series explores how humility and respect help us fulfill our destiny and build meaningful relationships. This series highlights key principles like listening to wisdom from others, even when it challenges us, and showing gratitude in our actions. Pastor Aaron also emphasizes that dishonor, negativity, and pride block God’s blessings. He reminds us that honor goes beyond simple respect—valuing people and acting with integrity.